utility boats capable of carrying 80 passengers

Naval Air Station (NAS) Joint Reserve Base (JRB) New Orleans, La. (Sept. 17, 2005) - Members of Naval Support Activity (NSA) New Orleans' Small Boat Unit use utility boats capable of carrying 80 passengers to ferry personnel and supplies between NSA's east and west bank facilities across the Mississippi River. After Hurricane Katrina passed over New Orleans, this unit was the only means of access to the support activities east bank facility. The small boat unit spent hours after the storm dewatering and bringing their boats back on line, and began operations less than 24 hours after the storm passed, providing critical personnel and supplies to the east bank to ensure the security of the facility, home to Navy Reserve Forces Command, Marine Forces Reserve, and the Enlisted Placement Management Center. U.S. Navy photo by Chief PhotographerÕs Mate Michael J. Cole. (RELEASED)