Bonhomme Richard ESG Begins Exercise Ssang Yong 2016

  U.S. ships from the Boxer and Bonhomme Richard Amphibious Ready Groups sail with the Dokdo Amphibious Ready Group from the Republic of Korea as part of Ssang Yong 16. Ssang Yong is a biennial military exercise focused on strengthening the amphibious landing capabilities of the Republic of Korea, the U.S., New Zealand and Australia. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Darien J. Bjorndal, 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit/Released)

By Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class James Vazquez, Commander Amphibious Squadron 11 Public Affairs

EAST SEA (NNS) -- U.S. Sailors and Marines of Expeditionary Strike Group (ESG) 7 and 3rd Marine Expeditionary Brigade (3D MEB), commenced exercise Ssang Yong 16 in the Republic of Korea (ROK) March 9.

 Ssang Yong, which means "Twin Dragons," is biennial combined exercise conducted by Navy and Marine Corps forces with the ROK to strengthen interoperability and working relationships across the range of military operations from disaster relief to complex, expeditionary operations.

 This year, U.S. Marines and Sailors are participating in exercise Ssang Yong 16 with the 7th ROK Marine Corps Regimental Landing Team 7 (ROKMC RLT-7), Australian Army, and Royal New Zealand Army forces.

 "Ssang Yong offers the U.S. and ROK the opportunity to test their ability to operate together as an integrated combined naval force," said Rear Adm. John Nowell, commander, ESG 7. "Its significance in assuring interoperability between the U.S. and ROK forces is inestimable."

 During Ssang Yong, approximately 9,200 U.S. Marines and 3,100 U.S. Navy personnel will work alongside 4,500 ROK Marine Corps, 3,000 ROK Navy, 100 Australian Army, and 60 Royal New Zealand Army forces.

 "The sheer number of personnel involved is extremely impressive," said Capt. Ed Thompson, Commander, Amphibious Squadron 11. "There are a lot of moving parts and things that need to align for a successful exercise. When they do, it is truly amazing to see how we operate together."

 During Ssang Yong, U.S. and ROK combined forces will conduct beach landings, flight operations, and personnel exchange and cross platform exercises which ensure that various components of ROK and U.S. Naval and Marine forces are able to respond to contingencies on the peninsula and across the Asia-Pacific region.

 "We look forward to an efficient and successful exercise with one of our closest and oldest allies in the Indo-Asia-Pacific region," said Nowell.

 The Bonhomme Richard Expeditionary Strike Group (BHRESG) with embarked Amphibious Squadron (PHIBRON) 11 and 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) consists of amphibious assault ship USS Bonhomme Richard (LHD 6), and amphibious dock landing ships USS Ashland (LSD 48) and USS Germantown (LSD 42), and Ticonderoga-class guided-missile cruiser USS Shiloh (CG 67).

 Joining the BHRESG is the Boxer Amphibious Ready Group (BOXARG), which consists of amphibious assault ship USS Boxer (LHD 4), amphibious transport dock ship USS New Orleans (LPD 18), amphibious dock landing ship USS Harpers Ferry (LSD 49), PHIBRON 1, and 13th MEU 4th Marines, Combat Logistics Regiment 35, 1st Tank Battalion and I MEF Crisis Response Force Company. All units fall under 3rd MEB during the exercise.

 Commander, Flotilla (COMFLOT) 5 consisting of amphibious assault ship ROKS Dokdo (LPH-6111), amphibious landing ship class ROKS Cheon Wang Bong (LST 686), Chungmugong Yi Sun-sin-class destroyer ROKS Munmu the Great (DDH 976) is among the ROK assets participating in the exercise.

BHR ARG/MEU Team Completes Force Protection Exercise

SAN DIEGO (NNS) -- Sailors and Marines from the Bonhomme Richard Amphibious Ready Group (ARG) and embarked Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) 11 completed a two-day anti-terrorism/force protection (AT/FP) training exercise at Naval Base San Diego June 25-26.

"The training exercise tested the [ARG] in a lot of different scenarios that they may find themselves in overseas," said Lt. Mike McGee, the ARG's senior force protection officer. "A lot of the scenarios thrown at the ships were worst case, and they really challenged the ships."

