An AV-8B Harrier assigned to Marine Medium Helicopter Squadron (HMM) 166 (reinforced) launches from the flight deck of amphibious assault ship USS Tarawa (LHA 1). U.S. forces maintain a naval and air presence in the region that deters destabilizing activities while safeguarding the region's vital links to the global economy. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Jon Husman)The amphibious assault ship USS Tarawa (LHA 1) returned to San Diego from deployment, June 3.
Approximately 1,000 friends and family members turned out at pier seven at Naval Base San Diego to welcome the returning Sailors back from the seven-month deployment in support of Operations Iraqi Freedom and Enduring Freedom.
"It was a good cruise and a very good working environment," said Cmdr. Robert Muxlow, from Tactical Air Control Squadron (TACRON) 11. "The service members aboard all worked great together, that's the main measure of success."
The homecoming also marked the end of the ships 14th and final deployment as it is scheduled to be decommissioned in March 2009.
"The soul of the ship has always been her crew," said Capt. Brian Luther, Tarawa commanding officer. "Although Tarawa has known many sailors in her life time, I would venture to say that there have been none so well trained and dedicated to the service of their country as the men and women that are aboard right now. Their continued work is what made her last deployment a success."
During the deployment Tarawa and her crew sailed over 36,000 miles and visited four continents. They supported over 1,300 Marines from the 11th Marine Expeditionary Unit; aided the citizens of Bangladesh and Djibouti through medical and dental civil action projects; and welcomed aboard officials from Pakistan, France, Ethiopia, Egypt and the U.S., impressing upon them the capabilities of an American warship.
"Through all this the ship and her crew never wavered in performance of their duty," said Luther.
Many of the returning Sailors appreciated the opportunity to be involved in this part of Tarawa's history.
"It's also pretty cool to be here for Tarawa's last deployment. She's held up really well, and it's a privilege to be here for this last Westpac," said Information Specialist 1st class Anthony St. Thomas.
Tarawa departed San Diego Nov. 5. During her deployment her crew conducted disaster relief operations in Bangladesh, humanitarian assistance operations in Djibouti, and maritime security operations in the Persian Gulf.
The ship was commissioned May 29, 1976 and has out lived two of other Tarawa-class ships. The ex-USS SAIPAN (LHA 2) was decommissioned April 20, 2007 and transferred to the inactive fleet; and the ex-USS BELLEAU WOOD (LHA 3) was sunk July 10, 2006, as part of SINKEX during RIMPAC.