USS Germantown Embarks 31st MEU in Preparation of Cobra Gold

By Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Johnie Hickmon, Commander, Amphibious Squadron 11 Public Affairs

WHITE BEACH, Japan (NNS) -- The forward-deployed dock landing ship USS Germantown (LSD 42) pulled into Okinawa, Japan Feb. 2 to onload nearly 500 Marines assigned to the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) and their equipment in preparation for exercise Cobra Gold.

Cobra Gold is a regularly scheduled joint and coalition multinational exercise hosted annually by the Kingdom of Thailand. Cobra Gold 2012 is the latest in a continuing series of exercises designed to promote regional peace and security. Now in its 31st year, the exercise will feature military personnel from the U.S., Thailand, Singapore, Japan, Indonesia, the Republic of Korea and representatives from more than 20 countries.

The 31st MEU consists of ground, command, air and combat support elements that allow the Amphibious Ready Group (ARG) to conduct amphibious operations from the sea and project power ashore. Elements from the 31st MEU that will be participating in the exercise include Battalion Landing Team 1st Battalion (BLT 1/4), 4th Marines and portions of Combat Logistics Battalion 31.

Capt. Bradley Lee, commander, Amphibious Squadron 11, said the exercise will continue to provide allied nations a chance to improve their working partnerships.

"There are things that each of our partner nations do well that we may not do as well and vise versa," said Lee. "The main reason we conduct exercises like Cobra Gold is to learn from our partner nations. Sharing responsibilities and assets makes us a much more potent force."

Lt. Col. Kevin A. Norton, commanding officer of BLT 1/4, said the Marines will perform various missions during Cobra Gold 2012.

"During the exercise, we'll be conducting our normal MEU missions, which are amphibious raids, amphibious assaults, helicopter assaults, small boat raids and humanitarian disaster relief operations," Norton said.

Maj. Fletcher Tidwell, air officer for the 31st MEU said the MEU is anxious to get underway and start the exercise with their allies.

"We're looking forward to getting some great bilateral training with the Thai and other military forces," Tidwell said. "Cobra Gold is always a great training opportunity for everyone that participates."

In addition to the 31st MEU, units from Assault Craft Unit 1 will embark on Germantown for the exercise. They offer an LCU to help bring Marines and their equipment aboard the ship. Germantown's deck department assisted in moving vehicles and pieces of MEU cargo. The equipment includes 7-ton trucks, humvees, howitzers, and various other pieces of gear. Germantown's Bos'n, Lt. j.g. Charles Gatewood said the ship's deck department will conduct well deck operations to launch a Landing Craft Unit (LCU) and then transition to a dry well to conduct four LCU stern gate marriages.

"This patrol is showing how we can adapt to short notice tasking and the Sailors onboard can flex to meet any challenge," Gatewood said. "The Sailors in deck department work long hours but they have a great sense of accomplishment after the mission is complete."

The 31st MEU is embarked aboard the dock landing ship USS Germantown (LSD 42). The Amphibious Ready Group reports to Commander, Amphibious Force Seventh Fleet, Rear Adm. Jeffery Jones, who is headquartered in Okinawa, Japan.

Essex ARG Completes Cobra Gold 2011

By Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class (SW) Casey H. Kyhl

USS ESSEX, At sea (Feb. 19, 2011) (NNS) -- The Essex Amphibious Ready Group (ARG) completed its part in the U.S and Kingdom of Thailand sponsored joint, multinational exercise Cobra Gold 2011 (CG 11) Feb. 19 in the Gulf of Thailand.

Throughout the exercise, militaries of the Kingdom of Thailand, Singapore, Japan, Indonesia, the Republic of Korea and Malaysia worked with more than 7,200 U.S. service members to demonstrate the ability to rapidly deploy a joint task force to conduct combined operations at sea and ashore.

"We were able to achieve all our goals of interoperability and training by working side-by-side with our Thai counterparts," said Capt. Bradley Lee, commander, Amphibious Squadron 11 (PHIBRON 11). "We were additionally able to learn some lessons from our Thai counterparts and we greatly appreciate their hospitality to our Sailors and Marines."