Sailors and Marines from the ARG's three amphibious vessels, the amphibious assault ship USS Bonhomme Richard (LHD 6), amphibious transport dock ship USS Cleveland (LPD 7) and amphibious dock landing ship USS Rushmore (LSD 47), trained to detect and defend sporadic notional threats on and around base piers.

"Commander, 3rd Fleet was in charge of the entire exercise," said McGee. "They put some really cool events in there to make the ships think and act. It was a lot of fun for the Sailors because they got to do a lot and see a lot of things they don't usually see."

The Bonhomme Richard ARG/MEU team is scheduled to begin a series of major at-sea training evolutions prior to the start of a routine deployment.

The upcoming integrated training exercises are designed to enable the ARG/MEU to work as a team and execute a range of operations during deployment to include security cooperation, theatre engagement and missions that help maintain freedom of the seas, prevent war and fulfill the maritime strategy.

Bonhomme Richard ARG is augmented by various support elements. These include Tactical Squadron 12, Detachment (DET) 2; the "Wild Cards" of Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron 23, DET 3; Assault Craft Units (ACU) 1, DET B and ACU 5 DET F; Beachmaster Unit 1, DET B; and Fleet Surgical Team 9.

Marine General Visits Amphib Preparing to Deploy

By Lt. j.g. Tim Hawkins, Amphibious Squadron 7 Public Affairs

SAN DIEGO (NNS) -- USS Bonhomme Richard (LHD 6), the flagship of Amphibious Squadron 7, hosted the I Marine Expeditionary Force commanding general at Naval Base San Diego for a three-day offsite planning meeting April 22-24.

As the Marine Corps places greater emphasis on operating from Navy ships, Marine Corps Lt. Gen. Samuel Helland and 30 members of his staff toured ship spaces and held a series of strategy sessions aboard the Navy's next West Coast amphibious assault ship scheduled to deploy.

"The relationship between the Navy and Marine Corps is very important, and we chose an amphibious ship in order to bring forth the importance of that relationship," said Lt. Col. Brian Sanchez, a member of I MEF's intelligence staff.

Last June, Marine Corps Commandant Gen. James Conway unveiled "Vision and Strategy 2025," a new strategic vision that highlights the importance of looking beyond current Marine Corps commitments in Iraq and Afghanistan to increase focus on security-cooperation activities that prevent war in potentially unstable regions.

"It's all about getting back to our expeditionary roots," Sanchez said. "Some of our core topics are on readiness for those amphibious skills that the Navy and Marines work to build on."

Bonhomme Richard's senior officers led Marines on whirlwind tour of the 833-foot-long vessel, visiting spaces including medical, the main gym, hangar and engine room.

I MEF staff took particular interest in the berthing facilities I MEF's troops from the 11th Marine Expeditionary Unit will call home during an upcoming fall deployment.

"This is a four-star accommodation. The [ship's] staff has been nothing but good to us," said Sanchez.

More than 2,000 11th MEU Marines are scheduled to deploy with the Bonhomme Richard Amphibious Ready Group, which consists of amphibious assault ship Bonhomme Richard; amphibious transport dock ship USS Cleveland (LPD 7); and amphibious dock landing ship USS Rushmore (LSD 47).

The BHRARG/11th MEU team is gearing up to participate in a series of pre-deployment exercises that will prepare the group for a full range of operational capabilities, from combat missions to humanitarian assistance and disaster relief.

Sanchez added, "I'm proud to have the Bonhomme Richard as part of the I MEF/11th MEU team. This is a splendid vessel."

Bonhomme Richard ESG Returns to San Diego

By Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class (SW) Alexia M. Riveracorrea, Fleet Public Affairs Center, Pacific

SAN DIEGO (NNS) -- USS Bonhomme Richard (LHD 6), USS Denver (LPD 9), and USS Rushmore (LSD 47) returned home Nov. 19, after completing a seven and one-half month deployment in support of the global war on terrorism.

While deployed, ships from the Bonhomme Richard Expeditionary Strike Group (BHRESG) conducted Maritime Security Operations alongside coalition partners to promote stability in the Persian Gulf.

