Denver Executes Certification Exercise with 31st MEU

By Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Christopher Lindahl

USS DENVER, Coral Sea (NNS) -- While families prepare for back-to-school season and football fans prepare for their fantasy drafts, thousands of Sailors and Marines are conducting simulated combat rubber raiding craft (CRRC) beach assaults, night vision helicopter flight operations, and full scale amphibious raids.

Amphibious transport dock ship USS Denver (LPD 9), the Navy's oldest deployable ship, and the embarked 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) are participating in certification exercise (CERTEX), with the rest of the Bonhomme Richard Amphibious Ready Group (ARG), Aug. 4 to 13.

CERTEX, used to certify the 31st MEU in missions such as mechanized assaults, humanitarian assistance, disaster relief operations, and non-combatant evacuation operations with the ARG, comes on the heels of exercise Talisman Saber 2013, a biennial exercise that enhances multilateral collaboration between U.S. and Australian forces for future combined operations.

Air assaults with UH-1Y Hueys and AH-1W Super Cobras, attached to the embarked Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 265 (Reinforced), and beach assaults conducted with CRRCs and amphibious assault vehicles, highlight just some of Denver's abilities to support the 31st MEU's mission at all hours of the day.

"The ships, together with all the aircraft, all the amphibious crafts and all the Marines, are synchronizing (efforts) around the clock to put forces ashore to achieve objectives," said Lt. John R. Mateikat, Denver's operations officer.

In terms of air assaults, Denver also made history with her first recovery and launch of an MV-22 Osprey Aug. 8.

"We introduced the Marines' newest aircraft to the Navy's oldest deployable war ship," said Capt. Kevin P. Lenox, Denver's commanding officer.

The Osprey provided the crew of Denver with a new capability and gave the crew an opportunity for some additional training.

"It doesn't matter if it's your first landing or your hundredth, you always pick up something new," said Aviation Support Equipment Technician 2nd Class Joshua B. Cary.

U.S. Navy and Marine forces take opportunities like CERTEX to cross-train with the Australian forces to improve overall combat readiness in the U.S. 7th Fleet Area of Responsibility.

"We learn from them too," said Denver's Command Master Chief Edwin Purdy. "We always take something back ourselves."

Denver is currently on patrol with the Bonhomme Richard ARG, commanded by Capt. Cathal O'Connor, commodore, Amphibious Squadron (PHIBRON) 11 and reports to the Commander, Amphibious Force 7th Fleet, Rear Adm. Jeffrey A. Harley, headquartered in White Beach, Okinawa, Japan.

Bonhomme Richard ARG Conducts CERTEX

By Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Jerome D. Johnson, Navy Public Affairs Support Element, Norfolk

CORAL SEA (NNS) -- Bonhomme Richard Amphibious Ready Group (ARG) along with the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) began Certification Exercise (CERTEX), Aug. 7.

CERTEX is an event focusing on the 31st MEU's capability of doing missions such as humanitarian assistance and disaster relief operations or non-combatant evacuation operations with the ARG.

"Every MEU goes through a work up cycle prior to deployment which is usually conducted over months of training back in the states, and is culminated during their CERTEX before they deploy," said Cmdr. Kirk Knox, Bonhomme Richards' operations officer. "Even though the majority of the focus is on the MEU this is a team effort. The MEU cannot accomplish their tasks if we fail to provide them the support they need."

Bonhomme Richard ARG is made up of the forward-deployed amphibious assault ship USS Bonhomme Richard (LHD 6), which is the command ship for Amphibious Squadron 11, as well as amphibious dock landing ship USS Germantown (LSD 42) and amphibious transport dock USS Denver (LPD 9).

Bonhomme Richard provides a platform at sea enabling the MEU to carry out visit, board, search and seizure (VBSS) exercises and helicopter raids. The Marines of the MEU will also conduct a combat rubber raiding craft operations from the ship's well deck.

"We will launch, recover, and spot aircraft to support the 31st MEU during CERTEX," said Lt. John Zahodne, Bonhomme Richards' aircraft handler. "During this exercise we are required to operate at a higher operational tempo."