CG 11 was punctuated with multiple training evolutions, including a non-combatant evacuation operation (NEO) exercise, a visit, board, search and seizure (VBSS) exercise and a mock amphibious raid. The raid involved more than 11,000 personnel from various nations and employed almost all of the ARG's assets.

"The amphibious assault best exemplified the team work and bilateral training that we get from this exercise," said Lee. "The coordination of air space and sea space furthered our understanding of each other's tactics and techniques, which will prove invaluable should we have to do any of the scenarios in a real environment."

For the NEO exercise, the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU), the forward-deployed amphibious assault ship USS Essex (LHD 2) and Assault Craft Unit 5 worked together to transport approximately 50 Japanese and American mock evacuees from Hat Yao Beach to Essex for medical care and processing.

The exercise demonstrated the ARG's ability to evacuate civilians during a time of crisis.

"The NEO exercise was an enormous undertaking, but it went very smoothly," said 1st Lt. Patrick Grainey, 31st MEU NEO team leader. "We utilized helicopters and amphibious craft from various countries and hit our timelines right on the dot."

The 31st MEU Force Reconnaissance Platoon conducted a VBSS exercise aboard USNS 1st Lt. Jack Lummus (T-AK 3011) Feb. 18. Fifty-six Marines fast roped from five CH-46E Sea Knight helicopters and searched the vessel for an on-board target designated in the training scenario.

"We conducted a fast, safe boarding and secured our target," said Marine Capt. Tyson N. Schroeder, assault force commander. "A good VBSS team is an invaluable asset to have when conducting operations at sea. There are a lot of challenges to taking control of a steaming ship, but our team proved they have what it takes."

The U.S. and the Kingdom of Thailand have been working together for 178 years. CG 11 was the latest in a continuing series of exercises designed to promote peace and security in the Western Pacific. This year's exercise marked the 30th anniversary of the CG series.

"I look forward to the next Cobra Gold and hope that we are able to build on the synergy that we achieved this year to create an environment even more integrated and efficient," Lee said.

The ARG consists of the 31st MEU, embarked aboard Essex, the amphibious transport dock USS Denver (LPD 9) and the dock landing ship USS Germantown (LSD 42). The Essex Amphibious Ready Group reports to Commander, Amphibious Force Seventh Fleet, Rear Adm. Richard Landolt, who is headquartered in Okinawa, Japan.

Essex Amphibious Ready Group Begins Cobra Gold 2011

A landing craft air cushion approaches the well deck of the forward-deployed amphibious assault ship USS Essex (LHD 2). Essex is part of the forward-deployed Essex Amphibious Ready Group. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Adam M. Bennett/Released)

By Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class (SW) Casey H. Kyhl, USS Essex Public Affairs

GULF OF THAILAND (NNS) -- The Essex Amphibious Ready Group (ARG) began its part in the U.S-Thai sponsored joint, multinational exercise Cobra Gold 2011 (CG 11) in the Gulf of Thailand, Feb. 7.

The militaries of the Kingdom of Thailand, Singapore, Japan, Indonesia, the Republic of Korea and Malaysia will work with more than 7,200 U.S. service members at multiple locations throughout Thailand to improve interoperability.

The exercise is designed to demonstrate the ability of the involved militaries to rapidly deploy a joint task force to conduct combined operations at sea and ashore.

"I think it is very important to renew our ties with the Kingdom of Thailand and maintain our strong military working relationship," said Capt. Bradley Lee, commander, Amphibious Squadron (PHIBRON) 11. "U.S. forces rarely act alone when responding to crises and rendering humanitarian assistance. Exercises like CG 11 enhance our ability to respond by letting the involved services learn each others' philosophies and rehearse our integration."

During the exercise, the ARG will conduct naval maneuvers and training evolutions with the Royal Thai Navy at sea, while multinational forces collaborate in a full-scale, simulated amphibious assault. CG 11 will also include a staff exercise, humanitarian civic projects and field training exercises.

"Planning and coordination are very important during exercises like this," said Lee. "We have the people, the equipment and the setting to make this a very successful undertaking. We can't control every aspect of the exercise, and that is why we will remain flexible. I'm very confident that the team we have assembled will be able to carry out the mission and perform well."

