Seven Injured During Small Boat Training Exercise

NORFOLK (NNS) -- Four Sailors from USS Bataan (LHD 5) and three civilian instructors from the Center for Security Forces were injured July 22 aboard a rigid hull inflatable boat when it collided with USNS Big Horn (T-AO 198) during a small boat training exercise near Thimble Shoals Channel, off the coast of Hampton Roads, Va.

The exercise was being conducted in support of the Amphibious Ready Group/Marine Expeditionary Unit (ARG/MEU) Visit, Board, Search and Seizure Boat Crew Course.

Six injured personnel were transported by ambulance to Sentara Virginia Beach General Hospital. One Sailor was treated at Joint Expeditionary Base Little Creek, Va. Two of the Sailors have been released from the hospital. One Sailor remains in the hospital for observation. The status of the three civilians is not available at this time. All injuries are considered non-life threatening. All next-of-kin have been notified.

A safety investigation into the incident has been initiated.

Big Horn is underway conducting training operations.

ARG/MEU Boat Crew Course covers small boat operations and tactics for small boat crewmembers.