During CERTEX, Royal Australian Regiment officers, who are from an exchange program to develop officers, will observe the evolutions. In 2014 Australia will receive and deploy two of its own amphibious assault ships.

"The exchange program allows us gain experience from the U.S. Marines and U.S. Navy on how to conduct amphibious operations," said Maj. Alexander Rubin, Royal Australian Regiment 2nd Battalion detachment officer-in-charge. "We are invigorating our amphibious capability. The idea is to get ahead of the curb in developing our own program. We are grateful for this opportunity and hope that during the next Talisman Saber we can perform amphibious operations side-by-side with Bonhomme Richard."

The exercise will test the two forces' ability to execute several evolutions including small boat operations, helicopter and amphibious operations, mass casualty response drills and a non-combatant evacuation operation. Each of these evolutions involves transporting equipment and personnel to designated locations.

"At the end of the day, we are ultimately responsible for the safe movement of the 31st MEU's vehicles and cargo to and from the battle space," said Lt. Cmdr. Jesse Alvarez, Bonhomme Richards' 1st lieutenant. "While on deployment the landing craft air cushion element of Naval Beach Unit 7 integrates with Deck Department and Combat Cargo, as we share working spaces and combine our efforts to execute BHR's ship-to-shore mission."

The U.S. and Australia have a long established bilateral partnership which is an essential part of maritime security in the Asia-Pacific region. The U.S. Navy also contributes to the freedom of navigation in the territorial waters and airspace of coastal nations, which supports economic development and international commerce.

Commander Amphibious Squadron 11, 31st MEU and Bonhomme Richard ARG report to Commander, Amphibious Force 7th Fleet, Rear Adm. Jeffrey A. Harley, headquartered in White Beach, Okinawa, Japan.

Boxer Becomes First West Coast Ship to Deploy with Osprey

By Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Kenan O'Connor / Boxer Amphibious Ready Group Public Affairs

PACIFIC OCEAN (NNS) -- Sailors and Marines aboard amphibious assault ship USS Boxer (LHD 4) will become the first West Coast crew to deploy with the MV-22 Osprey this fall.

Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron (VMM) 166 (Reinforced) is embarked on Boxer as a part of the 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU), and will deploy with a complement of 12 Ospreys.

The Osprey is intended to replace the CH-46E Sea Knight, the platform the Marine Corps has used since the Vietnam War. The Osprey can carry more combat troops and has a further flight range than the Sea Knight.

"The incorporation of the MV-22 Osprey greatly expands our area of influence, and increases the speed with which the Marine Air Ground Task Force (MAGTF) Commander is able to respond to crises and mass forces on the Objective," said Maj. Frank Garner, 13th MEU air officer. "The unique flight capabilities of the Osprey provides unprecedented advantage to warfighters, allowing Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) Mission Essential Tasks (METs) to be accomplished more efficiently, while enhancing Marine Expeditionary Unit/Amphibious Ready Group (MEU/ARG) relevance in Combatant Commander (COCOM) Theaters," he added.

The Osprey is a tilt rotor aircraft flown by the U.S. Marine Corps, which utilizes vertical short takeoff and landing (V/STOL) capabilities. Until recently, the Osprey has seen limited use aboard large deck ships due to its unique design and the modifications required for large deck amphibious ships.

Although Boxer will be the first West Coast ship to deploy with Ospreys, the USS Bataan (LHD 5), stationed in Norfolk, became the first ship overall to deploy with Ospreys in an amphibious environment in 2009.

The crew members aboard Boxer and VMM-166 have trained in several technical areas, such as airframes, hydraulics and avionics, electrical systems, maintenance control to prepare for Boxers upcoming deployment.

"The biggest challenge is the amount of training that we had to accomplish," said Cpl. Neal Helfrey, a flight line mechanic attached to VMM-166. "Half the squadron hasn't deployed before, so the most difficult thing was putting all this training into the timeframe allotted."

The Boxer Amphibious Ready Group (ARG) is underway off the coast of Southern California completing a Certification Exercise (CERTEX). CERTEX is the final evaluation of the 13th MEU and Boxer ARG prior to their Fall deployment and is intended to certify their readiness to conduct integrated missions across the full spectrum of military operations.

