SEE PHOTO GALLERY OF NAVY IN ACTION IN HAITI
Steve Pardo / The Detroit News
Stationed just off the coast of a Haitian island, Navy Capt. Jeffrey Griffin has seen wrenching poverty, sickness and hunger, but the Grosse Pointe Park native also sees hope as the sailors of the USS Normandy deliver daily food, water and medicine. Griffin is the commanding officer of the ship -- a 570-foot guided missile cruiser with a crew of 300. Last month, they were in final preparations to head to the Middle East until Griffin received a call about 2:30 a.m. Jan. 12. The new orders: Head to Haiti immediately to aid in humanitarian efforts, prompting the crew to switch from readying Tomahawk missiles to relief endeavors.