Essex Returns to Sasebo After Successful Fall Patrol

The Amphibious assault ship USS Essex (LHD 2) arrives at White Beach after participating in Annual Exercise (ANNUALEX 21G). ANNUALEX is a bilateral exercise with the U.S. Navy and the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Geronimo Aquino/Released)

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

SASEBO, Japan (NNS) -- The forward-deployed amphibious assault ship USS Essex (LHD 2) returned to Sasebo, Japan Nov. 21 following a successful fall patrol.

Essex, fresh off of a nine-week Ship's Restricted Availability (SRA) period, departed Oct. 28 to conduct sea trials and to support Annual Exercise (ANNUALEX) 21G. During ANNUALEX, Essex Amphibious Ready Group (ESX ARG) worked alongside the Japanese Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF) to strengthen ties and enhance interoperability between the two navies.

"This was a great opportunity to work with our Japanese partners improving our interoperability skills," said Capt. Troy Hart, Essex commanding officer. "Being forward deployed to Japan, we share a friendship and closeness that is distinctive to our nations, and among our naval forces. ANNUALEX showed our commitment to each other and the commitment of our Sailors."

The underway period also gave the ship a chance to perform evolutions such as degaussing and the aviation certification (AVCERT) inspection. These evolutions helped return the ship to a maximum state of readiness following the maintenance period.

For some Sailors, the cruise gave them their first taste of what to expect on deployments.

"It was an interesting experience and there was a lot to get used to," said Information Systems Technician Seaman Brian Ngov, from Rochester, Minn. "It's exciting to stand out on the weatherdecks and see the ship pulling into a new location."

The end of the deployment brings a rare opportunity for Essex Sailors to spend the Thanksgiving holiday season with their families. While those with family members in the area can enjoy the chance to be together, Essex will make sure single Sailors aren't left out in the cold by hosting its own Thanksgiving dinner aboard the ship.

"We'll have a large spread of food, pastries and an ice cream bar all laid out on the mess decks for everyone and their families to enjoy," said Chief Culinary Specialist (SW/AW) Anthony Ignacio, S-2 Division leading chief petty officer. "It's an opportunity for us to extend a good show of hospitality for our guests and make sure that even our duty personnel have a chance to enjoy the holiday."

Additionally, the Sasebo United Service Organization (USO) will offer Skype video calls to the United States for the holidays. The service will be free for all local service members, giving them a chance to connect with family members back home.

With many more activities on the horizon such as the command Christmas party, Children's Christmas party and holiday stand down, the in-port period will offer Sailors the chance to relax and spend time with their loved ones.

Essex is the lead ship of the only forward-deployed U.S. Amphibious Ready Group and serves as the flagship for CTF 76, the Navy's only forward-deployed amphibious force commander. Task Force 76 is headquartered at White Beach Naval Facility, Okinawa, Japan, with a detachment in Sasebo, Japan.

Essex Completes Successful ANNUALEX

Helicopters fly above the amphibious assault ship USS Essex (LHD 2) as it maneuvers into formation during Annual Exercise (ANNUALEX 21G). Ships from the U.S. Navy and Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force are participating in the bilateral exercise designed to enhance the capabilities of both naval forces. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Daniel Viramontes/Released)

By Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Taurean Alexander, USS Essex (LHD 2) Public Affairs

OKINAWA, Japan (NNS) -- The forward-deployed amphibious assault ship USS Essex (LHD 2) arrived in Okinawa Nov. 18 to offload the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) after successfully completing Annual Exercise (ANNUALEX) 21G.

Essex Sailors and Combat Cargo Marines moved approximately 75 vehicles and 300 pieces of MEU cargo, as well as dozens of aircraft assigned to the 31st MEU's Aviation Combat Element (ACE), marking the end of the 21st edition of the exercise, which is designed to enhance naval interoperability between the U.S. Navy and Japanese Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF).