"The primary mission of BHRESG was to complete maritime operations with partner nations such as Australia, Singapore, Kuwait, and others," said Capt. Rod Clark, commander Amphibious Squadron 7. "The deployment overall was a complete success."

The BHRESG patrolled international waters in the North Persian Gulf for four months, including the area around Iraq's two oil platforms.

"Working with other navies gave us the opportunity to get to know each other, and allows for a fostering relationship among nations," said Clark.

Clark praised Bonhomme Richard Sailors for their accomplishments during the deployment.

"Bravo Zulu, they did a fantastic job by completing the mission successfully," said Clark. "Each and every one worked not only for the Navy, but for the country as well."

Family and friends waited for Bonhomme Richard Sailors to disembark the ship after her return.

"I'm very excited to see my husband," said the wife of Electrician's Mate 1st Class Ron Fall. "It's a sense of fulfillment to have him back again."

The new fathers aboard had the privilege to be the first to disembark the ship, and meet with their families.

"It feels great to be with my family again, especially because I have a newborn," said Operation Specialist 3rd Class Luis Herrera. "It's hard to describe my feelings; it's a wonderful experience."

BHRESG was comprised of Amphibious Squadron 7, 13th Marine Expeditionary from Camp Pendleton, Calif., Bonhomme Richard, Denver, Rushmore, USS Milius (DDG 69), USS Chosin (CG 65), and USS Chung-Hoon (DDG 93).

Bonhomme Richard ESG Departs Australia

By Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Jefferey Gabriel, Commander, Amphibious Force U.S. 7th Fleet Public Affairs

PERTH, Australia (NNS) -- Bonhomme Richard Expeditionary Strike Group (ESG), which includes USS Bonhomme Richard (LHD 6), USS Denver (LPD 9) and USS Rushmore (LSD 47) completed a scheduled port visit to Fremantle and Perth on Oct. 21.

During the five-day visit, Sailors and Marines were involved in friendship-building activities, met local citizens, experienced local customs and traditions, and enjoyed recreational activities offered in Perth.

“This was a great opportunity for our Sailors and Marines to enjoy the rewards of a long and successful deployment,” said Capt. Neil Parrott, commanding officer of Bonhomme Richard. “Australia is a favorite place for us to visit. The crew always enjoys opportunities to visit cities such as Perth and Fremantle. This port visit offered our Sailors and Marines the opportunity to experience the culture of this wonderful city.”

Sailors and Marines participated in various Morale, Welfare and Recreation (MWR) and community relations events, allowing the Sailors and Marines a chance to journey through shopping malls and mingle with locals.

“I feel that the Australian locals were very pleased with our visit to Perth,” said Boatswain’s Mate 1st Class (SW/AW) Horace Reid. “Going the extra mile is an understatement in this case. You could see it in their smiles that they wanted to make an everlasting impression on us as tourists.”

Sailors and Marines met with members of local civic organizations, including the Western Australian Tourism Commission, Fremantle’s Chamber of Commerce, and the Australian-American Association, at a welcoming reception at a local restaurant in Fremantle.

“We got the warmest welcome from the Australians,” said Air Traffic Controller 2nd Class (AW/SW) Christopher Ollinger. “While being served food and drinks, we also entertained each other with questions about our lifestyles. The hospitality was second to none.”

MWR events also opened the door to the region’s culture. According to Chief Yeoman Lovie Rush, the MWR-sponsored Sun Valley Wine, Cheese and Chocolate tour was a good way to learn about Australia’s oldest wine growing region.

“I’m not a wine drinker, but I still attended this tour and ended up having the time of my life,” said Rush. “We visited five wineries and with each wine, we got a sample to go along with the synopsis of them. We also got to sample a variety of chocolates and enjoy[ed] a gourmet platter lunch.”

According to Ship’s Serviceman Seaman Timothy Long, the koalas, kangaroos and sharks tour gave everyone a chance to experience a pleasant side of wildlife.

“Once you see a shark in person, you will immediately notice that they are larger than the television makes them out to be,” said Long. “I also got a chance to feed and touch koalas. Still, my highlight of the tour was when I saw what I think is the fastest kangaroo in the world.”

