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Iwo Jima Expeditionary Strike Group (ESG) – PHIBRON 4

Commander, Naval Surface Force, U.S. Atlantic Fleet Story Archive
http://www.news.navy.mil/local/story_archive.asp?id=91

COMNAVSURALANT
Commander, Naval Surface Forces Atlantic
http://www.cnsl.surfor.navy.mil/default.aspx

Commander, Amphibious Squadron Four
Amphibious Task Force
COMPHIBRON FOUR
(COMPHIBRON) 4
COMPHIBRON 4
PHIBRON FOUR
Amphibious Squadron FOUR (CPR 4)
Amphibious Squadron 4 (CPR 4)
http://www.cpr4.navy.mil http://www.globalsecurity.org/military/agency/navy/phibron4.htm

Located in NAB Little Creek VA., Amphibious Squadron Four (CPR 4) is the Command and Control Leg of the USS Iwo Jima (LHD 7).

ESG (Expeditionary Strike Group), former ARG (Amphibious Readiness Group). Amphibious Squadrons are built much like an athletic team whose coaching and training staff remain permanently intact and receive athletes only for the season. The Core Staff serves as the "coaching staff" for the different units under its command. These units are referred to as Naval Support Elements or NSEs. They serve on this "team" for one year. A PHIBRON's NSE's consists of an Amphibious Assault Ship (LHD or LHA), an Amphibious Transport Dock (LPD), a Dock Landing Ship (LSD), a Fleet Surgical Team (FST-6), a Fleet Information Warfare Center detachment (FIWC), a Naval Beach Group detachment (NBG-2), a Search and Rescue detachment (HC SAR), an Explosive Ordinance Disposal detachment (EOD), a Tactical Air Control Squadron (TACRON), and a Naval Special Warfare Task Unit (NSWTU). All elements come together for six months of training then deploy for six months as a forward-deployed, self-sustaining Amphibious Task Force.

Commander Amphibious Squadron FOUR is subordinate to Commander, Expeditionary Strike Group (ESG) 2 (COMEXSTRKGRU TWO).

Amphibious ships are assigned to a squadron, more precisely an amphibious squadron which originally began as a Amphibious Ready Group (ARG). Each amphibious squadron is designated by number and is comprised of an at-sea staff.

Amphibious Squadron Four (CPR 4) mission is the planning and tactical control of assigned naval forces in the conduct of expeditionary operations. Primarily, the missions tasked to Amphibious Squadron FOUR will be in the littoral battle space. Expeditionary forces of the Navy-Marine Corps TEAM maintain a significant capability to conduct maritime security, amphibious and strike operations in combat, as well as humanitarian situations. These operations not only involve the Navy-Marine Corps TEAM in a supporting / supported relationship, but also involve other services and allies. Whether in peace or war, the CPR 4 Staff is dedicated to ensuring that the ships and detachments in our Navy-Marine Corps TEAM continue to strive for operational excellence as it has for the past four decades. We will always be "READY TO LAND." http://www.cpr4.navy.mil/index.php?id=32&secid=52

Amphibious Squadron Four (CPR 4) conducts assaults from the sea, to support an embarked Landing Force once they are established ashore, and to serve as Commander, U.S. SIXTH Fleet Amphibious Force when deployed in the Mediterranean Sea. Secondary missions include the protection, rescue or evacuation of non-combatant Americans from dangers abroad, providing humanitarian assistance, and showing a credible U.S. Force presence whenever required.

COMPHIBRON FOUR's core staff of twelve officers and nineteen enlisted specialists serves as a nucleus of expertise in assault planning, amphibious operations, task force operational control, coordination of naval gunfire and close air support, communications, medical surgery and treatment. During exercises and combat operations, the staff can be rapidly augmented to meet mission requirements and will number about 75 personnel with embarked naval support elements.

Amphibious Squadron FOUR contributes to America's policy of maintaining peace and preserving freedom worldwide by maintaining a ready peacetime presence in areas of vital interest to the security of the United States and our allies. The amphibious forces of the U.S. Navy and Marine Corps maintain a significant capability to conduct amphibious operations in actual combat, as well as humanitarian, situations. In fulfilling these vital missions the squadron remains, as it has for the past four decades, "Ready to Land."

The main job of the PhibRon is to support Marine and SEAL Ops as ordered by CINCLANT, and the CNO. PhibRon4 is capable of taking into battle more than 2,398 battle ready Marines. PhibRon4 can also provide it's own protection with the use of a CG, DD, DDG, and two FFG's. Together, these ships form a formidable opponent to even the largest fleet. Capable of launching large numbers of Cruise Missiles, Long Range SAM's, and several guns capable of Shore Bombardment from long range.

All four tactical PHIBRONs, under the command of Commander, Amphibious Strike Group TWO, maintain a demanding tempo of at-sea operations. In the past ten years, COMPHIBRON FOUR has logged over 2000 days out of homeport. A tactical amphibious squadron's organization is unique. Ships are assigned periodically to one of the tactical squadrons for specific operations or for temporary administrative purposes. The squadron staff functions for the commander in the operational readiness of each ship. The amphibious squadron commander with his staff is charged with responsibilities for planning and executing amphibious operations and deployments with a reinforced Marine Battalion. The amphibious squadron staff is capable of planning and executing amphibious assaults at the Marine Expeditionary Unit level with augmenting detachments from a Tactical Air Control Squadron, Naval Beach Group, Special Warfare Group, Explosive Ordnance Disposal Team, and Fleet Surgical Team. Additionally it serves as Naval Forces Commander in various Joint Task Force Operations. and Fleet Surgical Team. Additionally it serves as Naval Forces Commander in various Joint Task Force Operations.

1990 – Conducted Spanish Phiblex, Exercise Dragon Hammer 90.

Coordinated the drawdown and evacuation of over 1641 Americans and foreign nationals from the American Embassy in Monrova, Liberia.

1991 – Conducted Exercise Tunisian Phiblex, Display Determination and Hammerlock.

1992 – Conducted Exercise Teamwork 92.

1993 – Conducted SAR/TRAP mission in support CJTF Provide Promise, Exercise Noble Shirley, African Eagle 1993, Spanish Phiblex, Gibralter Phiblex and Betacom Exercise.

1994 – Operated as ARG Attack Group ALFA to CJTF Somalia supporting Operation Continue Hope. Conducted Operation Quickdraw, the rapid amphibious withdrawal of all U.S. Forces from Somalia. Conducted SAR/TRAP mission in support of CJTF Provide Promise. Conducted Greek Phiblex, Alexander the Great, and NATO Exercise Dynamic Impact 94.

1995 – Participated in the two-month multi-national exercise STRONG RESOLVE 95 in Norway. Conducted ARG 3-95 which included exercises Atlas Hinge 95, Noble Shirley/Noble Chris/Juniper Hawk, Bright Star 95, Alexander the Great 95, and Ready Reserve support of "Operation Joint Endeavor." Wasp (LHD 1) Amphibious Ready Group (ARG) participated in NATO exercise Strong Resolve '95, which took place in the north Atlantic and in Norway 20 February 1995 through 10 March 1995. Exercise Strong Resolve `95 included joint and combined operations which exercised rapid deployment and multinational maritime, air and land forces as a military response to an evolving crisis. US ship participants included USS Wasp (LHD-1), USS Whidbey Island (LSD-41), and USS Shreveport (LPD-12). On 22 February 1995 severe weather forced the diversion of the Wasp ARG to Rota, Spain. This diversion resulted in the requirement to move 45 exercise Strong Resolve 95 participants and over 30,000 pounds of high priority cargo and mail to Rota. COMPHIBSTRIKFOR units returned to Operation Strong Resolve 95 refueled, reprovisioned, and ready for sea.

MARG 3-95 Sailors and Marines of the USS America (CV 66) Battle Group and USS Wasp (LHD 1) Amphibious Ready Group (ARG) deployed on 28 August 1995, for a previously scheduled routine deployment. Their departure from Norfolk was delayed three days because of Hurricane Felix. Even with the delay, the battle group and ARG arrived on station on time and immediately began flying air strikes over Bosnia- Herzegovina in support of NATO's Operation Deliberate Force. On 09 September 1995 the Kearsarge ARG rendezvoused with the Wasp ARG to conduct a turnover. Later that afternoon, Kearsarge ARG Commodore Jerry Schill passed the "Commander, Task Force Six One" baton to Wasp ARG Commodore Skip Buchanan and Amphibious Squadron Four. The three-ship amphibious ready group also conducted operations in the Adriatic Sea serving as a ready-reserve force off the coast of Bosnia. The ARG, with its diverse amphibious assault capabilities, supported NATO Implementation Forces (IFOR) during the opening phases of Operation Joint Endeavor. Ready to respond to any contingency, the group had the capability to land 2,200 Marines and their supporting equipment, including the first M1A1 Abrams tanks to deploy with an ARG. The amphibious assault ship, Wasp, also served as a rescue platform for the multinational forces participating in the peacekeeping mission. USS Shreveport (LPD 12) and USS Whidbey Island (LSD 41), together with approximately 600 embarked U.S. Marines from the 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit, joined with Greek armed forces to conduct Alexander the Great 95, a major amphibious exercise in the Aegean Sea 22-30 November 1995. Whidbey Island deployed to the Mediterranean Sea as part of the America Battle Group and MARG 3-95. Wasp and USS Shreveport (LPD 12) returned to Norfolk Naval Station on 28 February 1996. USS Whidbey Island (LSD 41) returned to Little Creek Amphibious Base, VA on 28 February 1996.
COMPHIBRON FOUR returned from deployment 15 October 1997.

1996 – Continued support of "Operation Joint Endeavor." Began preparations with 22 MEU in late 96 for deployment in support ARG 2-97.

1997 – Conducted ARG 2-97 which included real-world operations Silver Wake, Guardian Retrieval, and Noble Obelisk in which 2509 American citizens and foreign nationals were evacuated from Sierra Leone. Also participated in exercises Linked Seas 97, Betacom 97, Alexander the Great 97, Cooperative Partner, COMSIXTHFLT Invitex, Atlas Hinge 97, Rescue Eagle, Sea Breeze, and Dynamic Mix 97, commencing when more than 10,000 Sailors and Marines sailed from their home ports and bases April 15, 1997for a six-month overseas deployment as the USS John F. Kennedy (CV 67) Battle Group (CVBG) and the USS Kearsarge (LHD 3) Amphibious Ready Group (ARG). The amphibious assault ship Kearsarge, with nearly 3,000 Sailors and Marines aboard, left port two weeks early, on April 15, to relieve USS Nassau (LHA 4) on station off the west African coast of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (formerly Zaire) in support of Operation Guardian Retrieval on May 2, 1997.

The other two ships in the Kearsarge ARG, USS Ponce (LPD 15) and USS Carter Hall (LSD 50), departed Norfolk on schedule with the JFK CVBG April 29 to relieve the two other ships of the Nassau ARG in the Mediterranean Sea. The largest allied military exercise of the year began 10 July 1997. Sponsored by Commander, Sixth Fleet, INVITEX 97, an invitational exercise, brought 13,000 U.S. naval and Marine Corps forces together with 3,000 Italian, French, Greek, German, Dutch and British naval forces to practice combined operations during a mock conflict. The aircraft carrier USS John F. Kennedy (CV 67) with Carrier Air Wing EIGHT embarked; units from USS Kearsarge (LHD 3) Marine Amphibious Ready Group (MARG) along with the 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit (22nd MEU); plus 12 other U.S. ships exercised a wide range of mission capabilities with their allied counterparts during the nine-day warfare training operation. ATLAS HINGE, a six-day exercise between US and Tunisian forces, began 22 July 1997. Four thousand U.S. Sailors, Marines and Soldiers from USS Kearsarge (LHD 3), USS Ponce (LPD 15), USS Carter Hall (LSD 50), USS Tempest (PC 2), the 22nd MEU, and Company 3/325 Airborne Battalion SETAF participated in the exercise.

