By Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class (SW) Joshua J. Wahl, Fleet Public Affairs Center Det. Japan
SASEBO, Japan (NNS) -- The Austin-class amphibious transport dock ship USS Denver (LPD 9), of the Essex Amphibious Ready Group (ESX ARG), returned to its forward-deployed home of Sasebo, Japan, Dec. 2, concluding its first patrol as a member of the Navy's forward deployed naval forces (FDNF).
Denver, which replaced USS Juneau (LPD 10) as the Navy's only permanently forward deployed LPD, successfully wrapped up three intense months of arduous amphibious exercises in the Asia-Pacific region.
According to Denver's Commanding Officer, Capt. Kent D. Whalen, the deployment symbolized the Navy's commitment to peace and stability in the region and helped foster stronger relations with allies in Southeast Asia.
"The Denver Navy-Marine Corps took great leaps to improve interoperability, increase readiness and continue our professional relationships with our allied armed forces," Whalen said. "I couldn't be prouder of what the crew of this great warship accomplished through hard work, both ship and shore, training and community building."
Denver and units of the ESX ESG departed Sasebo for the fall patrol after a summer maintenance and training period. Okinawa was the first stop, as Marines of the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) embarked and immediately joined their Navy teammates for a three-day evaluation exercise (EVAL-EX), prior to weighing anchor and continuing on its fall patrol.
With the embarked MEU and equipment, Denver arrived on station in the Republic of Philippines in early October, to participate in the bilateral amphibious landing exercise PHIBLEX. Denver conducted several operations with Philippine Marines including: helicopter raids, boat launches, and off-loading Marines and equipment in the Subic Bay area.
Members of the crew took advantage of the opportunity to spread goodwill, thanks to a community service project while visiting Subic Bay. They delivered clothes, school supplies, repaired campus buildings and played games with the children of Cabalan National High School.
"Helping the children who are not as fortunate as us was the best part of the underway," said Quartermaster 3rd Class (SW) Carlitos Cirilo. "I hope by us being there and helping out, we could really make a positive influence in their lives."
With the completion of PHIBLEX, Denver continued with the ESX ESG as they steamed to the Republic of Korea for a chance to enhance joint combat readiness during a five-day Korean interoperability training program exercise.
"The whole Denver blue-green team really came together throughout the scope of exercises and amphibious assessments we endured this underway," said Whalen. "The fall patrol went very smoothly. Denver never missed a beat."
Sailors of the transport dock manned the rails during the ship's homecoming at Fleet Activities Sasebo. As a successful underway was nearly behind them, Denver friends and family members were on the pier, eagerly waiting to greet their Sailors.
"I am so happy to be back," said Hospital Corpsman 2nd Class (FMF/SW) Arturo J. Adame. "My wife and two children are my strength when I'm out there underway. Seeing their eyes light up and those big smiles reminds me every time why my job is so important and why we are here."