Sailors and Marines also volunteered time to show their appreciation to their hosts through a variety of community outreach projects benefiting the local community and environment, including assisting the elders at the Perth Hebrew Congregation; planting trees and shrubs to regenerate wetlands with the Conservation Volunteers Australia, Bushland Project; gardening and painting for Valued Independent People, Inc.; and visiting children at the Princess Margaret Hospital.

“I really enjoyed myself,” said Aviation Maintenance Administrationman 2nd Class Corey Willis, who volunteered to help at WEST Australian, Care, Accommodation, Rehabilitation, and Employment, an organization that helps disabled individuals to be independent. “This is a very constructive and rewarding way to spend your day.”

Bonhomme Richard ESG Enters 7th Fleet

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.

13th MEU Returns to BHR Expeditionary Strike Group

By Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Woody Paschall, Commander, U.S. Naval Forces Central Command/Commander, U.S. 5th Fleet Public Affairs
Marines assigned to the 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) observe as Landing Craft Air Cushion (LCAC) 65 of Assault Craft Unit (ACU) 5, Det. B., hits the beach at Kuwait Naval Base during a Marine backload. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Jacob L. Hollingsworth)

The 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) Special Operations Capable (SOC) completed its return to the USS Bonhomme Richard (LHD 6) (BHR), USS Denver (LPD 9) and USS Rushmore (LSD 47) Sept. 28, after conducting combat operations in Iraq for nearly four months.

While in Iraq, the 13th MEU's SOC Battalion Landing Team, 3rd Battalion, 1st Marines (BLT 3/1) was responsible for ground combat counterinsurgency operations in Al Anbar Province.

According to Lt. Col. Justice Chambers, 13th MEU SOC operations officer, the BLT and other units attached to the MEU conducted 14 separate named operations focused largely on disrupting the insurgent's freedom of movement and denying the movement of materials into Baghdad and Al Anbar.

The operations resulted in the confiscation and destruction of over 90 tons of homemade explosives and raw materials used to create them.

"We successfully accomplished all missions assigned to us, contributing significantly to the decreasing levels of violence in Kharmah, Fallujah, and Ramadi, and the improving security situation in Baghdad," said Chambers. "BLT 3/1 disrupted the enemy's freedom of movement by operating where coalition forces typically have not operated. That set the conditions to transition portions of our area of operations to the Iraqi army, allowing them to greater control selected portions of eastern Al Anbar."

He added that the contribution of the Iraqi forces almost assured success because of their integration with the Iraqi people.

"When they integrated into our operations we saw the pronounced benefit. Where we could spend a lot of time trying to detect insurgents, they can go in and immediately pick out a person and say he doesn't belong here," said Chambers. "They [the Iraqi army] are served by thoughtful leaders and troops who feel they serve all of the Iraqi people."

Accomplishing these missions would not have happened without the support of the MEU's Combat Logistics Battalion (CLB) 13.

"The first 30 days the Battalion Landing Team was non-stop and they were able to maintain that tempo through the efforts of CLB-13 to build-up and sustain logistics," said Chambers. "CLB-13 certainly made everything the BLT did possible."

The AV-8B Harriers and helicopters of the MEU's Aviation Combat Element began returning to BHR Sept. 14. Helicopters and LCACs (landing craft air cushion) were then used to return nearly 2,000 Marines and their equipment.

"It's a relief to get the hard work done with," said Cpl. Seth Gyldenvand, BLT 3/1, Kilo Co. "I'm looking forward to getting some rest and liberty."

During their return, the MEU loaded several tons of ammunition and weapons, nearly 30 aircraft, including AV-8B Harriers, CH-46E Sea Knights and AH-1W Cobras, numerous heavy transport and patrol vehicles, and artillery.

"It's a good thing. We're getting the Marines back and we're going home soon," said Gunnery Sgt. Bernardo Cruz, BHR combat cargo. "The combat cargo Marines and Sailors have been doing a great job getting the MEU back on board. Everyone put in a lot of time getting ready for this, and they showed a lot of teamwork to get all the equipment on board quickly and safely."