COMPHIBRON FOUR returned from deployment 15 October 1997.

1998 – Conducted Exercise MARCOT/Unified Spirit 98 and pre-deployment work-ups with 24 MEU and the Enterprise Battle Group.

The USS Enterprise (CVN 65) Battle Group and the USS Nassau (LHA 4) Amphibious Ready Group were underway in late 1998 in the Western Atlantic participating in Joint Task Force Exercise 99-1. Ships got underway Sept. 18 for the three-week exercise to prepare for their upcoming Mediterranean Sea and Arabian Gulf deployment, slated to begin in early November 1998.

The USS Nassau Amphibious Ready Group (ARG) remained on station in the Adriatic conducting urgent humanitarian relief operations in support of ongoing operations in Kosovo. Capitalizing on the airlift and mobility capabilities of the ARG/MEU team, this international relief effort delayed the Nassau ARG's return to homeport by approximately two weeks. COMPHIBRON FOUR embarked. USS Nassau (LHA 4), USS Pensacola (LSD 38), USS Nashville (LPD 13) and embarked Marines from the 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit (Special Operations Capable) had been scheduled to return to homeport 13 May 1999.

1999 – Continued Mediterranean deployment as ARG 1-99. Participated in Exercises Spanish Phiblex 1-99, and Alexander the Great 99. Conducted planning and presence operations in support of JTF Noble Anvil, Operation Joint Guardian, and Allied Force in support of the Kosovo crisis. Returned from deployment 13 May 1999.

Mediterranean Amphibious Ready Group (MARG 3-00), USS Saipan (LHA 2) Amphibious Ready Group (ARG), with the 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) embarked, left homeport 11 July 2000.

The ARG, comprised the multi-purpose amphibious assault ship USS Saipan, the amphibious transport dock ship USS Austin (LPD 4), the dock landing ship USS Ashland (LSD 48) and attached naval support elements. Their deployment was highlighted by extensive operations and exercises throughout the Mediterranean, including presence operations in the Adriatic Sea. The ARG/MEU team also participated in several international exercises.

In addition to NATO Exercise Destined Glory, they were key players in Slunj 2000 (a bilateral exercise with Croatia) and PHIBLEX 00.

Operational control of Amphibious Squadron (COMPHIBRON) 4 shifted from the U.S. 2nd Fleet to the U.S. 6th Fleet on 24 July 2000 as the Norfolk-based USS Saipan (LHA 2) Amphibious Ready Group (ARG) began its Mediterranean deployment. Since entering the Mediterranean in late July 2000, USS SAIPAN was designated as Flagship of the Mediterranean Amphibious Ready Group (MARG 3-00). Amphibious Squadron 4 and the 26th MEU(SOC) relieved COMPHIBRON 8 and 24th MEU(SOC) embarked on the Norfolk-based USS WASP (LHD 1) ARG, which returned to homeport in mid-August 2000.

The ARG/MEU team also participated in several international exercises. In addition to NATO Exercise Destined Glory, they were key players in Slunj 2000 (a bilateral exercise with Croatia). In September, the SAIPAN ARG and 26 MEU(SOC) conducted Exercise Atlas Hinge at Cap Serrat, Tunisia. The bilateral exercise offered the ARG/MEU team its first opportunity to conduct an opposed transit and landing since pre-deployment work-ups. Following Atlas Hinge, the SAIPAN ARG demonstrated its ability to operate in a split configuration for September’s Croatian PHIBLEX, in which AUSTIN joined forces with the Croatian military to carry out a combined air and surface assault, while SAIPAN and ASHLAND performed Adriatic presence operations. The ARG remained in split configuration throughout much of October, with ASHLAND joining AUSTIN for the early phases of the multi-national amphibious Exercise Destined Glory, while SAIPAN conducted presence operations in the Eastern Mediterranean. SAIPAN joined the final phases of Destined Glory allowing the entire ARG to participate in the final amphibious assault at Doganbey, Turkey.

The exercise schedule concluded in November with Slunj 2000, another bilateral training exercise with Croatia. While the primary focus of the exercise was to provide the MEU with the opportunity for Unit Level live fire and maneuver training, the ARG conducted an opposed transit of the Adriatic Sea en route to the offload site against forces from the GEORGE WASHINGTON Carrier Battle Group and the Croatian Navy. The SAIPAN ARG made port calls throughout the Mediterranean, including visits in Spain (Tarragona, Almeria, Malaga, and Palma de Mallorca), France (Cannes), Italy (La Spezia, Livorno, Civitavecchia, Gaeta, Naples, Catania, and Trieste), Greece (Souda Bay), Malta (Valetta), Croatia (Dubrovnik, Split, and Rijeka), and Slovenia (Koper).

When deployed in late 2000, three Naval vessels constituted Amphibious Squadron (PHIBRON) Four, the unit that maintained tactical control of those Navy counterparts that work alongside the 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit (Special Operations Capable) [26th MEU (SOC) Operational Control of Amphibious Squadron FOUR shifted from Commander, U. S. Sixth Fleet to Commander, U. S. Second Fleet on Friday, December 8, 2000 as the Norfolk-based SAIPAN Amphibious Ready Group ended its Mediterranean deployment and began its transit home to Norfolk, Virginia.

COMPHIBRON Four and 26th MEU (SOC) was relieved as Mediterranean Amphibious Ready Group by COMPHIBRON Two and 22nd MEU (SOC) embarked in the Norfolk-based NASSAU ARG. SAIPAN ARG returned to homeport on 21 December 2000. USS Saipan (LHA 2) amphibious ready group (ARG) returned to their East Coast homeports from a six-month Mediterranean Sea/Arabian Gulf deployment on 21 December 2000.

USS Saipan (LHA 2) was the flagship of PHIBRON Four in 2000 and 2001. The United States maintains the largest and most capable force in the world, and Saipan sails proudly on its front line. Most units of 26th MEU (SOC), to include the Command Element and Marine Medium Helicopter Squadron 264, are embarked aboard this vessel.

USS Austin (LPD 4) is called the "middle deck," as it as not as large as USS Saipan. The class is considered one of the most versatile ships in the US Naval fleet. While her primary mission is similar to the Ashland, her secondary mission is evacuation and civilian disaster relief. Most of the Marines from the 26th MEU (SOC)'s MEU Service Support Group 26 are embarked aboard Austin, as well as BLT 2/2's Golf Company.

The smallest ship within PHIBRON Four was USS Ashland (LSD 48), an amphibious warfare ship designed to transport Marine and their equipment throughout the world and to launch and support assault landing craft and helicopters during amphibious operations. USS Ashland, the last of her class to be commissioned, is the home to 26th MEU (SOC) Battalion Landing Team 2/2 units Echo Company, M1-A1 Abraham’s Battle Tank platoon, two Amphibious Assault Vehicle Platoons and an Obstacle Clearing Detachment from the Engineer Platoon.

Together, the 26th MEU (SOC), PHIBRON Four, USS Saipan, USS Austin and USS Ashland patrolled the entire Mediterranean region, and using those three ships, stood ready and able to respond to numerous different situations at one time.

COMPHIBRON FOUR's core staff of twelve officers and nineteen enlisted specialists serves as a nucleus of expertise in assault planning, amphibious operations, task force operational control, coordination of naval gunfire and close air support, communications, medical surgery and treatment. During exercises and combat operations, the staff can be rapidly augmented to meet mission requirements and will number about 75 personnel with embarked naval support elements.

Recent deployments of COMPHIBRON FOUR have demonstrated repeatedly the value of the amphibious squadron staff to the accomplishment of national policy. In the past several years, this staff has executed the following operations:

Over the week of 15-19 JAN 2001, the STAFF debarked USS SAIPAN and moved back into Barnum Hall at NAB Little Creek. On the 22nd of JAN 2001 everyone returned to work from post deployment stand down and the STAFF began preparing to begin the next Work-up Cycle in preparation for a FEB '02 Deployment.

Amphibious Squadron FOUR contributes to America's policy of maintaining peace and preserving freedom worldwide by maintaining a ready peacetime presence in areas of vital interest to the security of the United States and our allies. The amphibious forces of the U.S. Navy and Marine Corps maintain a significant capability to conduct amphibious operations in actual combat, as well as humanitarian, situations. In fulfilling these vital missions the squadron remains, as it has for the past four decades, "Ready to Land." http://www.globalsecurity.org/military/agency/navy/phibron4.htm

PHIBRON 4 Changes Command

Story Number: NNS080606-23
Release Date: 6/6/2008 3:16:00 PM

By Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class (SW) Michael Starkey, Iwo Jima Expeditionary Strike Group Public Affairs

NORFOLK (NNS) -- Amphibious Squadron (PHIBRON) 4 and Iwo Jima Expeditionary Strike Group (ESG) held a change of command ceremony aboard the multipurpose amphibious assault ship USS Iwo Jima (LHD 7) in port Naval Station Norfolk, June 6.

Capt. Brian T. Smith relieved Capt. Clayton B. Kyker as commander, PHIBRON 4 and commander, Iwo Jima ESG.

Kyker, who is departing to support the Operations/Plans Directorate of Staff for the Chief of Naval Operations (OPNAV N35), passed the reigns to Smith in the ship's hangar bay.

"It was an honor and privilege to serve with this fine group of ships and Sailors," said Kyker. "I wish you all best of luck and God speed in your future endeavors."

Kyker concluded his final remarks to his staff and strike group assuring them that they will be in good hands with Smith.

Smith comes to PHIBRON 4 after completing his tour as Deputy Commander, Expeditionary Strike Group 7.

"I am deeply honored to have been chosen to lead this exceptional group of professionals," said Smith. "The Iwo Jima Expeditionary Strike Group is among the best in the fleet, and I am eager to serve with my fellow Sailors and Marines through a successful, safe deployment as we continue to do what we do best: expeditionary naval warfare."

A native of Mount Holly, N.C., Smith began his military career serving as an enlisted Marine. He earned a Reserve Officer Training Corps scholarship to attend the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill where he graduated with a Bachelors of Arts degree in History, and received his commission in 1984.

Upon commissioning, he served tours as a direct support officer at Naval Security Group Activity Philippines, supply officer and engineer aboard USS Darter (SS 576), and damage control assistant aboard USS Curts (FFG 38). He "fleeted-up" as Curts' operations officer during Operation Desert Storm.

Following a tour as a combat systems instructor at Fleet Combat Training Center Pacific, he served as operations officer aboard USS Rentz (FFG 46), combat systems officer with Commander, Destroyer Squadron 13 and future operations officer with Commander, U.S. 3rd Fleet.

He next served as executive officer of USS Gary (FFG 51), then as operations officer of USS Essex (LHD 2), followed by tours as commanding officer of Navy Reserve Center Watertown, N.Y. and USS Frederick (LST 1184).

Smith then served as the targeting officer in the Intelligence Directorate and as Operational Net Assessment supervisor in the Standing Joint Force Headquarters at U.S. Pacific Command.

