Posted: June 23, 2011

USNS Bowditch completes survey mission in Vietnam for POW/MIA Accounting Command


The oceanographic survey ship USNS Bowditch on Tuesday hosted Vietnamese military and government officials in Da Nang, Vietnam, to mark the successful completion of a month-long survey mission in the region.

The USNS Bowditch surveyed pre-determined sites off the coast of Vietnam looking for U.S. military losses. Once all the data is collected, underwater anthropologists and other experts will review the survey results and determine if future underwater investigations are necessary.

"For the crew of USNS Bowditch, it has been a rewarding experience working with the JPAC [U.S. Joint POW/MIA Accounting Command] and Vietnamese liaisons to complete a mission that has so much meaning to the American people," said Capt. Mike Farrell, master of the USNS Bowditch.

The USNS Bowditch's survey mission is the second U.S. Joint POW/MIA Accounting Command mission by a Pathfinder Class ship in Vietnam, following USNS Bruce C. Heezen's search for sunken U.S. aircraft in 2009. Both vessels are operated for Military Sealift Command by 3PSC LLC and manned in all licensed positions by American Maritime Officers.