Two Royal Thai Navy officers have been embarked aboard the amphibious assault ship USS Essex (LHD 2) since late January, to assist with the planning of CG 11.

"It has been a pleasure having the Thai officers on board," said Lee. "They are professional, knowledgeable, and have helped give us a better sense of situational awareness."

The U.S. and the Kingdom of Thailand have been working together for 178 years. CG 11 is the latest in a continuing series of exercises designed to promote peace and security in the Western Pacific.

"I've been a part of the Cobra Gold exercise before, and I'm glad to be back in Thailand," said Fire Controlman 3rd Class Bryce R. Perkins, USS Essex. "The U.S. and Thailand have a lot to offer one another, and I like being a part of something that demonstrates that."

The ARG consists of the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit (31st MEU) embarked aboard USS Essex (LHD 2), the amphibious transport dock ship USS Denver (LPD 9) and the dock landing ship USS Germantown (LSD 42).

"There are things that each of our partner nations do well that we may not do as well and vise versa," said Lee. "The main reason we conduct exercises like Cobra Gold is to learn from our partner nations. Sharing responsibilities and assets makes us a much more potent force."

CG 11 will conclude Feb. 18, at which point the Essex ARG will continue its patrol in the Western Pacific. This year's exercise marks the 30th anniversary of the CG series.

The Essex Amphibious Ready Group reports to Commander, Amphibious Force Seventh Fleet, headquartered in Okinawa, Japan.

Essex Completes Successful Cobra Gold 2010

The forward-deployed amphibious assault ship USS Essex (LHD 2), the Royal Thai navy medium landing ship HTMS Surin (LST 722), the Republic of Korea navy tank landing ship Seongin Bong (LST 685), the Ticonderoga-class guided-missile cruiser USS Shiloh (CG 67), the forward-deployed amphibious dock landing ship USS Harpers Ferry (LSD 49) and the forward-deployed amphibious transport dock ship USS Denver (LPD 9) transit in formation in the Gulf of Thailand during exercise Cobra Gold 2010. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Taurean Alexander/Released)

By Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class (SW) Greg Johnson, USS Essex Public Affairs

USS ESSEX, At Sea (NNS) -- The forward-deployed amphibious assault ship USS Essex successfully completed exercise Cobra Gold 2010 (CG 10) Feb. 11 operating in the Gulf of Thailand and surrounding waters.

Throughout the exercise, Essex Sailors and Marines of the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) worked alongside forces of the Kingdom of Thailand, Republic of Korea, Indonesia, Singapore and Japan to enhance multinational interoperability in the Pacific region.

"Multinational exercises like Cobra Gold are invaluable," said Capt. Donald Schmieley, commander, Amphibious Squadron 11. "We take advantage of every opportunity to work with multinational partners. As we've seen in recent history, the U.S. may not respond alone to crises around the world, whether it's in the form of humanitarian assistance or another crisis. More than likely, it will be a coalition, and Cobra Gold provides an outstanding environment to practice that."

CG 10 included a command post exercise, field-training exercise and humanitarian civil affairs projects. Essex Sailors and 31st MEU Marines also demonstrated their ability to conduct multinational amphibious operations with partner nations throughout the exercise.

"Our Sailors performed magnificently," said Capt. Troy Hart, Essex's commanding officer. "The exercise was very complex and challenging, and it required a lot of flexibility and professionalism from everyone, but we overcame some challenges and met every mission requirement. Team Essex had a great exercise that we can be proud of."

On Feb. 4, Essex participated in the largest event of CG 10, a multinational simulated amphibious assault featuring combined U.S., Thai, and South Korean assets, including more than 30 landing craft and hundreds of Marines from all three countries. The combined assault required extensive planning and coordination between participating nations, said Lt. Col. Stuart Lockhart, 31st MEU executive officer.

"It's pretty significant. You have to have personnel that have a professional outlook and a similar philosophy when it comes to training and safety, find a common ground and pull your efforts together," said Lockhart. "Tactically, not only does everyone need to understand the timeline, but they need to validate it with command and control in order to control what is happening during the assault."