Essex ARG Embarks 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit

WHITE BEACH NAVAL FACILITY, Okinawa (NNS) -- Essex Amphibious Ready Group (ARG) embarked more than 2,000 Marines of the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) and departed White Beach Naval Facility in Okinawa, Japan for the ARG's amphibious integration training (AIT), and certification exercise (CERTEX) March 4.

Amphibious assault ship USS Essex (LHD 2), amphibious dock landing ship USS Tortuga (LSD 46), and amphibious transport dock ship USS Denver (LPD 9) worked hand-in-hand with the Marines to safely load personnel, equipment and vehicles in support of the upcoming training and exercise.

Throughout the AIT period, the MEU will conduct various ship-to-shore movements, day and night flight operations, and visit board search and seizure exercises.

"Embarking the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit allows our amphibious ships to train and prepare for a broad range of operational scenarios", said Capt. Bradley Lee, commodore, Amphibious Squadron 11.

The exercises will aid the ships of the ARG ships and their crews in remaining proficient in flight operations, well deck operations, ballasting, surface craft control, navigating close to shore and numerous deck evolutions, all of which the ARG and MEU must maintain proficiency in to support operational assignments in the U.S. 7th Fleet area of responsibility.

"Working with the MEU allows our Sailors and Marines to hone their interoperability and overall effectiveness at conducting the core capabilities of the nation's maritime strategy," said Lee.

AIT and CERTEX give the ARG and the MEU the opportunity to practice their skill sets in a combined and joint environment and are designed to increase both unit's effectiveness.

"It is always exciting working alongside our Navy counterparts," said Col. Andrew R. MacMannis, 31st MEU commanding officer. "The Navy and Marine Corps team have done an excellent job executing the loading plan of the ARG ships in a safe and timely manner. We can now move on to working together in order to successfully complete AIT and CERTEX."

AIT and CERTEX are important in assessing the ARG and MEU's ability to conduct operational maneuvering from sea to shore before supporting multilateral exercises, contingency operations, or humanitarian assistance and disaster relief missions.

In order to conduct the exercise and various training evolutions, the ARG's combat cargo department had to load 2,500 tons of cargo, more than 120 vehicles, and 30 aircraft across the three ships.

USS New Orleans Completes CERTEX

By Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Dominique Pineiro, Amphibious Squadron 5 Public Affairs

SAN DIEGO (NNS) -- USS New Orleans (LPD 18) returned to San Diego Oct. 12, after completing its final pre-deployment exercise in preparation for its upcoming deployment later this year.

New Orleans, alongside amphibious dock-landing ship USS Pearl Harbor (LSD 52), amphibious assault ship USS Makin Island (LHD 8), and embarked Marines assigned to the 11th Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) make up the Makin Island Amphibious Ready Group (ARG).

Together, the group completed their certification exercise (CERTEX), a comprehensive training designed to test the Navy and Marine Corps' maritime and sea-to-shore capabilities.

During CERTEX, New Orleans was the primary combatant providing air and surface support for counter-piracy training. Using CH-46E helicopters and Navy small boats launched from New Orleans, the 11th MEU's Maritime Raid Force (MRF) simulated seizing a pirated merchant vessel. New Orleans provided communications support and served as a base for firepower from her 30mm cannon, as well as Marine snipers.

In addition to maritime security training, New Orleans also supported long-range helicopter raids and raids on high value targets which saw a continuous launching of four UH-1Y Venom helicopters carrying members of the MRF. A non-combatant evacuation operation (NEO) was executed as well, rounding out the mission capabilities of the ARG.

Marines assigned to the 11th MEU's Battalion Landing Team also honed their warfighting skills and launched from New Orleans' well deck in amphibious assault vehicles to conduct a simulated mechanized raid by retaking a town overrun by hostile forces located at Camp Pendleton, Calif.

Cmdr. Dennis Jacko, commanding officer of New Orleans, said that with the final certification, New Orleans is ready to deploy as part of the ARG or operate independently in disaggregated operations during their next deployment.

