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Batman47 Board Founder/CNC User is Offline Joined: 10 Feb 2007 Posts: 363 Karma: 5 applaud / smite 392 points 0 warnings 0 tempbans	Posted: Fri Jul 04, 2008 11:09 pm    Post subject: Bonhomme Richard Expeditionary Strike Group (ESG)-PHIBRON 7 · Quote Bonhomme Richard Expeditionary Strike Group (ESG) - PHIBRON 7 Focus on Commander, Amphibious Force, U.S. 7th Fleet http://www.news.navy.mil/local/ctf76 Commander, Amphibious Force, U.S. 7th Fleet Story Archive http://www.news.navy.mil/local/story_archive.asp?id=151 Commander, Amphibious Squadron Seven Amphibious Task Force - (CTF) 76 COMPHIBRON SEVEN (COMPHIBRON) 7 COMPHIBRON 7 PHIBRON SEVEN Amphibious Squadron SEVEN (CPR 7) Amphibious Squadron 7 http://www.cpr7.navy.mil/default.aspx http://www.globalsecurity.org/military/agency/navy/phibron7.htm Located in in San Diego and Long Beach, California at the 32nd Street Naval Station, Amphibious Squadron Seven (CPR 7) is the Command and Control Leg of the USS Tarawa (LHA 1) 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. Amphibious Squadron Seven is subordinate to Commander, Expeditionary Strike Group (ESG) 3 or COMEXSTRKGRU THREE. http://www.esg3.navy.mil Focus on Expeditionary Strike Group 3 http://www.navy.mil/local/ESG%203 Now: Expeditionary Strike Group (ESG) 3 COMEXSTRKGRU THREE http://www.esg3.navy.mil Amphibious Squadron SEVEN (CPR 7) was established in August 1986 as a readiness squadron.  The Squadron's original mission was to provide maintenance, training and administrative oversight for LST, LSD and LKA class. 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. In April 1994, the Squadron's mission changed to conducting expeditionary warfare while maintaining an optimal state of readiness to effectively support national objectives as directed by Fleet Commanders.  The oversight functions of the ships shifted to Commander, Amphibious Group THREE, and the size of the staff was significantly reduced. OUR MISSION IS TO COMMAND, COORDINATE, PLAN, INTEGRATE, AND EXECUTE THE DEPLOYED AMPHIBIOUS OPERATIONS OF AN EXPEDITIONARY STRIKE GROUP IN CONJUNCTION WITH A MARINE EXPEDITIONARY UNIT (MEU) (SPECIAL OPERATIONS CAPABLE). CPR-7 IS RESPONSIBLE FOR THE FULL COMBAT INTEGRATION OF AN LHD, LSD, AND AN LPD IN SUPPORT OF AN EXPEDITIONARY STRIKE GROUP AND NATIONAL OBJECTIVES. http://www.cpr7.navy.mil/site%20pages/mission.aspx Amphibious Squadron SEVEN employs three amphibious ships and embarked Marine Expeditionary Unit forces to execute all assigned operational tasks in support of the nation’s littoral warfare strategy. http://www.cpr7.navy.mil/site%20pages/history.aspx Amphibious Squadron SEVEN’s first deployment Amphibious Squadron SEVEN's first deployment was from June to December 1995 with the 11th Marine Expeditionary Unit Special Operations Capable (11th MEU SOC) and the NEW ORLEANS Amphibious Ready Group (ARG).  During this deployment, the Amphibious Ready Group/Marine Expeditionary Unit  (ARG/MEU) (SOC))  conducted Exercises INFINITE MOONLIGHT, EAGER MACE, RELIANT RESCUE, NEON FALCON and RELIANT GORILLA, visiting Hong Kong; Singapore; Aqaba, Jordan; Bahrain; Jebel Ali, UAE; Fremantle, Australia and Pearl Harbor. Crew members from ARG ships New Orleans, USS Juneau (LPD 10), USS Comstock (LSD 45) and USS Mount Vernon (LSD 39) also conducted more than 20 community projects in four countries. The USS New Orleans (LPH 11) Amphibious Ready Group (ARG) and the 11th Marine Expeditionary Unit (special operations capable) (MEU (SOC)) returned home on 22 December 1995 with more than 4,000 Sailors and Marines from a Western Pacific (WestPac) deployment. Amphibious Squadron SEVEN’s second deployment Three amphibious ships, led by the BOXER Amphibious Ready Group with Amphibious Squadron SEVEN and the 15th Marine Expeditionary Unit (SOC) embarked and more than 2,000 Marines from Camp Pendleton departed 23 March 1997 for the Mideast and Western Pacific for a six-month deployment.; participating in Exercises INFINITE MOONLIGHT, INFINITE SHADOW, RED REEF and IRON MAGIC while visiting Hong Kong; Singapore; Phuket, Thailand; Aqaba, Jordan; Misawa, Eritrea; Jebel Ali, UAE; Bali Indonesia; Darwin, Australia; and Pearl Harbor from  23 March 1997 to September 1997. Of