Not only did the simulated assault require cooperation at the command level, but at all levels of the chain of command, including those responsible for execution. Long before Marines charged up the beach, Sailors were at work on the flight deck and in the well deck of Essex, where many of the aircraft, vehicles and personnel began their journey ashore.

"We wanted to make sure to put forth our best effort," said Senior Chief Aviation Boatswain's Mate (Handling) (AW/SW) Chris Brunson, who helped supervise flight deck operations during the assault. "It can be difficult when you have different packages of aircraft taking off at different times. For us, the biggest challenge is making sure the right aircraft are taking off at the right time to accomplish their mission."

In the well deck, Sailors of Essex's deck department worked to launch and recover landing craft utility vehicles loaded with Marine reconnaissance and infantry. Despite the high tempo of the exercise, at least one of those Sailors found it to be a valuable learning experience.

"The more practice we do, the better we get. It becomes muscle memory through repetition," said Seaman Rudy Segura, of Jacksonville, Fla., who was participating in his first exercise since reporting to Essex last month. "It's also pretty rewarding to know that you're taking part in something like this."

Portions of CG 10 also focused on humanitarian assistance and disaster relief operations. On Feb. 6, Essex participated in a non-combatant evacuation operation (NEO) exercise featuring more than 80 Essex Sailors and 30 Marines from the 31st MEU role-playing as civilian evacuees. The exercise was designed to practice evacuating non-combatants during humanitarian relief operations.

"Essex's mission is to be ready to properly and safely receive any evacuees during a crisis," said Lt. Denver Robb, NEO coordinator. "Especially with the Haiti earthquake that just happened, it goes to show that these NEO drills help the Navy prepare for situations that may require us to give help to people in time of need."

CG 10 served as a great opportunity for Essex Sailors and 31st MEU Marines to hone their skills and become better prepared for real scenarios, especially for those who have not participated in a major exercise before, said Aviation Boatswain's Mate (Handling) Airman Recruit Ryan Elkins, of Murfreesboro, Ill.

"Every bit of training we do, no matter what condition, prepares us for anything unexpected," said Elkins.

CG 10 is an annual joint/coalition multinational exercise and is the latest in the continuing series of U.S.-Thai military exercises designed to ensure regional peace and stability. This year marks the 177th year of U.S.-Thai relations.

Essex, commanded by Capt. Troy Hart, is part of the forward-deployed Essex Amphibious Ready Group and is conducting its spring patrol in the Western Pacific.

Essex ARG Conducts Simulated Amphibious Assault

By Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class (SW) Greg Johnson, USS Essex (LHD 2) Public Affairs

UTAPAO, Thailand (NNS) -- Sailors from the Essex Amphibious Ready Group (ESX ARG) worked with Marines of the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU), as well as Sailors and Marines from the Kingdom of Thailand and the Republic of Korea (ROK), as dozens of landing crafts and hundreds of Marines from all three nations hit Hat Klod Beach in Utapao, Thailand, during a simulated amphibious assault Feb. 4.

The simulated amphibious assault was part of exercise Cobra Gold 2010 (CG 10).

"It was a great opportunity to work with a complex scenario," said Capt. Donald Schmieley, commander, Amphibious Squadron 11. "It took a lot of understanding of how each other operates to pull it off, but I would say we very successfully demonstrated our ability to work with partner nations."

AV-8B Harrier jet aircraft and AZ-1W Super Cobra attack helicopters paved the way for the beach landing with simulated air strikes. Shortly after, 24 U.S., Thai and Korean amphibious assault vehicles landed on the beach in unison, quickly deploying a large multinational Marine force, which rushed forward to secure landing zones for 31st MEU troop transport helicopters. Meanwhile, a UH-1N Huey command and control helicopter monitored everything from the air, as a landing craft, air cushion vehicle arrived with support equipment.

The combined assault required excellent planning and coordination between participating nations, said Lt. Col. Stewart Lockhart, 31st MEU executive officer.