"This certification is the capstone event for both the Marines and the ARG in a robust scenario," he said. "USS New Orleans is more than ready to offer any theater commander a unique 'one stop shopping' in the form of embarked Marine air and ground assets that enable her to provide balanced fighting power, either as part of an Amphibious Ready Group, or as her own Marine Air Ground Task Force."

Commissioned in 2007, New Orleans is the second of the San Antonio-class transport dock ships. Its warfighting capabilities include a state-of-the-art command and control suite, substantially increased vehicle lift capacity, a large flight deck, and advanced ship survivability features that enhance its ability to operate in the littoral environment.

Makin Island Amphibious Ready Group and 11th MEU Underway for CERTEX

USS MAKIN ISLAND, At sea (NNS) -- The Makin Island Amphibious Ready Group (ARG), along with the embarked 11th Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU), departed San Diego Sept. 29 to begin a MEU certification exercise (CERTEX) in preparation for an upcoming deployment.

Led by Commander, Amphibious Squadron (PHIBRON) 5, the Makin Island ARG consists of the Navy's newest amphibious assault ship USS Makin Island (LHD 8), the amphibious-transport dock ship USS New Orleans (LPD 18), and the dock-landing ship USS Pearl Harbor (LSD 52).

"The success of this final stage of pre-deployment training will prove that we are now deployable worldwide in support of a wide-range of missions," said Capt. Humberto Quintanilla, PHIBRON 5 commander.

"It will take extensive Blue-Green team efforts, from all the Navy and Marine Corps ranks, to make this event a success," said Quintanilla. "I am confident that our combat skills honed during previous ARG-MEU integrated training events will deliver the levels of expertise and operational art required to master the unforeseen and blind missions that will be thrown at us during CERTEX. It's time to line up and snap the ball."

Quintanilla said the CERTEX is expected to include the evaluation of multiple evolutions, including small boat raids; visit, board, search, and seizure training; helicopter and mechanized amphibious raids; mass casualty responses; and a non-combatant evacuation operation.

"The certification exercise is a validation of ARG-MEU capabilities by observers who will evaluate both our ability to conduct missions under real time conditions and variables beyond our control. The end product will be a finely tuned combat force ready to deploy," said Col. Michael R. Hudson, 11th MEU's commanding officer.

Hudson said the outcome of the exercise will be captured in a report and presented to the commanding general of the First Marine Expeditionary Force. If the 11th MEU's performance meets the standard, it will be certified to deploy.

"This exercise solidifies best practices and is the capstone event for the MEU before we deploy," said Hudson. "The certification process ensures that the 11th MEU will have the most up-to-date training to support the commanders we will work for overseas."

The Makin Island ARG is scheduled for a routine deployment later this year.

Commissioned in 2009, Makin Island is the Navy's newest amphibious assault ship capable of utilizing surface and air assets to move Marine forces ashore. The ship is named in honor of the daring World War II raid carried out by Marine Raider Companies A and B, Second Raider Battalion, on Japanese held Makin Island Aug. 17-18, 1942. LHD 8 is the second ship to bear the name "USS Makin Island."

Boxer Amphibious Readiness Group, 13th MEU Complete Certification Exercise

By Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Fletcher Gibson, USS Boxer Public Affairs

USS BOXER, At Sea (NNS) -- The 13th Marine Expeditionary unit, along with the amphibious assault ship USS Boxer (LHD 4) and the Boxer Amphibious Readiness Group, completed its certification exercise (CERTEX) off the coast of Southern California Dec. 17.

The 12-day period of amphibious actions demonstrated the unit's ability to perform a wide variety of missions and was the final check mark making the 13th MEU/Amphibious Squadron 1 team ready for deployment.

Alongside Boxer, the dock landing ship USS Comstock (LSD 45), the amphibious transport dock ship USS Green Bay (LPD 20), and the Marines of the 13th MEU completed simulated missions ranging from maritime boarding to amphibious land raids, to civilian evacuation drills.

"We've been able to evaluate our full set of missions," said Maj. Ryan Caughlin, 13th MEU operations officer. "Since the first day we formed up, this is what our entire training has built up to."

While the focus of the evaluation was on mission completion for the Marines, their ability to integrate with their naval partners and deploy to their assignments was a key part of the evaluation.