As the Marine Ground Combat Element back loaded aboard BHR, the ship mustered a 150-man working party joined by volunteers from the ship's Second Class and First Class Petty Officers Associations to help the Marines bring their gear aboard and provide them with a warm welcome.

"We're out here helping them because we are all on the same team in the same fight," said Storekeeper 2nd Class (SW) Marshall Mallory. "They've been out there for about four months, and they're tired, a lot more tired even than we are. So we're pitching in to give them a hand, grab their gear and get them set up in berthing."

The gesture made a positive impression on the Marines as they stepped off the LCACs and climbed the ramp into the hangar bay.

"It's a great welcome back," said Gyldenvand. "We've been hauling our gear around for the past week and getting some help from our Navy brothers is great."

BHR, Denver and Rushmore are part of the Bonhomme Richard Expeditionary Strike Group (BHRESG). BHRESG has been operating in the U.S. 5th Fleet area of operations conducting Maritime Security Operations (MSO). U.S. and coalition forces conduct MSO to help set the conditions for security and stability in the maritime environment, as well as complement the counterterrorism and security efforts of regional nations. These operations seek to disrupt violent extremists' use of the maritime environment as a venue for attack or to transport personnel, weapons or other materials.

26 MEU Completes Mission for CENTCOM

USS BATAAN, At Sea (NNS) -- The 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) departed U.S. Central Command's (CENTCOM) area of operations (AOO) June 1, concluding a significant stage of the unit's current deployment.

The 26th MEU entered the CENTCOM AOO Jan. 1 to assume the role of theater reserve. With the role came the responsibilities of engaging partner nations in support of regional security efforts and maintaining the capability to quickly respond to any contingency that might arise across the Middle East.

Although the course of the 26th MEU's travels did not include stops in Iraq or Afghanistan, the importance of the work the Marines and Sailors have done throughout the region since February cannot be overstated, said Marine Col. Gregg A. Sturdevant, 26th MEU commander.

"Our continued engagement and regional stability are key to ensuring nations in the Middle East don't fall prey to transnational terrorism," said Sturdevant.

Within days of passing through the Suez Canal and into CENTCOM's AOO, the MEU offloaded several hundred Marines and their equipment in Djibouti to conduct Image Nautilus, an exercise that involved bilateral military training and a community relations project in the African nation.

Combat Logistics Battalion (CLB) 26 headed up the operations ashore, providing all the logistics requirements to ensure exercise success.

Marines from Battalion Landing Team (BLT) 2/2 worked alongside dozens of Djiboutian soldiers conducting weapons handling drills, vehicle-mounted assaults and live-fire ranges with small arms, heavy machine guns and rockets.

Approximately 80 Marines and Sailors from BLT 2/2 spent two days painting, making general repairs and cleaning at Ecole du Stade Primary School in the Balballa area of Djibouti City.

As elements of BLT 2/2 and CLB 26 wrapped up Image Nautilus, the rest of the MEU continued around the Horn of Africa in preparation for the next regional engagement in Kenya.

Exercise Edged Mallet, conducted March 2-12, saw Marines and Sailors participating in bilateral military training with elements of the Kenyan army, as well as community relations projects in the surrounding areas of Naval Station Manda Bay, Kenya.

The bilateral training portion of the exercise featured BLT 2/2 conducting live-fire ranges, exchanging demonstrations of tactics and conducting joint patrols with units from the Kenyan 15th Rifle Battalion.

Marines from CLB 26 joined with engineers from the Kenyan military to refurbish the Bargoni Primary School in Bargoni, Kenya.

In a separate community outreach effort, several medical specialists from the MEU and Bataan Strike Group held a two-day medical clinic for residents of the Bargoni area.

Marine Medium Helicopter Squadron (HMM) 264 (Reinforced) provided tactical and lift support to both the Marines and Kenyans and between ship and shore.

Following the conclusion of operations in the Horn of Africa, the 26th MEU began moving north into the Persian Gulf and a scheduled exercise with a gulf region nation.

The 26th MEU and Qatari forces conducted bilateral military training in Qatar April 3-15.