Smith served as the legislative advisor to the Chief of Navy Reserve in Washington, D.C., and then served as roles and missions senior analyst on the staff of the Commission on the National Guard and Reserves.

His decorations include the Legion of Merit, Bronze Star with Combat Distinguishing Device, Defense Meritorious Service Medal, Meritorious Service Medal (five awards), and Combat Action Ribbon. http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=37692

Iwo Jima Expeditionary Strike Group (ESG) [IWOESG]
USS Iwo Jima (LHD-7)
"Uncommon Valor"
http://www.iwo-jima.navy.mil

Focus on USS Iwo Jima (LHD 7)
http://www.navy.mil/local/lhd7

USS Iwo Jima (LHD 7) Story Archive
http://www.navy.mil/local/story_archive.asp?id=131

USS Iwo Jima (LHD-7) History
http://navysite.de/ships/lhd7.htm

USS Iwo Jima (LHD-7) Photos
http://www.navsource.org/archives/10/08/0807.htm

Iwo Jima Amphibious Ready Group [IWOARG]
http://www.globalsecurity.org/military/agency/navy/lhd-7.htm
Naval Station Norfolk, VA.

USS Iwo Jima (LHD 7), Norfolk, VA – ow-commandpost
http://www.freepowerboards.com/owcommandpost/viewtopic.php?p=12905#12905

USS Iwo Jima (LHD-7) Deployment History
http://www.uscarriers.net/lhd7.htm

History of the The Battle of Iwo Jima, LPH-2 and LHD-7
http://www.iwo-jima.navy.mil/site%20pages/history.aspx

Sailors and Marines man the rails onboard the amphibious assault ship Iwo Jima (LHD 7) as she deploys as part of the Iwo Jima Expeditionary Strike Group (IWO ESG) in support of Maritime Security Operations (MSO) and Theater Security Cooperation (TSC) efforts in the U.S. 5th and 6th Fleet areas of responsibility. IWO ESG is comprised of USS Iwo Jima (LHD 7); the amphibious transport dock ship USS San Antonio (LPD 17); the guided-missile cruiser USS Vella Gulf (CG 72); the guided-missile destroyer USS Ramage (DDG 61); all homeported at Norfolk, Va.; the guided-missile destroyer USS Roosevelt (DDG 80), homeported at Mayport, Fla.; and, USS Carter Hall (LSD 50) homeported at Navy Amphibious Base Little Creek, Little Creek, Va.
http://www.secondfleet.navy.mil/files/photos/images/2008PhotoGallery/page/IWO_%20ESG_Deployment.html

USS Nashvillie (LPD-13)
"Forever on the side of Liberty and Country"
http://www.nashville.navy.mil/default.aspx

USS Nashvillie (LPD-13) History
http://navysite.de/ships/lpd13.htm

USS Nashvillie (LPD-13) Photos
http://www.navsource.org/archives/10/09/0913.htm
Naval Station Norfolk, VA.

History of NASHVILLE
http://www.nashville.navy.mil/Site%20Pages/Namesake.aspx

The insignia of USS NASHVILLE is centered about thirteen stars that represent the original thirteen colonies. The stars also represent the USS NASHVILLE's status as the thirteenth of her class of amphibious ships in the United States Navy. Surrounding the blue field and white stars is the gold compass rose of the Seal of the Metropolitan Government of the City of Nashville, Tennessee. This symbolizes the continuing link between the ship and her namesake city.

During the American Revolutionary War, Brigadier General Francis Nash, Continental Army, gave his life to ensure the independence of the colonies. The city of Nashville was named in his honor. Emblazoned on the banner is the motto taken from General Nash's dying words on the battle field at Germantown: "From the first dawn of the Revolution I have ever been on the side of liberty and my country." Flanking the motto are the traditional emblems of the Navy and Marine Corps.

CSS Nashville

The ship, and the city of Nashville, are named in honor of Francis Nash. Nash was born in Prince Edward County, Virginia in 1742. At an early age he became prominent as a North Carolina merchant, attorney, and justice of the peace; experiences which eventually lead to a seat in the House of Commons in North Carolina. In 1775, the Provincial Congress elected Nash Lieutenant Colonel of the First North Carolina Regiment, Continental Army. After taking part in the expedition to aid Charlestown in 1776 and 1777, Nash (now in command of the North Carolina Brigade) marched north to join General George Washington's Army. He was mortally wounded while leading his brigade in the Battle of Germantown, October 4, 1777.

Nash was regarded by Washington as a brave and valuable soldier. The governor of North Carolina described him as "the ablest North Carolina officer in the field."

In honor of both the city of Nashville, TN and Francis Nash, the Confederate Navy chose to name a ship after them. The Confederate steamer NASHVILLE was the first warship to bear the proud name. Originally a brig-rigged passenger steamer, she was seized by the Confederates after the fall of Fort Sumter and fitted out as a cruiser armed with two 12-pounder guns. After successfully running the Federal blockade on October 21, 1861, she sailed to England and became the first warship to fly the Confederate flag in European waters.

NASHVILLE eluded the blockade and returned to Beaufort, North Carolina on February 28, 1862, having captured two prizes valued at $66,000 during her cruise. For the rest of the year, she served as a blockade runner and a privateer. On February 28, 1863, after an unsuccessful attempt at running the blockade, she was destroyed in the Ogeechee River, Georgia by ships in the Union blockading Squadron.

CSS Nashville

The second warship, the Confederate Ironclad Ram NASHVILLE was built in 1864. She was originally armed with three 7-inch rifles and one 24-pounder smoothbore gun. She was covered with 2 inches of plating for armor. On August 5, 1864 while still fitting out in Mobile, Alabama, the Battle of Mobile Bay began. By running up the Tombigbee River she managed to evade capture. Surrounded, she was forced to surrender to Union forces on 10 May 1865. Near the end of the Civil War, NASHVILLE's iron sheathing was removed for naval use. Her stripped hulk was later sold at public auction.

PG 7

The next ship built was actually the first to bear the additional title of United States Ship. The USS NASHVILLE (PG-7) was a gunboat commissioned at Norfolk, Virginia in 1897. She was originally armed with eight 4-inch 40-caliber guns, two 6-pounder guns, two 3-pounder guns, and two 1-pounder guns.

Shortly after the battleship USS MAINE mysteriously blew up and sank in Havana harbor, NASHVILLE began patrolling near Key West, Florida. After the President proclaimed a blockade of Cuban ports on April 22, NASHVILLE fired the first shot of the war across the bow of the Spanish steamer BUENAVENTURA. This ship was sent as a prize to Key West and NASHVILLE remained on the blockade for the duration of hostilities.

NASHVILLE arrived in Manila on December 31, 1899. At the commencement of the Philippine Insurrection, NASHVILLE acted as a flagship and coordinated several amphibious assaults. Operating in an area where the second USS NASHVILLE (CL 43) would cruise nearly 40 years later, she conducted missions that the third USS NASHVILLE (LPD 13) would perform nearly 100 years later.

In June 1900, NASHVILLE sailed for China and the Boxer Rebellion with a detachment of Marines. Upon arrival, she visited many ports including Shanghai and Nagasaki. Her Asiatic duties ended July 3, 1901 when she sailed for the Mediterranean where she would be based at Genoa. She returned to Boston on January 16, 1903 only to be decommissioned on June 30, 1904.

Recommissioned in 1911 as a result of the deteriorating situation in Europe and on the Atlantic Ocean, NASHVILLE protected convoys in the Caribbean. On August 2, 1917, she departed for Gibraltar to conduct antisubmarine patrols. After World War I ended, NASHVILLE arrived in Charleston, South Carolina on August 3, 1918. She was decommissioned for the final time on October 20, 1918.

CL 43

The second USS NASHVILLE (CL 43), a light cruiser of the BROOKLYN class, was commissioned in 1938. She originally was armed with fifteen 6-inch 47-caliber guns, eight 5-inch 25-caliber guns, and eight .50 caliber antiaircraft machine guns.

Before the start of World War II, NASHVILLE sailed from port to port with various missions ranging from escorting US Marines to Iceland to carrying $25 million of gold bullion from England to New York.

Immediately after the outbreak of hostilities, she began escorting troops to Europe. In early 1942, one of the wildest plans of the war as launched. NASHVILLE was to protect the USS HORNET and the 16 Army B-25 bombers on her deck as she crossed the Pacific Ocean and targeted Tokyo, Japan. Colonel Doolittle led this famous first bomber attack on the Japanese home islands that was eventually made into the book and movie 60 Seconds over Tokyo.

After returning to Pearl Harbor, NASHVILLE was detached to help defend against the Japanese attack on the Aleutian Islands. She conducted shore bombardments of enemy coastal positions. In November, she left the frigid Arctic to head to the hot South Pacific Ocean. With the start of the island hopping tactic, NASHVILLEâ€™s heavy guns provided much needed naval gunfire support (NGFS). Her radar-controlled guns enabled a massive expenditure of ordnance with devastating accuracy. On the night of May 12-13, an explosion in her forward gun turret caused 18 deaths and 15 serious injuries. This did not prevent NASHVILLE from finishing her mission, and the bombardment continued from her remaining turrets.

After a more complete evaluation of the damage, NASHVILLE was sent to Mare Island Navy Yard for a repair and modernization period beginning June 4 1943. Departing the yard on August 4, she cruised up and down the Pacific, escorting convoys and providing NGFS. During one convoy, she suffered severe damage from a near-miss in the middle of an aircraft attack. Even with extensive flooding and oil trailing astern, she could not be stopped or diverted from her duties. Upon the conclusion of this battle, she made quick repairs and continued proudly on.

In October 1944, with General Douglas MacArthur embarked, she led the assault to recapture the Philippine Islands. With victory assured, NASHVILLE disembarked General MacArthur and headed south to join the Battle of Leyte Gulf already in progress. The Japanese had intended to inflict a decisive defeat on the Americans. Much to their dismay, they were the ones decisively defeated.

On December 13, while escorting an amphibious convoy, a Kamikaze carrying two bombs descended toward her bridge. The plane struck one of the after gun mounts and cartwheeled into the port 5-inch battery amidships, spraying gasoline from its ruptured tanks. Both the planeâ€™s bombs were hurled loose, one exploding over the port 5-inch guns and the other over the starboard. Intense gasoline fires instantly broke out topside from NASHVILLE's foremast to her mainmast. Antiaircraft ammunition, stowed for immediate use in magazines and lockers on deck, began exploding along with ammunition from the crashed plane.

But the cruiserss crew was already fighting back. In less than two minutes from the crash, fire-fighting equipment was on the scene and the men risked their lives in the burning, exploding inferno to jettison unexploded ammunition and smother the flames. Within ten minutes, the fires were under control; before twenty minutes had passed, NASHVILLE's men had all fires out and continued to fight off aircraft attacks. After this battle, NASHVILLE returned stateside for a major overhaul.

Returning to Subic Bay in May 1945, NASHVILLE finished out the war escorting convoys and providing NGFS. An August 11, 1945 log entry reads, "Anchored in Subic Bay. Received radio press reports of a Japanese offer to surrender. All hands took report in stride and continued to be on alert for surprise attack." August 15 reads, "Received official word of surrender of Japan and an order to cease offensive action."

