Fire Aboard USS Gunston Hall

By Lt. Michael Hatfield, Expeditionary Strike Group 2 Public Affairs

NORFOLK (NNS) -- Sailors aboard USS Gunston Hall (LSD 44) and the Portsmouth, Virginia, Fire and Rescue Department responded to a fire aboard the amphibious dock landing ship at approximately 2 p.m. while the ship was undergoing a maintenance availability at NASSCO/Earl Industries shipyard in Portsmouth, Va.

Initial reports indicate that the fire began in an unmanned storeroom below the main deck. The ship's in-port emergency fire team responded to the initial report and the Portsmouth Fire Department was notified and responded with multiple units.

The Sailors and Portsmouth Fire Department declared the fire out at approximately 5:25 p.m.

All personnel were accounted for. One Navy firefighter experienced a minor smoke inhalation injury but quickly returned to duty.

The Sailors aboard the ship are trained in firefighting and damage control, and assisted Portsmouth Fire Department in fighting the fire.

The cause of the fire is currently under investigation.

The Navy is grateful for the prompt and professional response of the Portsmouth Fire and Rescue Department.

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