"It's pretty significant. You have to have personnel that have a professional outlook and a similar philosophy when it comes to training and safety, find a common ground and pull your efforts together," said Lockhart. "Tactically, not only does everyone need to understand the timeline, but they need to validate it with command and control in order to control what is happening during the assault."

A full-scale, amphibious assault requires cooperation at all levels of the chain of command, including those responsible for executing the plan. Long before Marines charged up the beach, Sailors were at work on the flight deck and in the well deck of USS Essex (LHD 2), where many of the exercise's vehicles and personnel originated.

"We wanted to make sure to put forth our best effort," said Senior Chief Aviation Boatswain's Mate (Handling) (AW/SW) Chris Brunson, who helped supervise flight deck operations during the assault. "It can be difficult when you have different packages of aircraft taking off at different times. For us, the biggest challenge is making sure the right aircraft are taking off at the right time to accomplish their mission."

In the well deck, Sailors of Essex's deck department worked to launch and recover landing craft utility vehicles loaded with reconnaissance Marines and combat rubber raiding crafts. Despite the high tempo of the exercise, at least one of those Sailors found it to be a valuable learning experience.

"The more practice we do, the better we get. It becomes muscle memory through repetition," said Seaman Rudy Segura, of Jacksonville, Fla., who was participating in his first exercise since reporting to Essex last month. "It's also pretty rewarding to know that you're taking part in something like this."

After leaving the well deck, the assault crafts headed for the beach, where the beach masters of Beach Master Unit 1 (BMU-1), Detachment Western Pacific, worked to clear and control the craft landing zones, conduct surface observations and provide support for vehicles and equipment.

"Experiments show that without designated experts for beach offloads, efficiency drops," said Electronics Technician 1st Class (SW) Sean Donovan, a beach master with BMU-1. "Our specialized training allows us to work quickly and effectively to keep things running as smooth as possible. Today, everything went great and everyone did what they needed to do."

After the assault, Marines of all three countries emerged from the trees, many covered in dirt and debris and dripping with sweat after a long day in the sweltering, 90-degree heat. Their faces revealed both their exhaustion and their satisfaction.

"I think everything went very well," said Lance Cpl. Jang Park, an ROK Marine from Seoul. "It's good training to work with the American Marines, and I hope to have the chance to do it again."

Essex, commanded by Capt. Troy Hart, is part of the forward deployed ESX ARG and is participating in CG 10, a co-sponsored U.S.-Thailand multinational exercise.

USS Essex Participates in Cobra Gold 2010

By Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class (SW) Matthew A. Ebarb, USS Essex Public Affairs

GULF OF THAILAND (NNS) -- The forward-deployed amphibious assault ship USS Essex (LHD 2) arrived off the coast of Thailand Feb. 1 to take part in exercise Cobra Gold 2010 (CG 10).

Cobra Gold is an annual, multinational exercise co-sponsored by the United States and the Kingdom of Thailand. This is the 29th iteration in the series and marks the 177th anniversary of U.S.-Thai relations.

"I'm looking forward to working with the Royal Thai Navy and Marines. They're one of our longest-standing allies in Asia, and this is a great chance to exchange ideas and examine other ways of doing business," said Capt. Don Schmieley, Commander, Amphibious Squadron Eleven (PHIBRON 11). "Through conducting operations together, we get to know one another. When you're called upon and you know who you're working with, it makes it that much easier to come together to get the job done."

Essex has the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit embarked and is operating with the amphibious transport dock ship USS Denver (LPD 9), dock landing ship USS Harpers Ferry (LSD 49) and the guided-missile cruiser USS Shiloh (CG 67). The group is operating with military personnel from Thailand, Singapore and the Republic of Korea. The exercise aims to demonstrate the ability to rapidly deploy a joint task force to conduct combined operations at sea and ashore, and will feature a field training exercise.

"This exercise will help the entire amphibious ready group team to continue to refine our skills, not just with ourselves, but also the Thai forces," said Capt. Troy Hart, Essex's commanding officer. "We have Thai officers aboard Essex working with our staff, and the Marines will operate with their Thai counterparts ashore during this exercise. This is an excellent training opportunity in every respect."