NASHVILLE's final assignment was "OPERATION MAGIC CARPET," the return of American veterans to the United States. In two transpacific voyages, she carried more than 1300 soldiers home. On June 24, 1946, one stroke of a pen did what the entire Japanese fleet had tried to do during war: NASHVILLE was removed from naval service and decommissioned. Her story did not end there however. With communism on the rise, on January 9, 1951, she was sold to Chile (renamed CAPITAN PRAT) to help curb against Soviet aggression. NASHVILLE had truly served her country. She earned ten battle stars in World War II and a proud heritage.

It is a legacy that all ships named NASHVILLE - past, present, future - carry on this proud tradition of excellence and will forever remain on the side of "Liberty and Country".

USS NASHVILLE is one of a class of ships designated Amphibious Transport Dock and identified by the letters LPD. NASHVILLE was built by Lockheed Shipbuilding and Construction Company, Seattle, Washington, and commissioned at Puget Sound Naval Shipyard, Bremerton, Washington, on 14 February 1970. She is the thirteenth ship of her class.

NASHVILLE'S various assignments have included four Caribbean Amphibious readiness Groups, Mediterranean Amphibious readiness Groups, Persian Gulf Amphibious Readiness Groups, Mine Countermeasure Task Group, NATO North Atlantic Operations, and training assignments with the Fleet Marine Force Atlantic.

USS NASHVILLE (LPD 13), an Amphibious Transport Dock, is the thirteenth ship of her class. NASHVILLE'S primary mission is to transport a landing force ashore, utilizing helicopter and amphibious craft for any contingency and provide support for an extended period of time.

NASHVILLE can support up to 1479 Navy and Marine Corp officers and enlisted personnel (515 crewmembers and 964 embarked Marines) and all the equipment required to make the landing force ready for combat upon arrival in an objective area. With the upgraded array of command, control and communications equipment in the NASHVILLE, an embarked Amphibious Squadron or Group Commander can coordinate and control all of the air, sea and ground forces whose support is necessary to ensure the success of the amphibious operation. http://www.nashville.navy.mil/Site%20Pages/Namesake.aspx

Amphibious Transport Dock – LPD http://www.navy.mil/navydata/fact_display.asp?cid=4200&tid=600&ct=4

USS Cole (DD-67)
“Gloria Merces Virtutis”
http://www.cole.navy.mil/default.aspx

USS Cole (DD-67) History
http://navysite.de/dd/ddg67.htm

USS Cole (DD-67) Photos
http://www.navsource.org/archives/05/01067.htm

USS COLE is the 17th ARLEIGH BURKE class guided missile destroyer and the eighth ship of that class built by Ingalls.

28 February 1994 - Keel laid by Ingalls Shipbuilding Inc. Pascagoula, Mississippi.

10 February 1995- USS COLE Launched

08 June 1996 - USS COLE Commissioned

USS COLE Commissioned in Port Everglades, Florida.

Ship Sponsor: Mrs. Lee Perry

February 98 – September 98: Deployment to the Persian Gulf as part of the John C. Stennis Battle Group.

August 00 – November 00: Deployment to the Mediterranean and Red Sea as part of the George Washington Battle Group

12 October 2000 - USS COLE terrorist attack

While refueling in Aden Harbor, Yemen USS COLE was victim of terrorist attack. USS COLE was attacked on Port Mid-Ships by a small boat with explosives onboard. The result of which led to a 40 by 60 foot hole and the loss of 17 sailors.

31 October 2000: Ship begins return to United States onboard the Norwegian heavylift ship S.S. Blue Marlin.

19 April 2002- USS COLE Recommissioned in Pascagoula, Mississippi.

November 03 – May 04 - USS COLE departs for first six-month deployment since May

05 – July 05 – COLE departed for Baltops 2005 in May and returned to Philadelphia, PA for a short port visit before returning to Norfolk, VA. http://www.cole.navy.mil/site%20pages/history.aspx

USS Bulkeley (DD-84)
http://www.bulkeley.navy.mil/default.aspx

USS Bulkeley (DD-84) History
http://navysite.de/dd/ddg84.htm

USS Bulkeley (DD-84) Photos
http://www.navsource.org/archives/05/01084.htm

VADM Bulkeley History
http://www.bulkeley.navy.mil/default.aspx

Born in New York City on August 19, 1911, VADM Bulkeley graduated from the U.S. Naval Academy at Annapolis in 1933. He served tours in USS SARATOGA, USS INDIANAPOLIS, and USS SACRAMENTO. By 1941, he had advanced to the rank of Lieutenant; and in February of that year, took command of Submarine Chaser Division ONE. He would subsequently be ordered to the Philippines in September to command Motor Torpedo Boat Squadron THREE, consisting of six torpedo boats.

After the initial Japanese attack of December 7-8, 1941, nearly all naval sea and air forces in the Philippines had been destroyed, and much of what survived was ordered out to sea shortly thereafter. Defense of the islands was assigned to a few P-40 aircraft and Bulkeley's PT boats, a task made seemingly impossible by the lack of spare parts, repair facilities, and fuel. By sheer determination, he kept his squadron operational for more than four months under these extremely difficult conditions and successfully repelled Japanese landing parties, destroying great numbers of transports, armed cruisers, and aircraft. His boats also conducted operations against land forces.

Although U.S. ground forces withdrew onto the Bataan Peninsula, the situation continued to degrade. At the request of the President of the United States, General MacArthur was ordered to leave the Philippines. On the night of March 11, 1942, VADM Bulkeley, commanding Motor Torpedo Boat Squadron THREE made a daring dash out of Manila Harbor bearing General MacArthur to safety. Squadron THREE continued to operate in Philippine waters thereafter, and would later rescue the President of the Philippines. For his gallantry and leadership, VADM Bulkeley received the Medal of Honor and was promoted to Lieutenant Commander shortly afterwards.

VADM Bulkeley took part in the landings on the Trobiand Islands in July 1943, and next commanded PT boats patrolling the beaches during the Allied landing at Normandy. He would then assume command of the destroyer USS ENDICOTT and would sink two German corvettes attempting to escape the harbor at Toulon during the landing of General Alexander M. Patch's 7th Army on the southern coast of France on August 15, 1944.

VADM Bulkeley's career progressed and he rose to the rank of Rear Admiral in June 1963. That same year, he was named Commander, Naval Base Guantanamo, Cuba. During this period, he went head-to-head with President Castro, as Cuba moved to secure water to the US naval base.

In 1967, he became President of the Navy's Board of Inspection and Survey. He served as President of the Board until 1975, when he retired from active duty as a Vice Admiral. He was recalled to active duty and retired again in 1987 after fifty-five years of active duty service. The USS

BULKELEY is an Arleigh Burke destroyer and the first ship ever named after Vice Admiral John Duncan Bulkeley. http://www.bulkeley.navy.mil/site%20pages/history.aspx

USS BULKELEY is the 34th ARLEIGH BURKE - class guided missile destroyer and the first ship in the Navy named after Vice Adm. John Duncan Bulkeley.

USS Philippine Sea (CG-58)
Ä Real American Cruiser”
http://www.navy.mil/local/cg58

Focus On USS Philippine Sea (CG-58)
http://www.philippine-sea.navy.mil/site%20pages/index.aspx

USS Philippine Sea (CG-58) History
http://navysite.de/cg/cg58.html
http://www.philippine-sea.navy.mil/site%20pages/cv47_history.aspx

USS Philippine Sea (CG-58) Photos http://www.navsource.org/archives/04/1158/040158.htm

SHIP'S HISTORY - USS PHILIPPINE SEA CV 47; THE BATTLE OF PHILIPPINE SEA and CG 58
http://www.philippine-sea.navy.mil/site%20pages/index.aspx

USS PHILIPPINE SEA (CV 47) was laid down by the Bethlehem Steel Co., Quincy, Mass. 19 August 1944, launched 5 September 1945 sponsored by Mrs. Albert B. Chandler; and commissioned 11 May 1946, Capt. D.S. Cornwell in command. In June, the ship went to Quonset Point, R.I., for initial training of the crew. By September 1946, she began her shakedown cruise in the Caribbean area with Air Group 20 embarked.

Upon returning from shakedown exercises, PHILIPPINE SEA was ordered back to Boston to prepare for the Navy's Antarctic Expedition, Operation Highjump. On 29 January 1947, from a position 660 miles off the Antarctic continent, PHILIPPINE SEA launched the first of six R4D transport aircraft which she had ferried from Norfolk, Va., as part of Operation Highjump. The first plane off, which was also the first carrier takeoff for an R4D, was piloted by Cmdr. William M. Hawkes and carried Rear Adm. Richard E. Byrd and his party from the ship to begin their polar explorations from Little America.

During the remainder of 1947, PHILIPPINE SEA operated in the Atlantic and Caribbean. In the spring of 1948, the ship was deployed to the Mediterranean to join Vice Adm. Forrest Sherman's 6th Fleet. With Air Group 9 on board, PHILIPPINE SEA showed the American ensign in France, Greece, Tunisia and Sicily. In June 1948, the huge carrier returned to the United States.

During the summer, PHILIPPINE SEA was engaged in developing doctrine for carrier control approach landings, the sea going equivalent of ground control approach. November 1948 found her exploring the lower rim of the Arctic Circle in a cold weather operation designed to test planes, ships, and equipment.

In January 1949 the ship was again ordered to the Mediterranean, with Air Group 7 embarked. Returning at the end of May, the ship went immediately into overhaul at the Boston Naval Shipyard. Early autumn found the ship once more in the Caribbean, "shaking down," this time with Air Group 1. Operational development projects with jet fighters and task force exercises in the North Atlantic kept the ship and her air group busy until the end of the year.

Operating again from her base at Quonset Point, PHILIPPINE SEA was employed during the winter of 1950 in qualifying carrier pilots and, for part of February and most of March, took part in extensive fleet exercises in the Atlantic and Caribbean. April and May were taken up with demonstration cruises for guests of the Secretary of the Navy, the Armed Forces Industrial College, Air War College, and the Armed Forces Staff College.

On 24 May 1950, PHILIPPINE SEA sailed from Norfolk, Va., passed through the Panama Canal, and arrived at her new homeport of San Diego, Calif., to become a welcome addition to the Pacific Fleet.

With the outbreak of war in Korea, PHILIPPINE SEA was ordered to Pearl Harbor. She sailed for Hawaiian waters on 5 July 1950 with Air Group 11 embarked. The ship departed for the forward area 24 July. Leaving Pearl Harbor, PHILIPPINE SEA sailed at full speed for the western Pacific, reaching Okinawa, 1 August. Responding to an urgent request by Lt. Gen. Walton H. Walker, commanding general of the U.S. Eighth Army, the carriers of Task Force 77 began the unaccustomed task of providing tactical air support for Army forces holding the hard-pressed Pusan perimeter. PHILIPPINE SEA, which joined the combat operations on 5 August, along with the escort carrier USS BADOENG STRAIT (CVE 116) were the first carrier reinforcements to arrive in the Far East and the beginning of carrier deployments to the combat area that, by the conflict's end, totalled 11 attack, one light, and five escort carriers being sent into action - some for two or three tours.

PHILIPPINE SEA sailed into action off Korea as flagship of Task Force 77 on 5 August 1950. She launched air strikes to rain thousands of tons of bombs, rockets, and napalm down on strategic targets. As many as 140 sorties a day were launched from the carrier. Except for time out to re-arm, refuel, or repair for brief periods, PHILIPPINE SEA was in action continuously for almost three years.