"Once again, ANNUALEX has served as a great opportunity for us to strengthen our relationship with the Japanese," said commanding officer Capt. Troy Hart. "It is always a great opportunity for us to enhance our efforts in surface warfare with our closest ally in the region and this year's exercise was no different."

The exercise focused on enhancing improving command and control, air, undersea and surface warfare.

"It improves our ability to communicate and coordinate between the U.S. Navy and the JMSDF," said Lt. Patrick Isom, Essex' assistant operations officer. "Both countries have shared responsibilities in leading various events, and ANNUALEX exercises our ability to communicate and steadily helps us to improve at sea in a complex environment."

Isom cited the long history of successful U.S.-Japan bilateral efforts and said he views ANNUALEX as an opportunity to build on that success.

"The ability to work together ensures stability in the Pacific," said Isom. "Our ability to practice these exercises with our Japanese partners shows our commitment to that stability."

According to Essex Command Master Chief Brannon Knox, the exercise is an opportunity to not only become more cohesive militarily, but culturally as well.

"We always look forward to working with Japan, whether if it's in a humanitarian assistance and disaster relief drill, or maritime security efforts like ANNUALEX," said Knox. "Exercises like these allow both countries to plan and operate together, and it's a great opportunity to exchange bodies and let both navies get experience from each other."

The exercise also served as a chance for Essex Sailors to work with Marines of the 31st MEU. Many of those Marines were experiencing their first deployment underway.

"It feels good to get that first deployment under your belt," said Lance Cpl. Dalton Kuegn, of Tyler, Texas. "This was a short one, but it was enough to get into a different kind of mindset and be ready for the next big patrol."

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

GW CSG Returns from Fall Deployment

Lt. Cmdr. Jason Bartholomew and Lt. Louis Krueper give the signal to launch an F/A-18E Super Hornet assigned to the Royal Maces of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 27, from the flight deck of the aircraft carrier USS George Washington (CVN 73). George Washington is underway supporting security and stability in the western Pacific Ocean. (U.S. Navy photo by Lt. Reann Mommsen/Released)

By Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Carlos Gomez, USS George Washington Public Affairs

USS GEORGE WASHINGTON, At Sea (NNS) -- The George Washington Carrier Strike Group (GW CSG) returned to Fleet Activities Yokosuka, Japan, Nov. 23, completing its second fall deployment since joining the Forward-Deployed Naval Forces last year.

During the deployment, the carrier strike group participated in two major bilateral exercises with forces from the Republic of Korea (ROK) and Japan.

The first, a bilateral exercise with the ROK Navy, focused on advanced combined training to build cooperation and interoperability between both navies in the event of a crisis. Embarked ROK Navy liaison officers and Sailors worked alongside GW Sailors on board focusing on enhancing coordination to expand and improve future readiness. Personnel from the ROK Navy's Task Force 51 were also able to work with their counterparts from the GW CSG's Destroyer Squadron (DESRON) 15. Also during that exercise, GW hosted members of the ROK National Defence Committee and Chief of Naval Operations Adm. Jung Ok-Keun for a visit during flight operations.

The GW CSG also participated in Annual Exercise 21G (ANNUALEX) November 10-17. ANNUALEX is the largest annual bilateral exercise between Japanese and U.S. forces.

"The 5,000 men and women that comprise the George Washington/Carrier Air Wing 5 team are extremely excited to return to our respective homes of Yokosuka and Atsugi," said GW's Commanding Officer Capt. David A. Lausman. "During the fall patrol, we continued to exercise and hone our warfighting skills to remain the Navy's Permanently Forward Deployed Carrier Strike Group.

"Additionally, during this patrol we participated in ANNUALEX 21G with the Joint Maritime Self Defense Force where we exercised our communications and equipment interoperability with our command units. The high degree of interoperability and professionalism we share continues to make this alliance strong and ready to respond to any situation."

The Commander of Carrier Airwing 5, Capt Ross Myers echoed that sentiment when discussing CVW-5 participation in ANNUALEX 21 G.