During the exercise, Essex will conduct naval maneuvers and training evolutions with the Royal Thai Navy and a Republic of Korea ship. One such event will be a non-combatant evacuation operation (NEO), which is designed to improve Essex's ability to combine with partner nations to evacuate large numbers of civilians from threatening conditions due to a natural disaster or other catastrophe.

Additionally, multinational forces will collaborate in a full-scale, simulated amphibious assault. U.S. and Thai Sailors and Marines will conduct multi-phase operations in unison, demonstrating amphibious interoperability. For one Essex Sailor, the evolution will provide a chance to play a vital role with his countrymen.

"In addition to my duties as a watch supervisor in combat, I'm going to serve as a translator," said Operations Specialist 2nd Class (SW) Warachard Warakanbancha, a native of Bangkok. "I like helping in any way that I can, and for me, this is going to be a very personal thing since I will be able to help out both nations. The United States and Thailand have a lot to offer one another, and I'm glad to be a part of something that demonstrates that."

The Essex Amphibious Ready Group reports to Commander, Amphibious Force Seventh Fleet, Rear Adm. Richard Landolt, who is headquartered in Okinawa, Japan.

USS Essex Participates in Cobra Gold 2010

By Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class (SW) Matthew A. Ebarb, USS Essex Public Affairs

GULF OF THAILAND (NNS) -- The forward-deployed amphibious assault ship USS Essex (LHD 2) arrived off the coast of Thailand Feb. 1 to take part in exercise Cobra Gold 2010 (CG 10).

Cobra Gold is an annual, multinational exercise co-sponsored by the United States and the Kingdom of Thailand. This is the 29th iteration in the series and marks the 177th anniversary of U.S.-Thai relations.

"I'm looking forward to working with the Royal Thai Navy and Marines. They're one of our longest-standing allies in Asia, and this is a great chance to exchange ideas and examine other ways of doing business," said Capt. Don Schmieley, Commander, Amphibious Squadron Eleven (PHIBRON 11). "Through conducting operations together, we get to know one another. When you're called upon and you know who you're working with, it makes it that much easier to come together to get the job done."

Essex has the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit embarked and is operating with the amphibious transport dock ship USS Denver (LPD 9), dock landing ship USS Harpers Ferry (LSD 49) and the guided-missile cruiser USS Shiloh (CG 67). The group is operating with military personnel from Thailand, Singapore and the Republic of Korea. The exercise aims to demonstrate the ability to rapidly deploy a joint task force to conduct combined operations at sea and ashore, and will feature a field training exercise.

"This exercise will help the entire amphibious ready group team to continue to refine our skills, not just with ourselves, but also the Thai forces," said Capt. Troy Hart, Essex's commanding officer. "We have Thai officers aboard Essex working with our staff, and the Marines will operate with their Thai counterparts ashore during this exercise. This is an excellent training opportunity in every respect."

During the exercise, Essex will conduct naval maneuvers and training evolutions with the Royal Thai Navy and a Republic of Korea ship. One such event will be a non-combatant evacuation operation (NEO), which is designed to improve Essex's ability to combine with partner nations to evacuate large numbers of civilians from threatening conditions due to a natural disaster or other catastrophe.

Additionally, multinational forces will collaborate in a full-scale, simulated amphibious assault. U.S. and Thai Sailors and Marines will conduct multi-phase operations in unison, demonstrating amphibious interoperability. For one Essex Sailor, the evolution will provide a chance to play a vital role with his countrymen.

"In addition to my duties as a watch supervisor in combat, I'm going to serve as a translator," said Operations Specialist 2nd Class (SW) Warachard Warakanbancha, a native of Bangkok. "I like helping in any way that I can, and for me, this is going to be a very personal thing since I will be able to help out both nations. The United States and Thailand have a lot to offer one another, and I'm glad to be a part of something that demonstrates that."

The Essex Amphibious Ready Group reports to Commander, Amphibious Force Seventh Fleet, Rear Adm. Richard Landolt, who is headquartered in Okinawa, Japan.