Operating with other carriers of Task Force 77, she hit North Korean rail and communication centers from Seoul to Wonsan in September. In the Yellow Sea she put on a major performance softening up the Inchon invasion coast. D-Day, 15 September 1950, found PHILIPPINE SEA planes ranging far inland to destroy any attempts by the enemy to bring up reinforcements. Following the initial assault, she continued to provide close and deep support for the thrust inland to Seoul.

On 9 November 1950, Lt. Cmdr. W.T. Amen, flying an F9F-2 Panther from PHILIPPINE SEA, downed a MiG-15 to become the first Navy pilot to destroy an enemy jet fighter.

Eight Chinese Communist regular troops, part of approximately 300,000 Chinese which entered North Korea largely undetected by U.N. forces, attack 1st Marine Division positions to the west and south of the Chosin Reservoir on 27 November. The Marines hold their ground but the Chinese cut the road between the Marines' main body at Yudam-Ni, division headquarters 14 miles to the south at Hagaru-Ri, and from there south. Two days later, the X Corps commander, Army Maj. Gen. Edward Almond, orders the 1st Marine Division to fall back to Hamhung. PHILIPPINE SEA planes dived through snow and sleet to hold back the Chinese. Throughout the long retreat from the Yalu, the ships' Panther jets, Skyraider attack bombers and Corsair fighter bombers blasted the path for the trapped Marines. Hill after hill was cleared all the way to Hungnam where PHILIPPINE SEA and other carriers of Task Force 77 sent up a virtual aerial umbrella. From 10 through 24 December, hundreds of carrier planes swarmed over the tiny evacuation perimeter around the port of Hungnam from which 150,000 troops and civilians came to the sea.

Putting into Yokosuka Naval Base, Japan, 26 March 1951 for rest and repair, PHILIPPINE SEA exchanged Air Group 11 for Air Group 2 (CVG 2) from USS VALLEY FORGE (CV 45). The same date as the transfer, 28 March 1951, PHILIPPINE SEA became flagship of Vice Adm. H. M. Martin, Commander 7th Fleet and the ship immediately departed with CVG 2 for another tour in Korea.

From the Sea of Japan in April 1951, PHILIPPINE SEA led Task Force 77 and other elements of the 7th Fleet down through the Strait of Formosa to the South China Sea. From the Formosa Strait, planes paraded over the island of Formosa in an attempt to bolster Nationalist morale. After this demonstration of strength, the force steamed back to Korea three days later, in time to lend close air support to the embattled ground forces. Every Chinese offensive of the spring of 1951 suffered staggering losses in personnel as planes of PHILIPPINE SEA peppered the Reds with deadly fragmentation bombs.

PHILIPPINE SEA returned from her operations in Korean waters and the western Pacific to arrive at San Francisco, 9 June 1951. Yard availability and operations along the West Coast continued until the ship departed from San Diego, 31 December. On 19 December 1951, PHILIPPINE SEA was the site of a test of emergency assembly capabilities for nuclear weapons. This marked the initial and successful introduction of special weapons into the Pacific fleet. Arriving at Pearl Harbor 8 January 1952, PHILIPPINE SEA continued on to Yokosuka, Japan, arriving 20 January.

Again on the line for her third tour in Korea, PHILIPPINE SEA remained in action until relieved in late July 1952. On 23 June, 35 AD Skyraiders and 35 F9F-2 Panther jets from USS BOXER (CV 21), USS PRINCETON (CV 37) and PHILIPPINE SEA joined Air Force Thunderjets in an attack on the heavily defended hydroelectric power plant at Suiho, North Korea, the fourth largest such facility in the world. The plant was completely knocked out. The raid was part of a two-day aerial offensive against North Korea's 13 major power plants.

PHILIPPINE SEA returned to San Diego 8 August 1952. Her designation was changed to CVA in October. With Carrier Air Group 9 embarked, she got underway once more for the Far East on 15 December 1952. Air strikes from the carrier cut Communist supply and transportation arteries. The North Korean offensive, begun at the same time the first truce overtures were extended, marked the beginning of a series of "round the clock" air sorties in support of frontline UN troops.

The ship returned to Alameda Naval Air Station 14 August 1953 to off-load Air Group 9, then entered drydock at Hunter's Point for overhaul. On 9 January 1954, PHILIPPINE SEA once more began training off the coast of San Diego. She then headed west, 12 March, for her fourth tour in the Far East. She operated out of Manila.

The most significant event of the cruise occurred 26 July 1954. Communist planes had shot down a Cathay-Pacific Airways passenger liner somewhere near Hainan Island off the Chinese coast 23 July. PHILIPPINE SEA was ordered into the area as part of a search mission with the hope that the remaining survivors might be found. While engaged in the search mission, two of the ship's AD Skyraider aircraft were attacked by two Communist fighter aircraft. Under orders to fire only if actually attacked, the Skyraiders returned the fire and shot down the Communist planes. Later this came to be known unofficially as the "Hainan Incident."

The ship returned to San Diego, Calif., in November 1954. Remaining in the area for four months, PHILIPPINE SEA conducted extensive training operations off the California coast. She began her fifth cruise of the Far East 1 April 1955 enroute Yokosuka . She operated in waters of Japan, Okinawa, and Taiwan. On 15 November, she was redesignated as a CVS. She returned to San Diego, 23 November 1955.

Leave, upkeep, and operations off the southern California coast and in Hawaiian waters followed and in March 1957 she got underway for another WestPac tour. There for only a little over two months, she returned to San Diego and resumed local operations off the west coast in mid-summer. In January 1958, she steamed west on her last 7th Fleet deployment.

Remaining six months, PHILIPPINE SEA returned to San Diego 15 July 1958 and commenced inactivation. Decommissioned 28 December 1958 and berthed with the Reserve Fleet at Long Beach, she was redesignated AVT 11, 15 May 1959. PHILIPPINE SEA was struck from the Navy List 1 December 1969 and sold for scrapping in March 1971. http://www.philippine-sea.navy.mil/site%20pages/cv47_history.aspx
_________________

U. S. Navy Veteran
August 1977 to July 1983

Yoeman Second Class,
with student pilot's license

THE BATTLE OF PHILIPPINE SEA
Excerpt from Wikipedia Encyclopedia:

The Battle of the Philippine Sea was an air-sea battle of the Pacific campaign of World War II fought between the US Navy and the Imperial Japanese Navy on June 19 and June 20, 1944, off the Mariana Islands. The action was a disaster for the Japanese forces, who lost almost all of their carrier-borne aircraft and a third of the carriers involved in the battle. It was so one-sided that American pilots nicknamed it The Great Marianas Turkey Shoot, and after the battle the aircraft carrier force of the IJN was no longer militarily effective.

In September 1943 IJN Headquarters decided that the time was right to go back on the offensive in the Pacific. Losses from the battle of Midway had been largely replaced in terms of numbers of carriers, and since the US was attacking Japanese-held islands on their "island hopping campaign", the lack of planes themselves could be addressed with the addition of strong land-based forces. The result was Operation A-Go, which would take place some time in early 1944, attacking the US Pacific fleet while it launched its next major offensive. On 3 May orders for A-Go were sent out, and the waiting began.

The Japanese fleet, commanded by Vice Admiral Jisaburo Ozawa, consisted of six fleet carriers (Taiho, Shokaku, Zuikaku, Junyo, Ryuho, and Hiyo), three light carriers (Chitose, Chiyoda, and Zuiho), five battleships (Yamato, Musashi, Kongo, Haruna, and Nagato) and supporting cruisers, destroyers, and oilers.

On 11 June US carrier-borne forces started a series of small strikes on the Marianas, convincing Admiral Toyoda Soemu, Commander-in-Chief of the Combined Fleet, that the US was preparing to invade. This came as something of a surprise, as they had expected the next US target to be further to the south, at either the Carolines or the Palaus, and therefore the Marianas were protected with a weak force of only 50 aircraft.

On 15 June 1944 the US started their landings on Saipan, and Toyoda gave the order for the attack. The main portions of the fleet, consisting of six carriers and several battleships, rendezvoused on 16th in the western part of the Philippine Sea, and completed refuelling on 17th.

The Japanese forces had been sighted on 15 June by American submarines, and by the next day Admiral Raymond A. Spruance, commander of the U.S. 5th Fleet, was convinced a major battle was about to start. By the afternoon of 18 June Admiral Marc A. Mitscher's Task Force 58 (the Fast Carrier Task Force) was formed up near Saipan to meet the Japanese attack.

TF 58 consisted of five major groups. In front (to the west) was Admiral Willis A. Lee's Task Group 58.7 (TG 58.7), the Battle Line, consisting of seven fast battleships (Washington, North Carolina, Indiana, Iowa, New Jersey, South Dakota, and Alabama). Just north of them was the weakest of the carrier groups, Rear Admiral William K. Harrill's TG 58.4 of three carriers (Essex, Langley, and Cowpens). To the east came three groups of four carriers each in a line running north-south: Rear Admiral Joseph J. Clark's TG 58.1 (Hornet, Yorktown, Belleau Wood, and Bataan); Rear Admiral Alfred E. Montgomery's TG 58.2 (Bunker Hill, Wasp, Cabot, and Monterey); and Rear Admiral John W. Reeves's TG 58.3 (Enterprise, Lexington, San Jacinto, and Princeton). The big ships were supported by 8 heavy cruisers, 13 light cruisers, 58 destroyers, and 28 submarines.

Shortly before midnight on the 18th Admiral Chester Nimitz sent Spruance a message from Pacific Fleet Headquarters indicating that the Japanese flagship was approximately 350 miles (560 km) to the west-south-west of Task Force 58. Shortly afterwards Mitscher asked for permission to head west during the night to an ideal launch position for an all-out attack on the enemy force at dawn.

However, Spruance refused. Throughout the run-up to the battle he had been concerned that the Japanese would try to draw his main fleet away from the landing area using a diversionary force, and would then make an attack around the flank of the US carrier force—an "end run"—hitting the invasion shipping off Saipan. Instead he placed TF 58 on a purely defensive footing, leaving it to the Japanese to set the pace of the battle.

Spruance was heavily criticised by many officers after the battle, and continues to be to this day, but it is instructive to compare Spruance's caution with Admiral William Halsey, Jr.'s impetuous pursuit of a diversionary force of Japanese carriers at the battle of Leyte Gulf.

At 05:30 TF 58 turned north-east into the wind and started to launch their air patrols. At about the same time a number of the 50 aircraft on Guam started up on search missions. At 05:50 one of these, a Mitsubishi Zero, found TF 58. After radioing in its position, he attacked one of the destroyers on picket duty and was shot down.

Over an hour the rest of the Guam forces were being formed up for an attack. They were spotted on radar and a group of Grumman Hellcats from Belleau Wood were sent to investigate. They arrived while the attack was still only launching from Orote Field. Minutes later additional radar contacts were seen, which were later discovered to be the additional forces being sent north from the other islands. A huge battle broke out, 35 of the Japanese planes were shot down and the battle was still going an hour later when the Hellcats were recalled to the carriers.

The recall had been ordered after a number of ships in TF 58 saw a number of radar contacts 150 miles (240 km) to the west at about 10:00. This was the first of the raids from the Japanese carrier forces, with 68 aircraft. TF 58 started launching every fighter they could, and by the time they were up the Japanese had closed to 70 miles (110 km). However they then made a fatal mistake, and started circling in order to re-group their formations for the attack. This ten-minute delay proved critical, and the first group of Hellcats met the raid, still at 70 miles, at 10:36. They were quickly joined by additional groups, and within minutes 25 Japanese planes had been shot down for the loss of only one US aircraft.

