By Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class William T. Jenkins, USS Essex (LHD 2) Public Affairs SASEBO, Japan (NNS) -- The
forward-deployed amphibious assault ship USS Essex (LHD 2) returned to
Sasebo, Japan Dec. 8 after completing a two-and-a-half month patrol of
the Western Pacific.
Throughout the patrol, Essex Sailors along with the embarked Marines of
the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) participated in two exercises
and steamed more than 13,000 nautical miles.
One of the exercises was a certification exercise (CERTEX) for the 31st
MEU, which tested the Marines ability to project power ashore from
Essex. This exercise, which concluded Oct. 16, validated the MEU's
capability to perform a variety of tasks and to integrate with the Navy
to conduct amphibious operations.
Essex also completed an Amphibious Landing Exercise (PHIBLEX) with the
31st MEU and the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP). PHIBLEX is a
bilateral training exercise conducted at sea and ashore in the Republic
of the Philippines, which is designed to improve interoperability,
increase readiness and build professional and personal relationships
between U.S. forces and the AFP.
"The Essex team performed very well during our deployment," said Capt.
David Fluker, Essex commanding officer. "We were able to accomplish all
of our assigned missions, which included working with the 31st MEU to
earn their certification and taking part in the bilateral exercise
PHIBLEX with the Republic of the Philippines. I am very proud of the
crew's performance in accomplishing both exercises."
After PHIBLEX concluded Oct. 30, Sailors, Marines and their equipment and vehicles were back loaded aboard Essex.
The ship and its crew then steamed to the coast of Bali, Indonesia in
support of a presidential visit and to conduct training with the
Indonesian military. While anchored off the coast of Bali, the
Amphibious Squadron 11 Commodore, Capt. Bradley Lee and the Essex
commanding officer hosted an evening reception on the flight deck for
Indonesian and U.S. dignitaries. Additionally, Essex Sailors and
Marines had the chance to experience liberty in Bali during a four-day
port visit.
After Essex departed Bali, the ship steamed to Manila, Republic of the
Philippines for a three-day liberty port visit. For some of the crew,
this was an opportunity for them to visit family who live in the
Philippines. Also during the port visit, Essex Sailors finished the
final series of graded damage control drills to complete its unit level
training assessment certification.
The deployment also marked the first time many Essex Sailors were
underway with the ship. Many took advantage of their time at sea by
earning qualifications.
"This was my first time underway," said Operations Specialist Seaman
Recruit Brinton Irons. "I was able to get all my basic shipboard
qualifications."
More than 280 Sailors earned either their enlisted surface warfare or
enlisted aviation warfare qualification during the deployment.
Fluker said the hard work of the crew and the integration of many units led to a successful deployment.
"The crew came together in true Essex fashion to perform the mission,
whether it was supporting the MEU, executing complex shipboard
evolutions, or supporting theater security cooperation efforts," said
Fluker. "I could not be prouder of the professionalism and dedication of
our Sailors and Marines."
For more news from USS Essex (LHD 2), visit www.navy.mil/local/lhd2/.
* Notícia publicada al lloc web de la US Navy. Creiem indicat reproduür-la donat el poc coneixement que hi ha, en general, de les forces amfíbies dels Estats Units, sovint eclipsades pels imponents portaavions.
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dissabte, 10 de desembre del 2011
Etiquetes de comentaris:
Estats Units,
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operacions amfibies,
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