note, Amphibious Squadron SEVEN was the "plankowner" squadron staff for USS BOXER (LHD 4). The ships and Marines replaced the Essex amphibious ready group. The deployment was the first for the Boxer, which was commissioned in 1995. Also aboard will be a reinforced Marine squadron comprised of Super Stallion, Sea Knight and Huey helicopters, Cobra gunships and Harrier jump jets. 15th MEU (SOC) was the first MEU (Plankowner) to deploy with the USS Boxer Amphibious Ready Group (ARG) from March 24 to September 24, 1997. The BOXER Amphibious Ready Group during 15th MEU (SOC) deployment consisted of USS BOXER (LHD 4), USS OGDEN (LPD 5), and USS FORT FISHER (LSD 40). The MEU participated in Exercises INFINITE MOONLIGHT, INFINITE SHADOW, RED REEF and IRON MAGIC while visiting Hong Kong; Singapore; Phuket, Thailand; Aqaba, Jordan; Misawa, Eritrea; Jebel Ali, UAE; Bali, Indonesia; Darwin, Australia; and Pearl Harbor, Hawaii. USS Boxer (LHD 4) Amphibious Ready Group (ARG) and 15th Marine Expeditionary Unit Special Operations Capable (MEU SOC) returned home 23 September 1997 after a six-month deployment to the Western Pacific, Red Sea, Arabian Gulf and Indian Ocean. The Boxer ARG consisted of Boxer, USS Fort Fisher (LSD 40), and USS Ogden (LPD 5) with embarked Marines and naval support elements. Sailors and Marines traveled more than 30,000 miles with visits to Pearl Harbor; Hong Kong; Singapore; Phuket, Thailand (Boxer); Penang, Malaysia (Fort Fisher/Ogden); Aqaba, Jordan; Massawa, Eritrea; Jebel Ali, United Arab Emirates; Bali, Indonesia (Boxer); Surabaya, Indonesia (Fort Fisher/Ogden); Darwin, Australia (Boxer); and Cairns, Australia (Fort Fisher/Ogden). During their deployment to 5th Fleet, Marines and Sailors conducted three bilateral training exercises with regional allies. In addition, pilots flying AV-8B Harriers from Boxer flew sorties patrolling the no fly zone over southern Iraq in support of Operation Southern Watch. Amphibious Squadron SEVEN’s third deployment BOXER ARG with Amphibious Squadron SEVEN and the 13th MEU (SOC) embarked participated in Exercises EDGED MALLET, NEON FALCON and EAGER MACE from December 1998 to June 1999.  The Squadron made port calls in Hong Kong; Singapore; Phuket, Thailand; Abu Dhabi, UAE; Jebel Ali, UAE; Bali, Indonesia; Townsville, Australia and Pearl Harbor.  13th MEU (SOC) was the second MEU to deploy with the USS Boxer Amphibious Ready Group (ARG) from December 05, 1998 to June 05, 1999. The BOXER Amphibious Ready Group during 13th MEU (SOC) deployment consisted of USS BOXER (LHD 4), USS CLEVELAND (LPD 7), and USS HARPERS FERRY (LSD 49). The MEU participated in contingency operations in and around the Horn of Africa and Kenya, Exercises EDGED MALLET, RED REEF, and IRON MAGIC while visiting Hong Kong; Singapore; Phuket, Thailand; Mombassa, Kenya; Kuwait City, Kuwait; Abu Dhabi and Jebel Ali, UAE; Bali, Indonesia; Townsville, Australia; and Pearl Harbor, Hawaii. Amphibious Squadron 7 included the Boxer amphibious ready group consisting of USS Boxer (LHD 4), USS Cleveland (LPD 7), USS Harpers Ferry (LSD 49) and embarked naval support elements. Amphibious Squadron SEVEN employs Amphibious Ready Group ships and embarked Marine Expeditionary Unit forces to execute all assigned operational tasks in support of the nation’s littoral warfare strategy. Commander Amphibious Squadron 7 was responsible for preparing the Boxer (LHD 4) amphibious ready group for an early 2001 deployment with the 11th Marine Expeditionary Unit (special operations capable). 11th MEU(SOC) will be the third MEU to embark USS Boxer and began workups with the USS Boxer Amphibious Ready Group (ARG) in early June 2000. The Boxer amphibious ready group returned from successful amphibious orientation training and Rim of the Pacific 2000 exercises with 1st Marine division, stationed in Camp Pendleton, and 3rd Marine Division, stationed in Kaneohe bay, Hawaii, respectively. Together with the 3rd Marines, the Boxer amphibious ready group conducted a humanitarian assistance disaster relief exercise, several training events to include helicopter and mechanized amphibious raids, an amphibious rehearsal and an amphibious assault. In addition to providing command and control direction during the Navy’s salvage operations