The Japanese planes which survived were met by other fighters and 16 more were shot down. Of the remainder some made attacks on the picket destroyers Yarnall and Stockham, but caused no damage. Three or four bombers broke through to the battleship group, and one made a direct hit on South Dakota (BB-57) which caused many casualties but failed to disable her. Not one aircraft of Ozawa's first wave got through to the American carriers.

At 11:07 radar detected another and much larger attack. This second wave consisted of 109 aircraft. They were met while still 60 miles (100 km) out, and no less than 70 of these aircraft were shot down before reaching the ships. Six attacked Rear Admiral Montgomery's group, making near-misses which caused casualties on two of the carriers. Four of the six were shot down. A small group of torpedo aircraft attacked Enterprise, launching a torpedo which exploded in the wake of the ship. Three other torpedo-planes attacked the light carrier Princeton, but were shot down. In all, 97 of the 107 attacking aircraft were shot down.

The third raid, consisting of 47 aircraft, came in from the north. It was intercepted by 40 fighters at 13:00, while 50 miles out from the task force. Seven Japanese planes were shot down. A few broke through and made an ineffective attack on the Enterprise group. Many others did not press home their attacks. This raid therefore suffered less than the others, and 40 of its aircraft managed to return to their carriers.

The fourth raid was launched between 11:00 and 11:30, but had been given an incorrect location for the Americans and couldn't find the fleet. They then broke into two loose groups and turned to Guam and Rota to refuel. One group of aircraft flying towards Rota stumbled upon Mongomery's task group. Eighteen aircraft joined battle with American fighters and lost half its number. A smaller group of nine Japanese dive bombers of the this force evaded U.S. planes and made attacks on Wasp and Bunker Hill, but failed to make any hits. Eight of these aircraft were shot down in the process. The larger group of Japanese planes had flown to Guam and were intercepted over Orote Field by 27 Hellcats while landing. 30 of the 49 Japanese planes were shot down, and the rest were damaged beyond repair.

At 08:16 the US submarine Albacore had sighted Ozawa's own carrier group, and began an attack on the easiest carrier to reach. This happened to be the Taiho, Ozawa's flagship. As they were about to fire her fire-control computer failed, and the torpedoes had to be fired "by eye".

Taiho had just launched 42 aircraft as a part of the second raid. Four of Albacore's torpedoes were off-target. Sakio Komatsu, the pilot of one of the recently-launched aircraft, sighted one of the two which were heading for Taiho and crashed his aircraft on it, but the last torpedo struck the carrier on her starboard side near her aviation-fuel tanks. At first the damage did not appear to be very serious.

Another submarine, the Cavalla, was able to maneuver to an attack position on Shokaku by about noon. Three torpedoes hit Shokaku, setting her on fire. At 15:00 the fire reached the bomb magazine, blowing the ship apart.

Meanwhile Taiho was falling victim to poor damage-control. On the orders of an inexperienced damage-control officer her ventilation system had been operated full-blast in an attempt to clear explosive fumes from the ship. This instead had the effect of spreading the vapours throughout Taiho, and at 17:32 she exploded and sank.

TF 58 sailed west during the night in order to attack the Japanese at dawn. Search patrols were put up at first light.

Ozawa had transferred to the destroyer Wakatsuki after Taiho had been hit, but the radio gear onboard was not capable of sending the number of messages needed, so he transferred again, to Zuikaku, at 13:00. It was then that he learned of the disastrous missions of the day before, and that he had only 100 or so aircraft left. Nevertheless he decided to continue the attacks, thinking that there were hundreds of planes on Guam and Rota, and started planning new raids to be launched on the 21st.

American searches failed to locate the Japanese fleet until 15:40. However the report made was so garbled that Mitscher did not know what had been sighted, or where. At 16:05 another report was received that was clearer, and Mitscher decided to launch a full-out strike even though there was only 75 minutes to sunset. The attack went in at 18:30.

Ozawa had been able to put up very few fighters to intercept—no more than 35 according to later estimates, but these few were skilfully handled, and the Japanese ships' anti-aircraft fire was intense. The US raid, however, contained 216 planes, and the majority were able to press the attack.

The first ships sighted by the US strike were oilers, and two of these were damaged so severely that they were later scuttled. The carrier Hiyo was attacked by 4 Grumman Avengers from the Belleau Wood, and hit by at least one of their torpedoes, and later sank. The carriers Zuikaku, Junyo and Chiyoda were damaged by bombs, as was the battleship Haruna. 20 American aircraft were lost in this strike.

At 20:45 the first US planes began to return to TF 58. Mitscher took the decision to fully illuminate the carriers, despite the risk of attack from submarines and night-flying aircraft, and the picket destroyers fired starshells to help the planes find the task groups. Despite this 80 of the returning aircraft were lost, some crashing on flight decks, the majority going into the sea. Many of the crews were nevertheless rescued over the next few days.

That night Ozawa received orders from Toyoda to withdraw from the Philippine Sea. US forces gave chase, but the battle was over.

The four Japanese attacks used 373 carrier aircraft, of which 130 returned to the carriers, and several more were destroyed onboard the two carriers destroyed on the first day. After the second day the totals were three carriers and 395 aircraft. Losses on the US side on the first day were only 23, and on the second 100, most due to night landings. The losses to the Japanese were irreplaceable. In the battle of Leyte Gulf a few months later, their carriers were used solely as a decoy due to the lack of aircraft, and aircrews to fly them.

REFERENCES
Wikipedia Encyclopedia, "Battle of Philippine Sea," http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Battle_of_the_Philippine_Sea
http://www.philippine-sea.navy.mil/site%20pages/battle.aspx

SHIP'S HISTORY - USS PHILIPPINE SEA CG 58

USS PHILIPPINE SEA is the twelfth ship of the TICONDEROGA class and the second built by Bath Iron Works in Maine.

USS PHILIPPINE SEA (CG 58) was commissioned in March 1989 and is home ported in Mayport, Florida. The ship’s name commemorates the World War II Battle of the Philippine Sea fought near the Marianas Islands in June 1944 in which U.S. naval forces destroyed over 400 Japanese planes and three aircraft carriers.

The ship’s first deployment to the Mediterranean and Red Seas came in 1990 as part of Operations DESERT SHIELD and DESERT STORM. During DESERT STORM, the ship fired ten Tomahawk cruise missiles and boarded many merchant vessels during coalition actions against Iraq. For its service, PHILIPPINE SEA received the Navy Unit Commendation, the Southwest Asia Service Medal, and the Kuwait Liberation Medal. While deployed, the ship transited the Suez Canal six times and visited Italy, Greece, Turkey, Egypt, and Saudi Arabia. PHILIPPINE SEA returned home in the spring of 1991.

Later in 1991, the ship served as the flagship for a joint task force conducting counter drug operations in the Caribbean, earning the Joint Meritorious Unit Award.

In May of 1992, PHILIPPINE SEA sailed again to the Mediterranean and Red Seas. While deployed, the ship made two Suez Canal transits and boarded thirty-nine vessels in support of United Nations sanctions against Iraq, earning a second Southwest Asia Service Medal. Additionally, PHILIPPINE SEA supported United Nations operations off the coast of the former Yugoslavia. Port visits were made to Spain, France, Italy, Egypt, and Israel. PHILIPPINE SEA completed a dry-docking period in Boston during 1993. In January 1994, the ship sailed with Saratoga Joint Task Group for its third Mediterranean deployment, returning again to the Yugoslavian coast in support of UN Operations in the Adriatic Sea. While deployed, the ship participated in numerous exercises with NATO forces. PHILIPPINE SEA made port visits to Spain, Turkey, Greece, and Italy. Subsequently, the ship was awarded the Meritorious Unit Commendation.

In July, August, November, and December of 1994, the ship again conducted counter drug operations in the Caribbean. The following year, PHILIPPINE SEA was chosen as the flagship for U.S. Baltic Operations 1995.

In the summer of 1996, PHILIPPINE SEA deployed with the ENTERPRISE Battle Group to the Mediterranean and Adriatic Seas supporting UN operations in the former Yugoslavia and conducting multi-national exercises with seven other countries as part of NATO’s “Partnership for Peace” program. PHILIPPINE SEA was called upon to enforce NATO actions against Serbian forces in Kosovo and was the first to launch precision Tomahawk missiles in Kosovo. During her 2001 deployment, PHILIPPINE SEA fired the opening salvos in the Global War on Terrorism by conducting the initial Tomahawk strikes against Afghanistan.

In the fall of 2003, PHILIPPINE SEA deployed again with the ENTERPRISE Strike Group to the Middle East. This deployment included participation in Operation ENDURING FREEDOM and Operation IRAQI FREEDOM during which PHILIPPINE SEA conducted over 120 Maritime Interdiction Operation (MIO) boardings. The high point of the deployment was the capture of two terrorist-linked dhows carrying over two tons of illegal narcotics. PHILIPPINE SEA boarding teams captured twenty-five prisoner to include several with ties to the Al Qaeda terrorist organization. The capture prevented hundreds of millions of dollars from reaching terrorist hands. While in the North Arabian Gulf, PHILIPPINE SEA directed a force consisting of a half-dozen coalition ships charged with defending the Iraqi oil terminals and suppressing smuggling and piracy.

Most recently, PHILIPPINE SEA deployed in May 2005 as part of the Global War on Terrorism Surge ’05 and then again in June 2006. The surge was an implementation of the Navy’s Fleet Response Plan which ensures that crews and their ships are ready earlier, and remain ready longer. Deployment 2006 again saw PHILIPPINE SEA deploying to the Arabian Gulf, this time assigned to protect Iraq's fragile oil infrastructure as well as serving a key role in maritime interdiction. Acting as the flag ship for the embarked CTF 158 Staff, PHILIPPINE SEA conducted hundreds of boardings around Al Basra Oil Terminal, ensuring the safety of the workers living aboard it and defending Iraq's most precious source of economic independence. http://www.philippine-sea.navy.mil/site%20pages/cg58_history.aspx

USS Whidbey Island (LSD-41)
“First in her Class, First Always”
http://www.whidbey-island.navy.mil/default.aspx

Focus on USS Whidbey Island (LSD 41)
http://www.navy.mil/local/lsd41

USS Whidbey Island (LSD-41) History
http://navysite.de/ships/lsd41.htm
http://www.whidbey-island.navy.mil/Site%20Pages/history.aspx

USS Whidbey Island (LSD-41) Photos
http://www.navsource.org/archives/10/12/1241.htm

USS WHIDBEY ISLAND is the lead ship of the WHIDBEY ISLAND class of Dock Landing Ships and is the first ship in the Navy named for Whidbey Island, Washington - a thirty five mile long island in Puget Sound north of Seattle.

In February 1981, the U. S. Navy awarded Lockheed Shipbuilding Company of Seattle, Washington, a contract to construct LSD 41, first of a new Dock Landing Ship class to replace the aging Thomaston-class LSDs. At 4 August 1981 keel-laying ceremony, the Honorable John F. Lehman, Secretary of the Navy, affixed his signature to the LSD 41 keel; the first keel of an amphibious assault ship lain in more than five years.