"We learn valuable lessons working with each other, which allows us to operate at our full potential during a time of conflict," said Myers. "Having Japan Air Self Defense Force pilots on board helps us gain a greater understanding of each other's capabilities."

Embarked Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 5 completed nearly 500 aircraft launch and recovery cycles during the seven-day event alone, a tempo that was nearly a hundred sorties more than a typical week of flying. In total, the carrier flew more than 1,000 sorties in the last month of the deployment.

"One of the reasons GW operates from Japan is to aid in their defense," said GW's Operations Officer Cmdr. Anthony Calandra. "Through exercises like ANNUALEX, our countries can learn from each other and operate better as a team."

While fostering cultural and working relations with other countries, GW continued maintaining mission readiness with 26 simulated fire, emergency and medical drills.

As part of the GW Engineering Department's Repair division, Hull Maintenance Technician Fireman Apprentice Sara Bingham participated in every drill as a member of a fire party hose team during her first deployment.

"I like the fast pace. It's exciting to me," said Bingham regarding GW's high operational tempo.
Though she has only been in the Navy since January, Bingham feels honored to share in the GW's responsibility as "America's 911" force.

GW steamed nearly 14,500 nautical miles, prepared more than 825,000 meals, flew more than 2,000 sorties and expended 154.2 tons of ordnance during its 48-day fall patrol in support of the nation's maritime strategy.

Also during the deployment, the carrier and made its first visit to Hong Kong. More than 300 Sailors participated in 14 community service projects ranging from visits to disabled and retirement homes to volunteering at distribution centers and schools.

The GW CSG, commanded by Rear Adm. Kevin M. Donegan, is comprised of GW, CVW-5, Destroyer Squadron (DESRON) 15, and the guided-missile cruisers USS Shiloh (CG 67) and USS Cowpens (CG 63). GW, commanded by Capt. David A. Lausman, is scheduled to begin its second Selected Restricted Availability (SRA) in Yokosuka, Japan, this winter.

Essex Embarks 31st MEU

By Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Taurean Alexander, USS Essex Public Affairs

OKINAWA, Japan (NNS) -- The forward-deployed amphibious assault ship USS Essex (LHD 2) onloaded more than 1,100 Marines assigned to the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) Nov. 12 in preparation for Annual Exercise (ANNUALEX) 21G with the Japanese Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF).

The exercise is designed to improve both naval forces' capabilities for coordinated, bilateral operations in the defense of Japan. In particular, ANNUALEX 21G will focus on enhancing military-to-military relationships, improving command and control, air, undersea, and surface warfare.

"We always look forward to embarking the 31st MEU," said Capt. Troy Hart, Essex' commanding officer. "Their professionalism has always been a major factor to our success working together and this is another chance for us to build on that success."

The 31st MEU consists of ground, command, air and combat support elements that allow the Essex Amphibious Ready Group (ESXARG) to conduct amphibious operations from the sea and project power ashore.

During the onload, Essex' Combat Cargo Department moved approximately 90 vehicles and 250 pieces of MEU cargo. Additionally, they helped move elements of the Battalion Landing Team (BLT), Ground Combat Element, Aviation Combat Element (ACE) and Combat Logistics Battalion. The arsenal includes CH-53E Sea Stallion, CH-46E Sea Knight, AH-1W Super Cobra and UH-1N Huey helicopters, as well as AV-8B Harrier jet aircraft.

"This deployment is a great opportunity for our Marines to play a part in ANNUALEX," said Gunnery Sgt. Jorge Jerez, Combat Cargo assistant. "I'm sure everyone is excited to be a part of the great relationship we have with the JMSDF."

For many of the Marines, this will be their first opportunity to participate in the Exercise.

"I'm not really sure what to expect," said Lance Cpl. Dalton Kuegn, of Tyler, Texas. "It should be a pretty cool experience just to be at sea. Being at sea during an exercise like this should also be a learning experience for a lot of the guys who are in the same situation that I'm in."