Essex Deploys LCACs During Cobra Gold

Seaman Christopher Smith, from Washington, D.C., assigned to Beachmaster Unit (BMU) One, Det. Western Pacific, directs Landing Craft Air Cushion 63, assigned to Assault Craft Unit (ACU) 5, as it transports Marines and equipment ashore for Cobra Gold 2009. Cobra Gold is an annual Kingdom of Thailand and U.S. co-sponsored military exercise designed to train U.S. and partner Asian-pacific forces. The exercise will include humanitarian projects with participants from Indonesia, Japan, Singapore, Thailand and the U.S. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Gabriel S. Weber/Released)

By Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Nardelito Gervacio, USS Essex Public Affairs

USS ESSEX, Gulf of Thailand (NNS) -- The Landing Craft, Air Cushion (LCAC) vehicles assigned to forward-deployed amphibious assault ship USS Essex (LHD 2) are supporting multinational, amphibious training off the coast of Thailand as part of exercise Cobra Gold.

LCACS are high speed, over the horizon, fully-amphibious landing crafts. Their main mission is to provide lift capability for Marines and their equipment from ship to shore. These craft are an integral part of Essex' ability to transport weapons systems, equipment, cargo and personnel of the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU).

"I'm in charge of a [multimillion-dollar] U.S. Navy hovercraft," said Chief Quartermaster (SW) Charles A. McNall III, of Seattle, Wash. "I drive it back and forth to the beach and also oversee the crew's activities"

LCACs are capable of carrying up to 70 tons of vehicles, equipment or supplies at a speed up to 50 knots, or 60 miles per hour. The craft's speed, maneuvering capabilities and ability to land on beaches worldwide have made the LCAC an essential piece in the overall success of the Essex Expeditionary Strike Group (ESX ESG).

"Traditional displacement crafts are slow. They go 10 to 12 knots," said McNall. "That means the ship has to be closer to the beach in order to do a rapid off load. Our capabilities allow the ship to be over the horizon and still have the same offload effect in same amount of time as traditional crafts."

These key operations are made possible by the Assault Craft Unit (ACU)-LCAC community.

"The thing that satisfies me most about being in the LCAC community is the role we play in amphibious operations," said the craft engineer for LCAC 57, Gas Turbine Systems Technician (Mechanical) 2nd Class (SW) Jarrod Connor, of Houston. "It's all about getting Marines and cargo to the beach so we can secure that beach for our forces to land."

Since the crews are small, each Sailor is afforded a wealth of responsibility as compared to a more traditional ship's company billet assignment.

"I get a chance to play chief engineer of a 23-million-dollar craft. Most second class petty officers don't have the opportunity to do that," said Connor.

With the Marines being the most valuable asset carried to shore, it is important that the Sailors work hand in hand during these operations to ensure equipment functions safely and seamlessly during missions.

LCACs work closely with amphibious assault ships around the world, but have little interaction with other types of vessels. They have an enlisted crew of six, usually a chief or a senior chief as craftmaster, an engineer and navigator, normally E-5 or above, one loadmaster and one deck mechanic.

"We have a five-person crew and the advantage of something that small is the fact that everyone knows each other. We work incredibly well together," said McNall. "After a couple of months together, you work more cohesively. When you're doing 35 to 50 knots over the water, if you know what the other person is thinking, it's going to keep everyone a lot safer."

The crew credits its high morale to a work environment where all Sailors must work together to complete a wide array of exciting and varied missions.

"Having a good crew, the tight relationship and trust we have in one another, is what gives me the most satisfaction," said Connor.

There are currently two hovercraft Assault Craft Units in the Navy. ACU-5 and its 36 craft are based out of Camp Pendleton, Calif., while also maintaining a permanent detachment in Sasebo, Japan. ACU-4 is based out of Little Creek Naval Amphibious Base in Virginia Beach, Va., and currently maintains 39 LCACs.

Essex is commanded by Capt. Brent Canady and the lead ship of the only forward-deployed U.S. Expeditionary Strike Group and serves as the flagship for Commander Task Force (CTF) 76, the Navy's only forward-deployed amphibious force commander. CTF 76 is headquartered at White Beach Naval Facility, Okinawa, Japan, with a detachment in Sasebo, Japan.