Although the first ship to carry the name Whidbey Island, there was at one time a ship on Navy rolls named USS Whidbey (AG-141), a small transport purchased from the U. S. Army and servicing U. S. Trust Territories in the late 1940s.

Whidbey Island, the first ship in a class designed specifically to interface with the Landing Craft Air Cushion (LCAC), assisted in the operational and developmental testing of the amphibious assault craft from July to September 1985 and again in May and July 1986.

1986 – 1991

In August 1986, Whidbey Island embarked on her first major operation, participating in the NATO Exercise Northern Wedding/Bold Guard '86.
Whidbey Island's first deployment was to the Mediterranean in January 1987. The ship took part in seven amphibious exercises carrying out duties as Presidential Support Ship for the World Economic Summit in Venice, Italy, May 1987.

Whidbey Island deployed to the Mediterranean for the second time in December 1988 with MARG 1-89, participating in three major landing exercises with the Spanish, French and Italian Navies before returning to homeport in June 1989. Whidbey Island was the first amphibious ship from the East Coast to deploy to the European Theater with LCACs. In September and October 1989, Whidbey Island participated in Hurricane Hugo disaster relief operations in the Caribbean Sea.

In August 1990, Whidbey Island again deployed to the Mediterranean as part of MARG 3-90. During the trans-Atlantic crossing, the ship received orders to sail to Mamba Station off the coast of Monrovia, Liberia, serving as the flagship for evacuation operations in Operation Sharp Edge, spending 105 consecutive days at sea. By the time Whidbey Island reached its first port, Las Palmas, Canary Islands, the ship had been out to sea for 126 straight days. After further steaming around the Western Mediterranean in support of Operation Desert Storm, Whidbey Island returned to homeport March 1991 from its extended seven-month deployment.

1992 – 1997

On 5 December 1992 Whidbey Island deployed with MARG 1-92 representing the Amphibious Ready Group's operations in the Black Sea with a series of port calls. With members of the Sixth Fleet, the USS Inchon Band, and representatives from the other MARG ships, Whidbey Island made historic port calls to Samsun, Turkey; Constanţa, Romania; and Burgas, Bulgaria, becoming the first United States amphibious ship and the largest United States warship to operate in the Black Sea, the first U.S. Navy ship to visit Samsun in 70 years and the first U.S. Navy ship to ever visit Burgas. Whidbey Island returned to homeport on 5 June 1993.

In January 1993, Whidbey Island deployed in support of Operation Sea/Signal/Able Manner, enforcing alien migration policies off the coast of Haiti.

Later that year, Whidbey Island deployed to the littorals of South America and West Africa during UNITAS 34-93/WATC 93, the first Whidbey Island-class ship to deploy to this region, again making history by leading the southern-most amphibious exercise ever at Tierra del Fuego, returning from deployment 17 December 1993.

In August 1994, in a Combined Joint Task Force Whidbey Island provided emergent lift services for the evacuation of 160 migrant camps from Grand Turk Island. Shortly after, Whidbey Island rescued and transported over 8,100 Cuban migrants from the Straits of Florida during Operation Able Vigil and participated in the restoration of the legitimate government to Haiti during Operation Uphold Democracy.

At the turn of 1995, Whidbey Island along with Wasp (LHD-1) and Shreveport (LPD-12) participated in NATO cold weather training in the North Atlantic for Exercise Strong Resolve 95. On 28 August 1995, Whidbey Island deployed for a fifth Mediterranean Deployment with the 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU). During this deployment, the ship participated in Exercises Atlas Hinge, Odysseus 95, Noble Shirley, Bright Star and Alexander the Great, spending over three months in the Adriatic Sea in support of peacekeeping operations for the Dayton Peace Accords in the former Yugoslavia. The crew received the Armed Forces Service Medal and the NATO Medal, returning to homeport 29 February 1996.

On 3 June 1996, Whidbey Island entered Norfolk Shipbuilding and Dry Dock Company (NORSHIPCO) for a Dry-docking Phased Maintenance Availability (DPMA) and received a Women at Sea Certification. On 1 July 1997, Whidbey Island departed for Unitas 38-97 setting a record for amphibious landings with several UNITAS participating nations before returning home 13 December 1997.

1999 – 2002

Whidbey Island departed for its sixth Mediterranean deployment 15 September 1999. Along with 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit, Whidbey Island participated in Exercises Bright Star, Noble Shirley and Infinite Moonlight. During these exercises the ship worked in partnership with members of the British, Egyptian and Jordanian militaries. Whidbey Island safely transited the Suez Canal as well as the Straits of Tiran, Toranto, Gibraltar, and of Messina, visiting ports such as Antalya, Turkey; Haifa, Israel; Souda Bay, Greece; and Aqaba, Jordan.

On 24 May 2000, Whidbey Island returned to NORSHIPCO for multiple upgrades and additions to the ship's configuration and systems. During this PMA period the ship received two Rolling Airframe Missiles (RAM) Launchers as well as the Ship's Self Defense System (SSDS) Mk-1, significantly enhancing Whidbey Island's ability to track, engage and destroy incoming missiles at close range.

On 11 June 2001, Whidbey Island completed its Basic Phase of Training and started a five week pre-deployment maintenance period. Starting 11 July 2001 the ship began its intermediate training cycle in preparation for deployment as part of Amphibious Squadron 8, Amphibious Ready Group.

On 19 September 2001, just eight days after the terrorist attacks on the Pentagon and the World Trade Center, Whidbey Island weighed anchor for its seventh deployment. With troops of 26th MEU (Special Operations Capable), the ship participated in Exercise Bright Star off the coast of Egypt. At the completion of the exercise, crew and troops enjoyed a few days in the port of Marmaris, Turkey, before transiting the Suez Canal en route to the North Persian Gulf. While there Whidbey Island spent 123 consecutive days on station in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. During this operation, 26th MEU set the record for conducting the longest amphibious operation ever (distance-wise)—nearly 700 nautical miles (1300 km) inland.

While deployed, Whidbey Island's crew visited Jebel Ali, United Arab Emirates; Split, Croatia; and Rota, Spain. The ship also participated in the National Training Continuum, Operations Noble Eagle, Enduring Freedom and Swift Freedom. Most importantly, every Sailor and Marine that deployed on Whidbey Island came back safely from the grueling, seven-month deployment.

2002-2004

As of 2006, Whidbey Island is commanded by Commander Erik M. Ross, home ported at NAB Little Creek, Virginia, and assigned to Amphibious Group 2.

2006-2007

In June 2006, Whidbey Island deployed in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. While inport Aqaba, Jordan in July of 2006, she was recalled through the Suez Canal to support contingency operations due to the crisis in Lebanon. Whidbey Island subsequently participated in the largest Non-Combatant Evacuation conducted by the US Navy since Vietnam.

During July and August, she evacuated 817 American Citizens (out of a total of 14,555 evacuated by the USS Iwo Jima Expeditionary Strike Group) via Landing Craft Air Cushion (LCAC) with Personnel Transport Module. AMCITS were taken to Limassol, Cyprus and released to State Department Control. Following operations off of Lebanon, Whidbey Island redeployed through the Suez Canal to the Fifth Fleet Operations Area and offloaded elements of the 24 MEU into Bahrain for operations in Iraq.

Following the offload, Whidbey Island deployed to the Northern Persian Gulf in support of Commander Task Force 158, responsible as Afloat Forward Staging Base. In this role, she was responsible for defense of the KAAOT and ABOT oil rigs, the primary critical oil infrastructure producing revenue for Iraq. In November of 2006, Whidbey Island departed the Northern Persian Gulf and returned home, stopping in Civitavecchia, Italy and Tunis, Tunisia enroute, arriving 6 Dec, 06.
On 16 February 2007, Whidbey Island was awarded the 2006 Battle "E" award.

On 1 October 2007, Whidbey Island deployed from Little Creek Naval Amphibious Base. After being deployed to the Horn of Africa, she assisted the Comoran vessel MV Al Marjan and its crew when they were released by somali pirates on november third http://www.whidbey-island.navy.mil/Site%20Pages/history.aspx

USS Albuquerque (SSN 706)

24th Marine Expeditionary Unit - MEU 24
(Special Operations Capable) (MEU (SOC))
http://www.usmc.mil/meus/24thmeu.nsf/pages/index.htm

Assault Craft Unit (ACU) 4
Little Creek, Va.
http://www.acu4.surfor.navy.mil/default.aspx

To provide combat ready craft that fully meet operational tasking world wide, on time, every time. To accomplish this we provide the best quality training to our people; maintain all craft and equipment in the highest state of readiness through economical, timely, and high quality craftsmanship; provide the best possible administrative, financial, logistical, operational, and technical support. http://www.acu4.surfor.navy.mil/site%20pages/Mission.aspx

Recognizing the need for a landing craft with increased capabilities in speed, range, and mobility, the Navy established Assault Landing Craft/Experimental Trials Unit at Panama City, Florida in October 1977 for the purpose of testing two air cushion vehicle prototypes. Based on test results of JEFF(A), built by Aerojet General Corporation, and JEFF(B), built by Bell Aerospace Textron, the latter was awarded the contract in 1981 to begin the production of Landing Craft, Air Cushion (LCAC). The first LCAC was delivered to Assault Craft Unit 5 (PACFLT) in December 1984. On 1 February 1986, ASSAULT CRAFT UNIT FOUR was commissioned in Panama City, Florida. On 18 March 1987, ACU4 accepted delivery of the Atlantic Fleet's first LCAC.

Designed to operate from every well deck configured amphibious ship, the LCAC's main mission is to deliver a 60-ton payload to a designated beachhead at speeds in excess of 35 knots. Combining high speed, exceptional maneuverability, and long-range qualities with the ability to travel over land, the LCAC provides added versatility to our Amphibious Forces.

The first LCAC detachment, consisting of three craft from ACU5, deployed to the Western Pacific in June 1987. Several highly successful operations provided further proof of the LCAC's potential. ACU4 milestones include Cold Weather Testing at the Air Force's Climatic Control Hangar, Eglin Air Force Base, Florida from July 1987 to September 1987. These tests successfully demonstrated that the LCAC is able to operate in a temperature range of -30F to +160F. In October of 1987, ACU4 participated with Air Force M.A.S.H.. units from Tyndall Air Force Base in Exercise TEQUILA SUNRISE, providing logistics support utilizing the LCAC for equipment insertion and extraction across the beach.

In early November 1987, ACU4 changed homeports from Panama City, Florida to Naval Amphibious Base Little Creek, Norfolk Virginia. On 10 November 1987, ACU4 placed three LCAC in operation from their newly constructed multimillion-dollar LCAC complex.

For the past 10 years, ACU4 LCAC have been deployed throughout the world and taken part in all major amphibious operations. In 1990-91, LCAC were deployed to the Arabian Gulf in support of OPERATIONS DESERT SHIELD and DESERT STORM. In 1993, LCAC were present in Somalia were used to bring Marines and equipment ashore in support of United Nations actions to restore order to the region. In 1994, LCAC took part in Operation PROVIDE COMFORT in Haiti. In recent years, LCAC have also operated successfully in support of operations in Bosnia, Liberia and Sierra Leone. Most recently LCAC were sent to the Caribbean to provide humanitarian assistance to Puerto Rico and the Dominican Republic after Hurricane George devastated the area.