The scheduled exercise Eastern Maverick enhanced interoperability and tactical proficiency between U.S. and Qatari forces, while strengthening and refining peaceful military-to-military relationships.

Approximately 900 Marines and Sailors from the 26th MEU participated in the exercise, which included classroom training, practical applications and live-fire ranges.

Shortly after sailing from Qatar, the MEU arrived in the Northern Persian Gulf ready to commence their largest offload and training evolution to date.

The 26th MEU completed the off-load of nearly all personnel and equipment from the ships of the Bataan Strike Group into Kuwait April 23 to begin two weeks of sustainment training at the Udairi Range complex.

The training provided the Marines and Sailors of the MEU an opportunity to exercise and refresh skills that would ensure the unit's continued readiness to conduct contingency operations throughout CENTCOM's area of responsibility (AOR).

The MEU wrapped up training in Kuwait and rejoined the Bataan Strike Group in early May.

USS Bataan (LHD 5) and USS Shreveport (LPD 12) set a course around the Arabian Peninsula and into a Middle East port to stage the MEU for its final engagement exercise in CENTCOM's AOR.

The annual exercise paired Marines and Sailors from the MEU with elements of the host nation military to conduct bilateral training and enhance the two country's interoperability.

The bilateral training culminated with a combined operation that witnessed motorized, mechanized and helicopter-borne forces from BLT 2/2 and the host nation's military conducting a coordinated assault on several objectives with air support from HMM 264 (Rein) and their aircraft.

The presence and work of the greater Bataan Expeditionary Strike Group supporting U.S. Naval Forces Central Command (NAVCENT) throughout the regional maritime environment helped to sustain a secure environment for some of the world's busiest and most vital commercial sea lanes.

As the 26th MEU sets a course for the home waters of the United States, Sturdevant said he is proud of the many accomplishments of the unit's Marines and sailors, and they should be proud of their mission success in support of CENTCOM and NAVCENT.

The 26th MEU departed North Carolina Jan. 6 on a routine deployment as the landing force with the Bataan Strike Group. In addition to Bataan, the strike group is comprised of the USS Oak Hill (LSD 51), Shreveport, USS Nitze (DDG 94), USS Vella Gulf (CG 72), USS Underwood (FFG 36) and USS Scranton (SSN 756).

BHRESG Completes Presence Ops

By Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Dustin Mapson, Bonhomme Richard Expeditionary Strike Group Public Affairs



USS BONHOMME RICHARD, At Sea (NNS) -- The Bonhomme Richard Expeditionary Strike Group’s (BHRESG) Assault Craft Unit (ACU) 5 Det. B completed four days of presence operations (presence ops) in the Persian Gulf on June 1.

During the presence ops, ACU 5 Det. B’s Landing Craft Air Cushion (LCAC) followed designated navigational routes in Iraqi territorial waters and international waters.

“What we are doing is enhancing our presence in the maritime environment as well as conducting expeditionary strike force (ESF) training,” said Senior Chief Gas Turbine System Technician Electrical (SW) Ernesto Barba, ACU 5 lead chief petty officer. “These operations demonstrate our commitment to protecting Iraq’s sea-based infrastructure, which helps provide the Iraqi people the opportunity for self determination.”

Lt. Javier Garcia, ACU 5’s officer in charge, said the mission of presence ops is to act as an extension of the BHRESG.

“Presence ops is an extension of BHRESG’s maritime operations mission,” said Garcia. “This also gives the warfare commanders a different perspective of the battle space and allows us to see what the other forces operating in the area are doing from ground level.”

The operation went smoothly, said Gas Turbine System Technician Mechanical 1st Class (SW) Robert Aycock, an assistant craft master for one of the missions.

“We are required to stay within the recognized route pattern and to maintain a safe distance from other craft,” said Aycock. “During our run we saw a lot of merchant traffic and speed boats. However, we are well-trained and a very experienced crew and safety was our first priority.”

The missions ran two to three times daily over a four-day period, aimed to cover a target area while continually alternating navigational routes.

BHRESG Commander Capt. Bradley Martin said the mission helps maintain the U.S. Navy’s continuous presence in the region.