Launching harrier jets from Boxer's flight deck or equipping landing craft from USS Green Bay played a large part in their ongoing success.

"There's no such thing as a pure Navy or Marine Corps show when you're an amphibious force," said Col. David Coffman, 13th MEU commanding officer.

The all-amphibious operations of CERTEX also marked a shift for most of the Marines involved who had until now only been involved in land operations and training. Nearly 60 percent of the MEU personnel had never done a ship deployment, and Coffman said he was excited to be able to turn them into sea-going Marines.

"The [best] part to me is watching the Marines learn what it is to be a Marine," he said, "To not just ride around on a ship, but operate from a ship and do our mission."

CERTEX was the third and final group exercise for the 13th MEU and Boxer ARG. Previous exercises consisted of the PHIBRON/Marine Integration (PMINT) which first tested the Blue/Green team's ability to coordinate together, and the Composite Training Unit Exercise (COMPTUEX) which tested the Boxer Amphibious Readiness Group as a whole.

With these three major certifications behind them, the ARG and MEU are ready for their scheduled deployment in early 2011.

Peleliu Wraps Up CERTEX

By Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Kenneth W. Hunter, Peleliu Public Affairs

USS PELELIU, At Sea (NNS) -- The Peleliu Amphibious Ready Group (PEL ARG) completed its final pre-deployment work-up April 26 in preparation for its regularly-scheduled 2010 Western Pacific Deployment (WESTPAC).

PEL ARG, consisting of amphibious assault ship USS Peleliu (LHA 5), amphibious transport dock ship USS Dubuque (LPD 8), amphibious dock landing ship USS Pearl Harbor (LSD 52), is led by Commander, Amphibious Squadron 3 (PHIBRON) Capt. Dale G. Fuller. PEL ARG and the embarked 15th Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) together completed the Certification Exercise (CERTEX), a comprehensive, complex training evolution that combined the Navy and Marine Corps' maritime and sea-to-shore capabilities.

Peleliu's mission with the MEU includes providing a response force capable of conducting amphibious operations on land, air, and sea.

"It's mostly a Marine exercise, but the ship plays a very important role in the exercise to make sure our Marine brothers can do their job ashore and at sea effectively," said Senior Chief Intelligence Specialist (SW/AW) Joseph Williams of operations department. "The exercise focuses on operations against waterborne targets, amphibious raids ashore, and humanitarian assistance operations. This exercise is to certify that the MEU can qualify to conduct an array of missions."

According to Maj. Kevin Duffy, operations officer of Marine Medium Helicopter Squadron (Reinforced) 165, there were a number of evolutions that the PEL ARG and MEU had to complete prior to the ten-day CERTEX.

"The last two underway periods were PHIBRON / MEU Integration and Composite Unit Training Exercise and various other ground-based evolutions that led up to CERTEX," said Duffy. "I think it went very well, and we are ready for WESTPAC and anything else that we have to do."

While similar to prior pre-deployment exercises, CERTEX is designed to strengthen the blue-green team's ability to operate together, and respond to various situations while deployed.

"Every member of the MEU/ARG team is a key player," said Duffy. "From junior Sailors and Marines, to the top of the chain of command; they have an important part to play."

Bonhomme Richard, 11th MEU Underway for Final Certification Exercise

By Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Marcus Stanley, USS Bonhomme Richard Public Affairs

USS BONHOMME RICHARD, At Sea (NNS) -- The amphibious assault ship USS Bonhomme Richard (LHD 6) (BHR) and the 11th Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) got underway Aug. 10 for a certification exercise (CERTEX) to prepare for deployment later this year.

CERTEX is the last of a three-part pre-deployment exercise conducted to strengthen the MEU's ability to operate with the Navy and respond to situations that may arise.

"CERTEX tests both blue and green planning, execution and timeliness to see if we meet the standards to deploy," said Cmdr. Michael Dickson, Bonhomme Richard operations officer. "However, this exercise, unlike those previously completed, focuses mainly on the MEU's ability to carry out and properly execute their mission."

The MEU's mission as it is teams with the Bonhomme Richard includes providing a rapid-response force capable of conducting conventional amphibious and selected maritime operations from sea, by surface or air.