Along with operational tasking, LCAC are being used as test platforms for new missions and equipment upgrades. Currently LCAC are being tested with state of the art electronics and ordnance which will allow LCAC to act as a new mine clearance, lane breaching system vehicle. LCAC have proven to be extremely reliable and provide the operational commander with a significant capability when planning any mission. The LCAC will remain in our amphibious inventory well into the next century. http://www.acu4.surfor.navy.mil/site%20pages/history.aspx

Assault Craft Unit 4 Opens Doors for Visitors

Story Number: NNS060926-09
Release Date: 9/26/2006 2:25:00 PM

By Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Casandra Newell, Fleet Public Affairs Center, Atlantic

VIRGINGIA BEACH, Va. (NNS) -- The crew of Assault Craft Unit (ACU) 4 placed their landing crafts on display at Naval Amphibious Base Little Creek Sept. 19, to give visitors a firsthand look at their work space.

Landing Craft Air Cushion (LCAC) tours were part of a two-day event to inform enlisted Sailors about the opportunities available to become members of an ACU. In addition, ACU 4 also opened its doors to civilians, encouraging them to learn about the mission of ACU 4 and the purpose of the crew’s LCACs in the Navy.

“Our main mission is to provide lifting capabilities for Marines to get their equipment and troops from ships to shore,” said Senior Chief Quartermaster (SW/AW) Chris Silvey, an ACU 4 craftmaster, explaining ACU 4’s purpose.

LCACs work closely with amphibious assult ships around the world, but have little interaction with the various other types of vessels in the fleet. LCACs are capable of transporting loads of 60-75 tons. They have an enlisted crew of five, usually a chief or a senior chief as craftmaster, an engineer and navigator can be an E-5 or above, and a loadmaster and deck mechanic.

LCACs have been used in a wide variety of projects, including tsunami and hurricane relief efforts. According to Gas Turbine System Technician Mechanic 2nd Class (SW/AW) Mike Bouchard, his experience as a member of ACU 4 was a great career move.

“The people that come through are pretty smart and do a lot of great things,” said Bouchard.

The crew credits its high morale to a work environment where all Sailors must work together to complete a wide array of exciting and varied missions. He suggests that Sailors wishing to be a part of an ACU should be persistent.

“Work hard and talk to your detailer. It’s a hard place to get to, but once you’re here you can stay a long time,” said Bouchard.

LCAC tours, by appointment, are available throughout the year. For screening requirements visit www.bupers.navy.mil. http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=25760
YouTube - Assault Craft Unit 4 U.S Hover Craft http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SM34gHzPKG4

Beachmaster Unit 2
“This Beach is Mine”
http://www.bmu2.surfor.navy.mil/default.aspx

Beachmaster Unit Two is assigned the mission of providing tactical components in support of Amphibious Operations. BMU-TWO provides Naval Beach Party Teams (BPTs) for deployment in conjunction with Expeditionary Forces in order to provide beach and surf zone salvage and to facilitate the landing and movement over the beach of troops, equipment, supplies, and the evacuation of casualties, prisoners-of-war, and non-combatants.

A Beach Party Team consists of Traffic Control and Salvage, and Communications. The Traffic Control Section, provided by Beachmaster Unit TWO, is tasked with controlling the boat traffic in the surf zone, controlling the beaching and retracting the landing craft, and directing the smooth and efficient flow of personnel and material over the beach. The Communications Section establishes visual and radio communications with the Primary Control Ship and enters prescribed radio nets.

BPT's typically deploy with the following vehicles: one Medium Tactical Vehicle Replacement ( MTVR); two 1½-ton HMMWVs (one camp-support and one communication-support); and two LARC Vs. Vehicle characteristics are provided below. http://www.bmu2.surfor.navy.mil/Site%20Documents/Mission.aspx

BMU-2 can trace its history back to the days of World War II. Early on during the Second World War, it quickly became apparent that the orderly flow of troops, equipment, and supplies across the assault beaches was an absolutely essential element to the success of amphibious operations. It also became obvious that some special organization was needed to effect and coordinate mass movement through the surf zone and onto the hostile shore. To accomplish this task, small units called Beach Party Teams were formed. They were trained at Naval Amphibious Base, Little Creek, Virginia, and deployed commencing in September 1942. The Beach Party Battalions went forward to participate in amphibious landing in the European and African theaters.

In the Central Pacific, the Shore Party was an integral part of a combat division and was organized around a Marine Pioneer Group or Army Combat Engineer Group. In both services, Army and Marine, the Shore Party formed the nucleus to which the various elements were assigned for an operation. The Naval elements included the Underwater Demolition Team, a Naval Pontoon Unit, and a Boat Pool. The Attack Transport ships (APAs) supplied the Beach Party elements of the Shore Party by providing a Beach Party Team of approximately two officers and thirty men to support the battalion landing of troops. The Beach Party Team would land at the objective area and take charge of the beach in a manner similar to that of the present, but they were normally withdrawn with the parent ship. The concept was that the Shore Party was an instrument of the assault and would be relieved promptly by garrison elements, including a garrison beach party, to unload follow–up shipping.

Early BeachMaster in WWII

Early operations in the Southwest Pacific were largely shore-to-shore operations over relatively short distances. The Army’s Engineer Special Brigade was organized to meet requirements of this type of operation. It had the capability of providing its own landing craft component, organized as a Boat Battalion. The required Beach Party elements were assigned from special pools maintained and trained by the amphibious force commander. They remained attached to the Engineer Special Brigade for the duration of the operation.

In the Mediterranean, Army Combat Engineer troops again formed the nucleus for the Shore Party. The Beach Parties were furnished by the Amphibious Fleet Tug’s (ATF) attack transport ships and from a boat pool maintained ashore. During the assault on Normandy, experienced Army and Navy amphibious elements were available for the Shore Party operations. The Boat Battalions, organized with the Engineer Special Brigade, were not employed in the European Theater.

After studying post-WWII battle analyses and organization, the Army, Navy, and Marine Corps reviewed the requirements for Shore Party operations and established new organizations. Today’s Landing Force Support Party (LFSP) within the Marine Corps replaces the WWII Shore Party. The LFSP provides the landing force with initial combat support and combat service support during the ship-to-shore movement. (The Engineer Amphibious Brigade is the Army’s counterpoint to the Marine’s LFSP.) The post-war analysis also led to the Chief of Naval Operations’ (CNO) decision to commission naval beach groups as afloat commands assigned to the two Amphibious Forces.

Beachmasters on LARC during WWII The first to be commissioned on July 19, 1948 at Little Creek Amphibious Base, Naval Beach Group TWO (NBG-2) consisted of a small headquarters section, a Construction Battalion (CB), and two Underwater Demolition Teams (UDT). The Naval Beach Group (NBG) was established to provide naval elements to the ATF to support the landing of a Marine Expeditionary Force (MEF) or to the Maritime Pre-positioning Forces to offload equipment and supplies for a Marine Air-Ground Task Force (MAGTF) ashore. In 1949, two commissioned units were added; Boat Unit TWO, which maintained and operated the large assault landing craft for the ship-to-shore movement of troops and equipment; and Beachmaster Unit TWO (BMU-2), which maintained the special teams to control boat traffic and conduct boat salvage operation in the surf.

Since 1949, BMU-2 assets have been involved in major amphibious exercises and operations in Lebanon, Cuba, Grenada, Desert Storm, Kosovo, and Afghanistan. http://www.bmu2.surfor.navy.mil/Site%20Documents/History.aspx

Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron (HSC) 26
"Chargers"
Naval Station, Norfolk, VA

Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron TWO SIX's (HSC-26) primary mission is to rapidly disperse supplies from Atlantic Fleet Combat Logistic Force (CLF) ships to other units of the Second, Fifth and Sixth fleets via vertical replenishment, day or night, under a variety of weather conditions. Other HC-6 missions include Passenger transfers; Day and night Search And Rescue; support to amphibious ships assigned to the Second, Fifth, and Sixth fleets; Surface surveillance; Special operations with SEAL and EOD teams; Night vision goggle operations; and general logistic support in the VACAPES operating area.

On April 1, 2005, HC-6 was redesignated HSC-26 to reflect its transition to the MH-60S. This change was also due to the merging of Helicopter Combat Support and the Helicopter Anti-Submarine communities into Helicopter Sea Combat Squadrons. With this redesignations, HSC-26 has begun advanced Naval Special Warfare training, including Combat Search and Rescue (CSAR), training as a Mine-Countermeasures platform, and assumed Amphibious Warfare responsibilities. http://www.globalsecurity.org/military/agency/navy/hc-6.htm

Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron 26 Welcomes Home Detachment

Story Number: NNS060310-07
Release Date: 3/10/2006 2:19:00 PM

By Photographer’s Mate Airman Casandra Newell, Fleet Public Affairs Center Atlantic

NORFOLK, Va. (NNS) -- Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron (HSC) 26 “Chargers," friends and family members gathered March 8 at Naval Station Norfolk, Va., to welcome home Sailors from HSC 26, Det. 4.

Det. 4 completed a six-month deployment to Southwest Asia and Eastern Africa with the aircraft carrier USS Theodore Roosevelt (TR) (CVN 71) Carrier Strike Group.

The detachment flew the MH-60S Knighthawk helicopter, conducting passenger transfers, search and rescue operations and various other missions to supporting the strike group.

Cmdr. Ken Ingelsby, HSC-26 commanding officer, stated his pride for the job accomplished by the returning detachment.

“They were out supporting the 5th Fleet and the war on terror, and they did a terrific job out there,” he said.

Members of the detachment voiced relief upon returning home to family, friends and colleagues.

“After a few months, it feels real good to be home,” Aviation Machinist’s Mate 2nd Class Amilcar Andrade stated.

Ingelsby held back tears as he added, “Their tasking was varied and assorted, but they made all their missions in support of the battle group for the TR, and I’m very proud of them.” http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=22630

COMAFLOATRAGRU
Afloat Training Group, Atlantic and Afloat Training Group, Pacific.
http://www.atg.surfor.navy.mil/default.aspx

Afloat Training Group provides dynamic, quality afloat training to Navy and Coast Guard Sailors to ensure a combat ready force capable of performing a broad spectrum of maritime missions. Special emphasis is placed on training ships’ training teams, special evolution teams, and watch teams to institutionalize the onboard capability to sustain and improve combat readiness throughout an employment cycle.
ATG proudly employs the best Sailors in the Navy and keeps their warfare expertise sharp by maintaining technical in-rate currency of professional knowledge and skills through a robust training program of formal Navy schools, installation and factory training, technical symposiums, informal training and self study.

Afloat Training Organization (ATO)
http://www.dcfp.navy.mil/train/ato.htm

Assault Craft Unit TWO (ACU 2), Norfolk, VA.

Assault Craft Unit TWO provides trained personnel and combat ready landing craft to operational commanders in support of amphibious operations and training. http://www.acu2.surfor.navy.mil/default.aspx

Assualt Craft Unit FOUR, Norfolk, VA.

Assualt Craft Unit FOUR provides combat ready craft that fully meet operational tasking world wide, on time, every time. To accomplish this we provide the best quality training to our people; maintain all craft and equipment in the highest state of readiness through economical, timely, and high quality craftsmanship; provide the best possible administrative, financial, logistical, operational, and technical support. http://www.acu4.surfor.navy.mil/site%20pages/Mission.aspx

Afloat Training Group, Atlantic and Afloat Training Group, Pacific.
http://www.atg.surfor.navy.mil/default.aspx
_________________

U. S. Navy Veteran
August 1977 to July 1983

Yoeman Second Class,
with student pilot's license