USS Bonhomme Richard (LHD 6) and USS Denver (LPD 9) transit through the Gulf of Oman. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Denny Cantrell)The Bonhomme Richard Expeditionary Strike Group (BHRESG) entered the 7th Fleet area of responsibility (AOR) Oct. 7, after nearly four months of operations in the Persian Gulf.
The strike group proved their capability and versatility by completing multiple operations and participating in training with Coalition forces during their time in the Gulf.
“Throughout our deployment, the Sailors and Marines of the BHRESG have shown great flexibility and distinguished themselves with great tactical sense and unwavering focus to the task at hand,” said Capt. Bradley D. Martin, BHRESG and Amphibious Squadron (PHIBRON) 7 commander. “The crews of all the ships have done outstanding work across all missions.”
While operating in the 7th Fleet AOR, the BHRESG will conduct drills and training while transiting en route to its homeport of San Diego.
The 7th Fleet AOR contains more than 50 percent of the world’s population. BHRESG is a rapid response strike group available for humanitarian or non-combatant evacuation operations in the region.
BHRESG is comprised of PHIBRON 7, USS Bonhomme Richard (LHD 6), USS Denver (LPD 9), USS Rushmore (LSD 47) and 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit (Special Operations Capable).
BHRESG serves under Commander, Expeditionary Strike Group 7 / Task Force 76, the Navy’s only forward-deployed amphibious force. Task Force 76 is headquartered at White Beach Naval Facility, Okinawa, Japan, with an operating detachment in Sasebo, Japan.