The quick delivery of more than 50 tons of humanitarian aid to war-torn Georgia on Sunday left the crew of a Norfolk-based destroyer "extremely enthusiastic about the opportunity to help" and ready to do more, the ship's skipper said Tuesday.
The McFaul, which deployed in the spring, is in the Black Sea and awaiting orders on its next destination, Cmdr. Timothy L. Schorr said in a phone interview. A Coast Guard cutter, the Dallas, also is in the area, and up to five more U.S. ships are expected in coming days, he said.
The McFaul made a three-day run from Greece to bring bottled water and other supplies, including infant formula and diapers, to the port of Batumi, Schorr said. Georgian authorities are transporting the material to areas in the northern part of the country touched by a Russian invasion in early August.
Schorr, whose family lives in Chesapeake, said several Russian ships also are operating off the Georgia coast. Their dealings with the McFaul have been "very courteous, very professional" and nonthreatening, he said.
Schorr said Batumi appeared untouched by fighting. Crew members went ashore for dinner hosted by local authorities to thank the Americans for their help.
"It was fun for me," said Petty Officer 1st Class Samuel Lowery, an operations specialist. The 13-year Navy veteran, a resident of Gastonia, N.C., said the Batumi delivery was his first experience with such a relief effort.
"It made me feel better about what I do, especially being away from my family," he said. The Georgians "were really happy to see us."
The United States has said Russia is not fully complying with a cease-fire signed more than a week ago. A State Department spokesman said there still is a "sizable Russian presence in Georgia," though he declined to talk about the specific locations. Two Russian checkpoints are near the edge of Poti, one of Georgia's most important Black Sea ports. The Russian military is claiming the right to patrol in the city.
The Coast Guard cutter Dallas may try to enter Poti. Its commander, Capt. Robert Wagner, is from Chesapeake.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
Dale Eisman, (703) 913-9872, dale.eisman@pilotonline.com
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