Capt. Lansden applies experience from Hurricane Katrina recovery to Iraq reconstruction mission
American Maritime Officers member Capt. Robert Lansden has more reconstruction experience than most. Aboard the USNS Pollux in 2005, Capt. Lansden with permission from the Navy used his ship’s resources to provide lifesaving assistance to the people and community of his native New Orleans, La., in the immediate aftermath of Hurricane Katrina. Serving on active duty in the Navy and attached to an Army civil affairs brigade, Capt. Lansden applied that experience to reconstruction work in Iraq. Louisiana-based WVUE Fox 8 recently reported on his accomplishments both in the military and as a merchant mariner. When Katrina hit New Orleans on Aug. 29, 2005, the Pollux was docked there for engine repairs. With several hundred thousand gallons of diesel fuel and water onboard, the Pollux was ready to help the people of New Orleans. Using the ship’s resources, the officers and crew of the Pollux provided a variety of critical services and supplies to the devastated community, including…
Gen. Powell presents Capt. Lansden with the Silver Service Medallion for “exemplary leadership” during the Hurricane Katrina
Capt. Robert Lansden is flanked by former California Gov. Pete Wilson (left) and Gen. Colin Powell, former chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff and former Secretary of State, after Gen. Powell presented Capt. Lansden with the Silver Service Medallion for his “exemplary leadership” as master of the USNS Pollux during the Hurricane Katrina relief effort in New Orleans in 2005. Capt. Lansden was chosen to represent all U.S. merchant mariners who responded to the crisis. The Army, The Navy and the “first responder” police and firefighters were also represented by one individual from each service at the award ceremony at the World War II Museum in New Orleans. SOURCE: Gulf Coast Marine rs Association GCMA News – Aug/Sept 2006 issue
Capt. Lansden receives U.S. Merchant Marine Medal for service during Hurricane Katrina
The mariners who worked aboard five Military Sealift Command vessels – the USNS Algol, USNS Altair, USNS Bellatrix, USNS Pollux and USNS Pililaau – during the relief and recovery efforts on the U.S. Gulf Coast following Hurricanes Katrina and Rita received the U.S. Merchant Marine Medal June 14, 2006 for their service. The medals were presented aboard the USNS Brittin in Violet, La., during a Military Sealift Command ceremony coordinated by American Overseas Marine Corp. (AMSEA). Attending the ceremony for MSC were Rear Adm. Hugo Blackwood, vice commander, and John Henry. “The service rendered by these vessels speaks volumes about the capability and commitment of the merchant mariners working aboard them and the companies, such as AMSEA, that manage these ships, and about the ability of the MSC fleet to deliver in the times of our nation’s greatest need,” said Capt. Bob Groom, Master of the Brittin, who was emcee at the…