USS Tortuga Returns Home

By Ens. Wendy Antebi, USS Tortuga Public Affairs

NORFOLK (NNS) -- Amphibious dock landing ship USS Tortuga (LSD 46) returned to Joint Expeditionary Base Little Creek, Va., following a seven-year assignment in support of Forward Deployed Naval Forces, Oct. 22.

Tortuga was relieved by USS Ashland (LSD 48) during a hull swap in which the crew of Ashland delivered the ship to Sasebo, Japan and returned USS Tortuga to her homeport - the culminating achievement of a four-month deployment.

"This hull swap has been a year in the making", said Cmdr. Brett Hershman, commanding officer of Tortuga. "Throughout the work-ups and transit [to Japan] and back...the crew preformed magnificently - I couldn't have asked any more from them."

On June 27, the crew deployed from Little Creek aboard Ashland to deliver the newly upgraded ship to the Japan-based crew of Tortuga. Ashland recently went through the Dock Landing Ship (LSD) midlife modernization, upgrading legacy equipment and control stations with more updated, computer based systems.
The swap between the crews took several weeks and included training, familiarization, and inventories in preparation for sea trials, crew certification, and Tortuga's ultimate sail away and return to Norfolk.

In addition to the crew swap, the commanding officers also changed platforms with Hershman taking command of the Tortuga, and Cmdr. John Barnett taking command of the Ashland.

The Navy utilizes the hull swap program to maintain material-ready ships in forward deployed assignments, while allowing crews and their families to remain at the same homeport.

"The [hull swap] process is regularly used by the Navy to transition ships from a forward deployed area back state side," said Hershman. "Ships operating out of Sasebo have a very high operational tempo; periodically bringing them back gives us a chance to perform more extensive maintenance and routine modifications to ensure their continued value to the fleet."

Returning home to the Hampton Roads area after departing for Japan earlier this year, the crew's deployment covered more than 21,500 nautical miles and included two transits of the Panama Canal.

Upon Tortuga's return, the crew will focus on maintenance and repairs. Tortuga will remain operational in the Atlantic fleet throughout 2014, supporting local operations, training exercises and remaining on call for any emergency requirements.

LSD's are designed to transport and launch amphibious craft and vehicles in support of amphibious assault operations.

USS Tortuga Arrives in Iwo To

By Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Daniel Hinton, Commander, U.S. 7th Fleet Public Affairs

USS TORTUGA, At Sea (NNS) -- USS Tortuga (LSD 46) arrived off the coast of Iwo To, Japan, Feb. 28 to support preparations for the 65th anniversary commemoration of the Battle of Iwo Jima.

The combined Japanese-U.S. ceremony, which is called a "Reunion of Honor," is slated to take place March 3.

Tortuga was chosen to represent the U.S. Navy at the ceremony and has embarked about 250 Marines and their equipment to provide support.

Upon arrival to Iwo To, Tortuga began transporting personnel and equipment from the ship to the island via Assault Craft Unit 5's landing craft air cushions.

Preparations require multiple vehicles and additional equipment to be brought ashore to support the hundreds of people expected for the event on an island that typically maintains only a small military population.

The Battle of Iwo Jima was one of the most brutal battles of World War II. More than 6,000 Marines and 17,000 Japanese were killed throughout the month and-a-half-long battle.

This ceremony is an opportunity for veterans from both sides to return to the site of the battle and remember those lost.

"To steal a quote, 'We are slowly losing the greatest generation' and Marines will never forget Iwo Jima and the sacrifices they made there," said Cmdr. James P. Lowell. "So every five years we have a commemoration for all those who served and died in the battle."

For many Sailors and Marines the island of Iwo Jima is sacred ground.

"I have talked to a lot of my Marines, and they are very honored and excited about being able to climb Mount Suribachi and see all the memorial sites," said L.t. j.g. Jennifer Sanders, from the 3rd Marine Expeditionary Force.

Tortuga is forward deployed to Sasebo, where she reports to Rear Adm. Richard Landolt, commander, Amphibious Force 7th Fleet.

Essex ESG Begins Bilateral Exercise with JMSDF

U.S. Navy and Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force ships separate from after completing a 20-ship formation surrounding the aircraft carrier USS George Washington (CVN 73).

By Lt. Cmdr. Denver Applehans, Amphibious Force 7th Fleet Public Affairs

PHILIPPINE SEA (NNS) -- Amphibious Squadron 11, USS Essex (LHD 2) and USS Tortuga (LSD 46) with embarked Marines got underway from White Beach Naval Facility in Okinawa, Japan, Nov. 12 for an exercise with the Japan Maritime Self Defense Force.

Annual Exercise 21G (ANNUALEX) is a yearly bilateral training exercise for U.S. and Japanese maritime forces that enhances the ability of the two forces to work together increasing interoperability and communication.

Essex ARG will join with the USS George Washington carrier strike group, Japan Maritime Self Defense Force ships and numerous other US ships in conducting one of the most robust naval exercises in the Western Pacific.

Warfare areas practiced will include anti-submarine warfare, anti-surface warfare, ballistic missile defense and anti-air warfare.

Sailors from various ships exchange personnel to aid in communication and understanding of how the other nation's ships operate.

"This is my first time on a U.S. ship," said Ensign Masashi Ikezaki, liaison officer to USS Essex from JS Ashigara, "It's been great to meet U.S. Sailors over meals and train together."

The exercise also provides an opportunity to train and work together to develop professional relationships.