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

George Washington Begins ANNUALEX 21G

By Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class (SW) John J. Mike, USS George Washington Public Affairs

USS GEORGE WASHINGTON, At sea (NNS) -- USS George Washington (CVN 73) and embarked Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 5 began their participation in military exercise ANNUALEX 21G Nov. 10.

A yearly, combined-training exercise between the U.S. military and Japan Self Defense Force, ANNUALEX fosters interoperability and teamwork between the two nations.

According to George Washington Operations Officer Cmdr. Anthony Calandra, the ship's participation is important because it is permanently-forward deployed to Fleet Activities Yokosuka, Japan (CFAY).

"One of the reasons GW (George Washington) operates from Japan is to aid in their defense," Calandra said. "Through exercises like ANNUALEX, our countries can learn from each other and operate better as a team."

George Washington will be involved in multiple scenarios that include anti-submarine, air-to-surface and air-to-air warfare training.

"ANNUALEX runs the gamut as an exercise, and in the end, practicing these procedures will help us interoperate with the Japanese to maintain peace in the Pacific region," Calandra said.

As part of ANNUALEX, CVW 5 will work closely with the Japan Air Self Defense Force (JASDF) by practicing strike training in the Okinawa and Okino Daito Jima region.

"We learn valuable lessons working with each other, which allows us to operate at our full potential during a time of conflict," said CVW Commander, Capt. Ross Myers.

"Having JASDF pilots on board helps us gain a greater understanding of each other's capabilities and increase the interoperability between our two great countries," said Myers.

George Washington is participating in its second ANNUALEX since becoming the Navy's only permanently forward-deployed aircraft carrier in 2008.

George Washington is commanded by Capt. David A. Lausman, the flagship of the George Washington Carrier Strike Group (GW CSG), which is commanded by Rear Adm. Kevin M. Donegan. George Washington departed its forward-deployed port of Fleet Activities Yokosuka, Japan Oct. 6 on its second fall deployment as the Navy's forward-deployed carrier presence. The GW CSG includes CVW 5, Destroyer Squadron 15 and the guided missile cruisers USS Shiloh (CG 67) and USS Cowpens (CG 63).

U.S. 7th Fleet to Participate in ANNUALEX

YOKOSUKA, Japan (NNS) -- Ships, submarines and aircraft from the U.S. 7th Fleet will participate in a bilateral exercise with the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF) Nov. 10-18 in waters and airspace around Japan.

The exercise, called ANNUALEX 21G, is designed to enhance the capabilities of both naval forces, for continued success in coordinated and bilateral operations in the defense of Japan. In particular, ANNUALEX 21G will focus on enhancing military-to-military relationships, improving command and control, air, undersea and surface warfare.

U.S. Navy units taking part in the exercise with Japan Maritime Self Defense Force units include elements operating from Fleet Activities Yokosuka, Fleet Activities Sasebo and Naval Air Facility Atsugi.

The aircraft carrier USS George Washington will participate for the second time since replacing USS Kitty Hawk in the Forward Deployed Naval Force last year. Other units include USS Essex, USS Defender, USS Cowpens, USS Tortuga, USS City of Corpus Christi, USS Key West, USS Crommelin, USS Curtis Wilbur, USS Denver, USNS Alan Shepard, USS Lassen, USS Mustin, USS O Kane, USS Shiloh, USNS Rappahannock and USNS Victorious, as well as CTF-70, Destroyer Squadron 15, Carrier Air Wing 5 and the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit.

Rear Adm. Kevin Donegan, commander, Battle Force 7th Fleet, will command U.S. naval forces in the exercise.

ANNUALEX is a routine bilateral exercise held each year between the U.S. Navy and the JMSDF. Approximately 8,500 U.S. naval personnel will participate in the exercise.

The U.S. 7th Fleet is the largest of the forward- deployed U.S. fleets, with approximately 60-70 ships, 200-300 aircraft and 40,000 Sailors and Marines assigned at any given time.