of Alaskan Air Flight 261, the Squadron Seven embarked Boxer where Boxer amphibious ready group participated in the Rim of the Pacific 2000 Exercise, involving ships, submarines and aircraft from seven different countries. This multinational exercise included Maritime Interdiction Operations, Sea Control, Strike Warfare, Humanitarian Assistance Operations and culminated in an amphibious landing in direct support of Coalition forces ashore. Rim of the Pacific 2000 exercises included 1st Marine division, stationed in Camp Pendleton, and 3rd Marine Division, stationed in Kaneohe bay, Hawaii, respectively. Together with the 3rd Marines, the Boxer amphibious ready group conducted a humanitarian assistance disaster relief exercise, several training events to include helicopter and mechanized amphibious raids, an amphibious rehearsal and an amphibious assault. Amphibious Squadron SEVEN’s fourth deployment BOXER ARG with Amphibious Squadron SEVEN and the 11th MEU (SOC) embarked provided Humanitarian Assistance Operations in East Timor and participated in Exercises EAGER MACE and RED REEF from March to September 2001.  The Squadron made port calls in Singapore; Phuket, Thailand; Jebel Ali, Guam and Pearl Harbor.  On the transit from Guam to Pearl Harbor, the Squadron rescued 8 Chinese fishermen. Amphibious Squadron SEVEN’S fifth deployment was from January to July 2003, with the TARAWA ARG and 15th MEU (SOC) in support of Operation ENDURING FREEDOM.  While deployed, the command operated as the flagstaff for Commander, Task Force FIVE ONE during Operation IRAQI FREEDOM. Amphibious Squadron SEVEN’s sixth deployment was from December 2004 to June 2005, deploying again with the 15th MEU (SOC), flagship BONHOMME RICHARD and the inaugural deployment for Expeditionary Strike Group FIVE.   The squadron also participated in Operations ENDURING and IRAQI FREEDOM, conducting Maritime Security Operations Commander duties in the volatile waters off of Iraq. Responding to the devastating tsunami off the coast of Sumatra, Indonesia, the strike group participated in Operation UNIFIED ASSISTANCE, conducting a massive humanitarian mission which delivered 2.1 million pounds of relief aid to the victims of the disaster.   Amphibious Squadron 7 Commander Meets With Coalition Partners to Discuss Humanitarian Relief Efforts Story Number: NNS050111-07 Release Date: 1/11/2005 4:15:00 PM By Journalist 1st Class Robert Dylewski, USS Bonhomme Richard Public Affairs ABOARD USS BONHOMME RICHARD, At Sea (NNS) -- Commander, Amphibious Squadron 7, Capt. Michelle J. Howard met with Singaporean naval officers Jan. 9 to make preparations for the multipurpose amphibious assault ship USS Bonhomme Richard (BHR) (LHD 6) and the 15th Marine Expeditionary Unit (Special Operations Capable) to provide humanitarian relief missions off the coast of Sumatra. Howard first met with the Joint Humanitarian Assistance Task Force Commander, Col. Tan Chaun-Jin, of Singapore’s Armed Forces, to learn more about the situation ashore and coordinate humanitarian efforts. “We also met with the commanding officer of the Singapore ship RSS Endurance (L 207), Lt. Col. Li Lit Siew. They actually deployed Dec. 31. to provide relief here, which is remarkable because it was five days after the tsunami,” said Howard. “They laid the groundwork for the Indonesians, and they have been working with the relief efforts ever since.” Meulaboh, a coastal town in western Sumatra, was isolated from the surrounding areas by the massive tsunami waves, and this is where the relief efforts began. “There are a lot of ships from different nations around Meulaboh, providing hope and assistance,” Howard said. “It’s amazing to see dozens of countries working together to provide relief, not to mention dozens of world organizations like Red Cross, Red Crescent and the World Health Organization,” she added. BHR is playing a key role in this international effort and continues to provide humanitarian assistance to tsunami victims on Sumatra. “I think that the average American is taking great pride in the relief efforts we are providing,” Howard said. “We have a history of providing hope and comfort.” Bonhomme Richard and other ships and Marine Corps units attached to Amphibious Squadron 7 and Expeditionary Strike Group 5 are conducting humanitarian assistance operations off the coast of Sumatra in support of Operation Unified Assistance. http://www.news.