MILLINGTON, Tenn. – Petty Officer 1st Class Hector Correa, a native of Fort Worth, Texas, assigned to forward-deployed aircraft carrier USS Ronald Reagan supports Task Force 58 and Operation Allies Refuge (OAR).
The Department of State, the lead federal agency for this operation, activated the Afghanistan Coordination Task Force on July 19, 2021, and requested the Department of Defense provide support for up to 3,500 Afghan special immigrant applicants.
On Sept. 14, U.S. Naval Forces Central Command (NAVCENT) stood down a task force it established in August to temporarily assist the safe evacuation of personnel from Afghanistan.
Task Force 58 helped facilitate the safe transit of more than 7,000 U.S. citizens and evacuees traveling from Afghanistan through Bahrain. The task force included more than 1,400 U.S. and coalition personnel from various units operating in the 5th Fleet area of operations.
U.S. service members worked alongside U.S. Embassy and Bahraini counterparts to provide travelers with meals, short-term lodging and medical services around the clock before departing. NAVCENT established the task force Aug. 19 and immediately began constructing temporary processing and lodging facilities.
Correa, who joined the Navy 20 years ago and currently serves as an aviation boatswain's mate, is proud to participate in OAR.
“Providing support to OAR was necessary and much needed,” said Correa. “This operation reflects who we are as a Nation.”
Correa has enjoyed being a part of something so important.
“The most satisfying part of supporting OAR was seeing the smile on the faces of people,” said Correa. “It was more than just gratitude; it showed hope."
According to Navy officials, USS Ronald Reagan is the flagship for Carrier Strike Group 5 and is deployed to the U.S. 5th Fleet area of operations in support of naval operations to ensure maritime stability and security in the Central Region, connecting the Mediterranean and the Pacific through the western Indian Ocean and three strategic choke points.
As a member of the U.S. Navy, Correa, as well as other sailors, know they are a part of a service tradition providing unforgettable experiences through leadership development, world affairs and humanitarian assistance. Their efforts will have a lasting effect around the globe and for generations of sailors who will follow.
“The most challenging part of this operation was being witness to a result of an armed conflict,” added Correa. “The evacuation of entire families was overwhelming and sad, but I focused on the task at hand.”