"Even though the focus of this exercise is geared mainly toward the Marines, it's the big BHR blue-green team, so this means Bonhomme Richard is operating at full swing in support of this mission and getting this certification under our belts so we can set our sights on a successful deployment," said Dickson.

Outside observers will assess the MEU through a series of individual evolutions that make up the overall mission of the MEU, including humanitarian and disaster relief assistance, long range helicopter recovery, non-combatant evacuation operations and amphibious assault operations.

"Marine inspectors from the First Marine Expeditionary Force will present us with situation and missions and observe our planning and execution throughout each evolution," said Dickson.

"This exercise builds on best practices and maintains continuity between the MEUs," said Col. Gregg P. Olson, the 11th MEU's commanding officer. "Standardization ensures that whichever combatant commander we may work for knows exactly what he is getting with a MEU."

Bonhomme Richard is the lead ship for the Bonhomme Richard Amphibious Ready Group, which includes Commander, Amphibious Squadron 7; USS Cleveland (LPD 7); USS Rushmore (LSD 47); Tactical Squadron 12 Detachment 2; Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron 23, Detachment 3; Assault Craft Unit 1 Detachments Bravo and Foxtrot, Beachmaster Unit 1 Detachment Bravo and Fleet Surgical Team 9.

Bataan Sails Into CERTEX

By Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class (SW/AW) Jeremy Grisham, USS Bataan Public Affairs

USS BATAAN, At Sea (NNS) -- Sailors and Marines from the multipurpose amphibious assault ship USS Bataan (LHD 5) and embarked 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU), based out of Camp Lejeune, N.C., are conducting their Certification Exercise (CERTEX) through March 24 off the Atlantic coast.

CERTEX is the last of three pre-deployment exercises designed to evaluate and train Amphibious Ready Groups (ARG) before the ARG deploys overseas. The exercise will fully certify Bataan and the 22nd MEU as the BATARG/22MEU.

While similar to prior pre-deployment exercises, CERTEX is designed to strengthen the "green" team's ability to operate with the Navy and respond to various tasking, which they may be called upon to conduct while forward deployed.

"It is a green focus event," said Capt. Jack Sotherland, Amphibious Squadron 2's commodore. "Our focus is on making sure the 22nd MEU is able to achieve all their goals and return back to New River (N.C.) and Camp Lejeune fully certified for major combat operations."

The "blue" side will still be hectic, as the ships will not be working on a certain timeline and have a more reactive focus, said Sotherland.

The training evolutions will be evaluated by the Special Operations Training Group (SOTG) stationed at Camp Lejeune, based on planning, execution and timeliness.

The exercise builds off the lessons learned from prior exercises and includes additional training that will prepare the BATARG/22MEU for deployment.

"The event is going to consist of a number of different evolutions," said Col. Gareth F. Brandl, commander of the 22nd MEU. "From occupying an embassy with a fallen command element to conducting raids and mass casualty events to tactical recovery of aircraft and personnel."

Once CERTEX is complete, Lt. Gen. Dennis J. Hejlik, commanding general, II Marine Expeditionary Force, and Vice Adm. Melvin Williams, commander, U.S. 2nd Fleet, will fully certify BATARG/22MEU as a deployable unit.

The BATARG/22MEU is a scalable, multipurpose force of Marines and Sailors.

The 22nd MEU, commanded by Brandl, consists of its Ground Combat Element, Battalion Landing Team, 3rd Battalion, 2nd Marine Regiment; Aviation Combat Element, Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 263 (Reinforced); Logistics Combat Element, Combat Logistics Battalion 22; and its Command Element.

The Bataan ARG consists of amphibious assault ship USS Bataan (LHD 5), amphibious transport dock ship USS Ponce (LPD 15), and amphibious dock landing ship USS Fort McHenry (LSD 43).

Bataan is the fifth ship of the Navy's Wasp-class ships. She was commissioned Sept. 20, 1997, and is the second U.S. Navy warship to bear the name. CVL-29 was an Independence-class light aircraft carrier that was commissioned in November 1943. After serving in both World War II and the Korean conflict, CVL-29 was decommissioned in 1954.