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=16584 Amphibious Squadron SEVEN employs three amphibious ships and embarked Marine Expeditionary Unit forces to execute all assigned operational tasks in support of the nation’s littoral warfare strategy. http://www.cpr7.navy.mil/site%20pages/history.aspx http://www.globalsecurity.org/military/agency/navy/phibron7.htm Bonhomme Richard Expeditionary Strike Group (ESG) [BHRESG] USS Bonhomme Richard (LHD-6) "Revolutionary Gator" http://www.lhd6.navy.mil   Focus on USS Bonhomme Richard (LHD 6) http://www.news.navy.mil/local/lhd6   USS Bonhomme Richard (LHD 6) Story Archive http://www.navy.mil/local/story_archive.asp?id=126 USS Bonhomme Richard (LHD 6) Stories http://www.lhd6.navy.mil/Files/stories.html USS Bonhomme Richard (LHD 6) History http://www.navysite.de/ships/lhd6.htm USS Bonhomme Richard (LHD 6) Photos http://www.navsource.org/archives/10/08/0806.htm Bonhomme Richard Amphibious Ready Group (ARG) [BHRESG] http://www.globalsecurity.org/military/agency/navy/lhd-6.htm   Naval Station San Diego, CA. USS Bonhomme Richard (LHD 6), San Diego, CA – ow-commandpost http://www.freepowerboards.com/owcommandpost/viewtopic.php?p=12906#12906     USS Bonhomme Richard (LHD 6) Deployment History http://www.uscarriers.net/lhd6.htm History of the USS Bonhomme Richard http://www.lhd6.navy.mil/Files/history.html Bonhomme Richard is the flagship for the Bonhomme Richard Expeditionary Strike Group, operating out of San Diego, with Amphibious Squadron Three embarked subordinate to Commander, Expeditionary Strike Group (ESG) 3 or COMEXSTRKGRU THREE and reports operationally when deployed to the 7th Fleet AOR, to Commander, Expeditionary Strike Group 7/Task Force 76, the Navy’s only forward–deployed amphibious task force. USS Denver (LPD-9) “Finest Gator in the Fleet” http://www.denver.navy.mil/default.aspx Focus on USS Denver (LPD 9) https://navcms.news.navy.mil/local/lpd9 USS Denver (LPD 9) Story Archive https://navcms.news.navy.mil/local/story_archive.asp?id=467 USS Denver (LPD 9) History http://navysite.de/ships/lpd9.htm USS Denver (LPD 9) Photos http://www.navsource.org/archives/10/09/0909.htm USS Denver (LPD 9) History http://www.denver.navy.mil/Site%20Pages/history.aspx USS DENVER is the sixth AUSTIN - class amphibious transport dock and the third ship in the Navy to bear the name. USS DENVER was laid down 7 July 1964 at Lockheed Shipbuilding and Construction Company, Seattle, Washington. She was launched 23 January 1965, christened by Mrs. John Love, wife of the Governor of Colorado, and commissioned 26 October 1968. Following her commissioning in 1968, DENVER proceeded to Puget Sound Naval Shipyard in Bremerton, Washington, for a three-month outfitting period, after which she steamed to her homeport of Long Beach, California, arriving in January 1969. February marked the beginning of DENVER’s initial four-week underway training, which was followed by a two-week amphibious training period. In April she made a voyage to Acapulco, Mexico, for rest and relaxation, and again DENVER commenced her return trip to Long Beach Naval Shipyard, where she underwent her post-shakedown availability. Departing homeport early in October 1969, she proceeded to San Diego, California, for interim refresher training and further amphibious training. Her return to Long Beach took place in the end of November, and she remained there until the end of the year. Underway training included a gun shoot on 2 February 1970 and an underway replenishments from the USS KAWISHIWI (AO 146) on 5 February. While the DENVER was alongside the port side of the KAWISHIWI with two fuel rigs connected, the USS MONTICELLO (LSD 35) made contact with the KAWISHIWI while approaching her starboard side. DENVER executed emergency breakaway procedures and no personnel or material casualties resulted on DENVER. The KAWISHIWI and MONTICELLO both received minor damage, but both ships were left capable of carrying out assigned missions and no personnel were injured. Underway replenishment was resumed after a short delay and completed without further incident. The Commanding