USS Kidd supports MH370 Search Mission

By Ensign Brooke Schaffer, USS Kidd Public Affairs

GULF OF THAILAND (NNS) -- The Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Kidd (DDG 100) was one of the first responders in the search for Malaysia Airlines Flight MH370 that was lost sometime March 8, 2014.

Kidd is among several other Pacific-Nation naval air and surface platforms conducting the search mission that is being coordinated by the Malaysian government.

The Kidd's crew is utilizing all capabilities and assets to assist in the search of MH370. The ambiguity of the potential crash site makes the area to be searched expansive but the two MH-60R helicopters deployed on Kidd provide a much improved search capability than ships alone.

"Kidd's ability to respond so quickly is a testament to the importance of the U.S. Navy's presence in this vital region," said Lt. Cmdr. Eli Marshall, Helicopter Maritime Strike Squadron (HSM) 78's air detachment officer in charge. "Our combination of rescue swimmer training, sensor capabilities, and search and rescue mission expertise allows us to be one of the most capable and flexible platforms to respond."

Kidd continues to work alongside other navies present in the region in sharing search tactics, exchanging information, and assisting in the collective effort to locate MH370 and respond to this tragedy.

"The entire USS KIDD crew is dedicated to this operation," said Cmdr. Gabe Varela, Kidd's commanding officer. "If our families were on that flight, we would hope others would do the same. It is just fortunate we were already operating in the South China Sea, allowing us to get on station in a timely manner."