THE TENSION: Navy Rescues Diver off Florida Coast

FILE PHOTO - The Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71) passes the Rock of Gibraltar as it makes the transit from the Mediterranean Sea to Atlantic Ocean. U.S. Navy photo by Photographer's Mate 3rd Class Randall Damm (RELEASED)

On the Home Front:

USS THEODORE ROOSEVELT, At Sea, March 7, 2008 (NNS) -- A civilian diver was rescued March 6 off the coast of Florida after the U.S. Coast Guard requested USS Theodore Roosevelt's (CVN 71) assistance in a search effort.

An SH-60F Seahawk helicopter assigned to Helicopter Anti-Submarine Squadron (HS) 5 the "Nightdippers," participated in the Coast Guard-led search, and successfully located the diver. The Nightdippers helicopter transported the diver to Naval Air Station Jacksonville, Fla., where he was transferred to civilian medical care.

"Providing assistance to mariners in distress is the obligation of every ship and Sailor at sea," said Capt. Ladd Wheeler, commanding officer, USS Theodore Roosevelt. "We were ready and willing to join in the search effort, and extremely pleased that the individual was rescued."

Theodore Roosevelt is currently conducting operations off the Florida coast.

(Report by By Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Nathan Lockwood, USS Theodore Roosevelt Public Affairs.)