"I enjoy working with the Japanese military, it gives us the opportunity to work together as a team," said Lt.j.g. Terence Taylor, Officer in Charge of the air cushion landing crafts (LCACs). "The cultural integration is something you don't get to experience as much of stateside."

ANNUALEX 21G is one in a continuing series of regular exercises with the JMSDF. It is a routine, bilateral exercise held annually between the U.S. Navy and JMSDF. Approximately 8,500 U.S. naval personnel will participate in the exercise.

Rear Adm. Richard Landolt, Commander, Amphibious Force 7th Fleet is leading the Essex ESG and reports to Rear Adm. Kevin Donegan, Commander, Battle Force 7th Fleet, who is commanding all U.S. naval forces in the exercise.

Navy Conducting Amphib Ops on the Pacific Ocean

Sailors aboard the amphibious dock landing ship USS Tortuga (LSD 46) tend to a Marine Corps CH-53 Sea Stallion helicopter during flight operations. Nearby, the amphibious transport dock USS Harpers Ferry (LSD 49) is conducting landing craft, air cushion (LCAC) operations. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Geronimo Aquino)

U.S., Indonesian Navies Begin Naval Engagement Activity

By Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Dan Meaney

Members of the Indonesian navy stand pierside as the amphibious dock landing ship USS Tortuga (LSD 46) pulls into port at the Tanjung Perak commercial pier in Surabaya.

SURABAYA, Indonesia (NNS) -- The U.S. and Indonesian navies kicked off an annual bilateral Naval Engagement Activity (NEA) with an opening ceremony at Indonesia Eastern Fleet Command in Surabaya July 21.

Rear Adm. Nora W. Tyson, commander, Logistics Group Western Pacific, and Capt. Mike Selby, commander, Destroyer Squadron 1, ushered in the NEA with Indonesian Navy Commodore Slamet Yulistiyono.

Yulistiyono said that while the focus of the planned events is training, the underlying theme of the NEA is relationship building.

"This event is one of the positive implementations of the bilateral relations between the two countries, based on a mutual respect and understanding," Yulistiyono said.

During the week-long series of training exercises, the two countries will seek to improve the professionalism of their naval forces and build relationships between the participating personnel.

Scheduled NEA events include ship tours for students, combined military operations symposia, a medical symposium, an aviation seminar, a military law enforcement symposium and force protection training.

Additionally, several teams will pair up for joint specialty training. Divers from both countries will conduct a diving and salvage exercise in Surabaya harbor; Naval Construction Battalion (NMCB) 133 will team with Indonesian counterparts on a joint construction project, and U.S and Indonesian Marines will engage in a joint amphibious exercise.

USS Tortuga, (LSD 46), USS Ford (FFG 54), USS Jarrett (FFG 33) and USNS Safeguard (T-ARS 50) are in Indonesia to participate in the NEA exercises.

The NEA is part of an annual series of bilateral maritime training exercises between the United States and several Southeast Asian nations designed to build relationships and enhance the operational readiness of the participating forces.

Tortuga Departs for Fall Patrol

USS Tortuga (LSD 46) gets underway from Fleet Activities Sasebo as the ship departs on fall patrol. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Adam R. Cole)

By Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Brandon A. Myrick, USS Tortuga Public Affairs

USS TORTUGA, At Sea (NNS) -- USS Tortuga (LSD 46) departed Sasebo, Japan, for its semi-seasonal fall patrol throughout the South Pacific region Oct. 8.

Talon Vision and Phiblex 08 are training exercises and will run concurrently Oct. 15-31, and will partner 2,700 U.S. and 1,300 Philippine military personnel for two weeks of training emphasizing the importance of U.S. military forces from Japan in supporting the peace and stability of the Asia-Pacific region.

“We will be conducting joint and bilateral training exercises with the armed forces of the Philippines as we continue to strengthen our security assistance program,” said Commanding Officer, Cmdr. Todd A. Lewis. “Bilateral training is vital to maintaining readiness capabilities for both the U.S. and Philippines armed forces.”

Numerous training events will focus on a variety of sea and land-based capabilities. Naval assets of Tortuga will provide a sea-based platform for simulated Marine raids, and Sailors of both nations will conduct simulated maritime interdiction operations and visit, board, search and seizure training.

“The exercises are being conducted to facilitate interoperability, increase readiness and continue to improve professional relationships between the United States and the Philippines armed forces,” said Operations Officer, Lt. Robert D. Starks. “Bilateral training is part of the long-term security assistance program between the [Philippines] and U.S.”

Along with the training schedule, Sailors on board Tortuga will be able to experience the vast array of foreign port visits as well as interact with the local community by volunteering for community service projects.

“I know how important the operational training is, but my favorite part is getting out with the locals and volunteering my time in community service projects,” said Engineman 3rd Class Kenneth Lake. “It is my way of personally getting out and doing something positive.”

While community service projects act as a one-on-one friendship builder, bilateral training is part of the long-term security assistance program between the Republic of the Philippines and U.S.

“Exercises like these go a long way toward supporting the peace and stability of the Asia-Pacific region,” said Lewis.

LCACs Part of Blue-Greens

For Josh and the SoCalMilcom gang:

Three Landing Craft Air Cushions (LCAC) prepare to enter the well deck of the amphibious dock landing ship USS Tortuga (LSD 46) after conducting LCAC maintenance turns. Tortuga and the Essex Amphibious Ready Group (ESXARG) are currently conducting blue-greens as the first phase of their spring patrol. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Brandon Myrick)