“The strike group is extremely versatile,” said Martin. “The presence operation was effective on many levels. First off, it shows that we are capable of maintaining a security presence in the region. Second, it also shows that if called upon, we can carry out any mission we are tasked with safely and efficiently. And third, it supports our ESF training which allows us to plan and conduct defensive multitask force operations as part of the U.S.’s long-standing commitment to maintaining maritime security and stability in the region.”

The BHRESG consists of Amphibious Squadron (PHIBRON) 7, USS Bonhomme Richard (LHD 6), USS Denver (LPD 9), USS Rushmore (LSD 47), USS Milius (DDG 69), USS Chung-Hoon (DDG 93), USS Chosin (CG 65) and 2,200 combat-ready Marines of the 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU). BHRESG is conducting maritime operations in the U.S. 5th Fleet area of operations.

Maritime operations help set the conditions for security and stability in the maritime environment and complement the counter-terrorism and security efforts in regional nations’ littoral waters. Coalition forces also conduct maritime operations under international maritime conventions to ensure security and safety in international waters so that commercial shipping and fishing can occur safely in the region.

USS Bonhomme Richard Off-Loads 13th MEU

By Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class (SW/AW) Ryan Tabios, U.S. 5th Fleet Public Affairs

CAMP PATRIOT, Kuwait (NNS) -- The USS Bonhomme Richard (LHD 6) (BHR) off-loaded the 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) here May 25-28.

The four-day offload saw the departure of more than 2,200 Sailors and Marines from BHR, USS Denver (LPD 9) and USS Rushmore (LSD 47). The offload also included 300,000 pounds of equipment and heavy artillery and the MEU’s Aviation Combat Element.

“This was a calculated and well executed movement of personnel and equipment from ship to shore,” said Marine Gunnery Sgt. Flan Harrell, BHR’s assistant combat cargo officer. “It takes a great deal of planning to accomplish an event of this size and the coordinated efforts of the many departments involved were nothing short of outstanding.”

Harrell said the amphibious offload was a complete team effort.

“All together we accomplished this offload in the most efficient way possible,” said Harrell. “There is no way we could have met our demanding timelines if it were not for the outstanding leadership of my staff and the Navy/Marine Corps team, and the efforts of ACU 5 (Assault Craft Unit 5), ACU 1 (Det. D) and BMU 1 (Beach Master Unit 1, Det. B).”

ACU 5 operates the landing craft air cushion and ACU 1 operates the landing craft utility used to transport Marines and equipment ashore. BMU 1 mans the beaches and coordinates the landing craft’s movement ashore.

Bonhomme Richard Expeditionary Strike Group (BHRESG) Commander Capt. Bradley Martin said after spending the past few months with the 13th MEU he is confident in their ability to carry out any mission they are tasked with ashore.

“The Marines have used every second of their time, and every inch of this ship to prepare for this moment,” said Martin. “I am more than confident that their time ashore will be productive and successful. We look forward to the onload when their mission is completed, but for now the BHRESG will carry on our maritime operations mission in support of the theater commander.”

BHR Commanding Officer Capt. Steve Greene said the offload of the 13th MEU signifies the completion of only a portion of BHR’s mission.

“Our mission is to embark and deploy the land elements of the Marines Corps,” said Greene. “The offload is only part of our mission. We will now continue to conduct maritime operations to help set the conditions for security and stability in the region. Once the MEU has completed their mission ashore, and we bring them and our Sailors back home safely to San Diego at the conclusion of our deployment, we will have completed our mission.”

The BHRESG consists of Amphibious Squadron 7, BHR, Denver, Rushmore, USS Milius (DDG 69), USS Chung-Hoon (DDG 93), USS Chosin (CG 65), and 2,200 combat-ready Marines of the 13th MEU.

BHRESG is operating in the U.S. 5th Fleet area of operations and will be conducting maritime security operations (MSO). U.S. and coalition forces conduct MSO to help set conditions for security and stability in the maritime environment, as well as complement the counter-terrorism and security efforts of regional nations. These operations seek to disrupt violent extremists’ use of the maritime environment as a venue for attack or to transport personnel, weapons or other materials.