Officer of the DENVER was directed to conduct an informal investigation of the incident by Commander, Amphibious Squadron Seven. On 10 February, ALAMO (LSD 33) and ANCHORAGE (LSD 36) were detached and DENVER proceeded independently for Okinawa. On 11 February, DENVER passed from the operational control of Commander, First Fleet to that of Commander, Seventh Fleet. DENVER moored at US Naval Station, White Beach, Buckner Bay, Okinawa to offload cargo, debark US Marine Corps personnel and take on fuel. Upon completion, DENVER was underway on 17 February for Subic Bay, Republic of the Philippines with Commander, Amphibious Squadron Seven embarked, and arrived in Subic Bay to moor outboard of the USS MONTICELLO. DENVER was underway for Da Nang on 10 March. Commander, Amphibious Squadron Seven returned to his flagship when DENVER reached Da Nang on 13 March. Two fuel pontoons were loaded for delivery to DENVER's next stop Vung Tau, and the DENVER left Da Nang the same day. DENVER quickly offloaded the two fuel pontoons the afternoon of 14 March in Vung Tau, Republic of Viet Nam, and was underway for Singapore, expecting to arrive there 17 March. However, DENVER was diverted by operational commitments and the trip was delayed and finally cancelled while the DENVER was involved in the SS COLUMBIA EAGLE incident. On 18 May, DENVER was underway with the other four ships of Amphibious Squadron Seven for amphibious training and Hong Kong. DENVER also obtained 2 UH-1E helicopters and support detachment as an after-effect of the increased readiness posture. While entering Hong Kong Harbor, the USS WASHTENAW COUNTY collided with the KOTA SELATAN of Singapore registry in dense fog on 23 May. No personnel casualties resulted but a considerable amount of damage to the WASHTENAW COUNTY took place. The WASHTENAW COUNTY followed the other ships to anchorage in Hong Kong Harbor. DENVER ship fitters gave extension assistance (10 men expending 352 man-hours) to patching the 6 foot by 30 foot hole on the port quarter of the WASHTENAW COUNTY. DENVER was underway again the morning of 14 March 1971 enroute to Hong Kong. The transit was interrupted by the SOS of a Chinese merchant vessel, the WING HING. DENVER proceeded with all due speed to the reported disaster position to search for survivors. DENVER began a search pattern off Luzon Island which eventually resulted in visual contact with an empty lifeboat at 19 33.0’ N, 117 36.0 E. DENVER maneuvered for the best position, then ballasted down, lowered her stern gate and brought the lifeboat into the well deck. After deballasting, DENVER was again underway in search of survivors. A lifeboat without survivors was sighted about 1700, but it was quickly followed by visual contact of another lifeboat with an apparent survivor. DENVER maneuvered, then lowered the motor whaleboat to attempt rescue. Rescue was accomplished and the lifeboat of the survivor was also taken aboard. DENVER then returned to pick up the empty life raft previously sighted at 19 34’ N, 116 51.5’ E. This year DENVER's crew received the Vietnam Service Medal with 2 stars. April 1972 DENVER's crew received the Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal. In May DENVER's crew received the Combat Action Ribbon and in June received the Navy Unit Commendation from the Secretary of the Navy for making aeronautical history as the first ship to launch U.S. Marine attack helicopter on missions in North Vietnamese waters. WestPac 73'-74' the ship made port visits to the following locations: Pearl Harbor, HI; Sasebo, Japan; Philippines; Okinawa; Taiwan; Hong Kong; and Korea. Length of WestPac, approx. 8 months. During this WestPac USS DENVER was designated a "Flag Ship" with Rear Admiral Price serving as the Acting Commander. The ship got underway at midnight on 18 April 1975 for a holding area off Vung Tau, South Vietnam . On the way plans were made and facilities set up for the possibility of holding many thousands of refugees. On 22 April DENVER moved to an area within sight of Vung Tau and assumed her position amongst some 48 other ships of the US Seventh Fleet. On 29 April DENVER became one of the first ships to receive South Vietnamese refugees as "Huey" helicopters began arriving onboard. In order to make room for more helicopters, seven had to be jettisoned over the stern. During all this confusion the ship’s special organization for handling refugees was called into action and the orderly progression began as our new charges were directed to use the well deck for temporary shelter and assistance. During the next several days the ship processed some 7,500 Vietnamese refugees through the well deck and into our waiting Assault Craft Unit ONE landing craft. After processing they were shuttled to waiting Military Sealift Command ships. The hours became incredibly long as Marine helicopters came aboard with load after load of refugees, yet the crew of DENVER willingly stayed on the job assisting and feeding the thousands of refugees. These last refugees were all taken in by boats of the Amphibious ships and some landing craft that were salvaged and manned by DENVER ’s crew. In the end, the MSC ships were all filled and the warships started taking on refugees for transport to Subic Bay , Philippines . DENVER ’s share came to over 500 people who were bedded down under a "tent" city which was erected on the flight deck amidst salvaged helicopters. Earlier in 1977 after completing a major overhaul, DENVER participated in the operational evaluation of USS TARAWA (LHA 1) and a midshipman training cruise to Alaska and Canada. While traveling from Hong Kong to Pearl Harbor during the period 30 November - 15 December 1981, heavy seas were experienced from 1 - 3 December. DENVER sustained damage to the motor whale boat davit, one 50-foot dual yoke whip antenna, and the loss of the H frame and lower platform of the port accommodation ladder. During the tropical storm, DENVER was called upon to transfer eight 55-gallon drums of lubricating oil to USS SCHENECTADY (LST 1185) to correct a casualty. This evolution was done via Manila highline under hazardous conditions and was carried out without incident. In 1983 after exercise Balikitan / Tangent Flash ’83, DENVER headed south for one week of liberty at Hong Kong. While moored to a buoy there, the ship’s bull nose suffered complete structural failure. High winds at the ship’s beam caused the anchor chain to rip through the bull nose and across the deck destroying the bull nose, the hatch to the forward gear locker, and several life rails. The sea and anchor detail was hastily manned, but the anchor chain held and despite the damage the ship remained moored to the buoy. In January 1989, DENVER departed San Diego on deployment number twelve to the Western Pacific which included several port visits in the far east including Hong Kong, Yokosuka, Sasebo, Pusan, Pohang, Subic Bay, and Okinawa. During this deployment DENVER participated in the combined U.S.-Republic of Korea Forces Amphibious Exercise, TEAM SPIRIT '89. In May 1990, DENVER participated in RIMPAC '90 exercises with the Navies of Australia, Canada, Japan, and South Korea . In December 1990, DENVER departed San Diego as part of a 13 ship Amphibious Task Force in support of operation DESERT STORM, the largest Amphibious Force to depart the West coast since the Korean War. DENVER acted as the primary control ship for all amphibious ships in support of Operation Desert Storm. On 24 February 1991, embarked Marine and Navy units were tactically off-loaded off the coast of Al Mishab, Saudi Arabia just 20 nautical miles south of the Kuwait border. The units performed various combat roles in support of the successful ground assault phase of Operation Desert Storm. DENVER was awarded the Navy Unit Commendation for operations during the war. DENVER departed on the 14th deployment to the Western Pacific and was diverted one month into the cruise to the coast of Somalia in support of operation RESTORE HOPE in 1993. DENVER mostly remained at anchor to conserve fuel during the 4 month stay. The Commander in Chief, President Bill Clinton, also made a phone call to wish the crew, "Happy Holidays," and to say the American people were very supportive of their efforts. The Chief of Naval Operations, Admiral Kelso, and the Commandant of the Marine Corps, General Munday, also visited DENVER while deployed. On 13 November 1995 DENVER deployed to the Arabian Gulf in support of operation SOUTHERN WATCH with the USS PELELIU (LHA 5) Amphibious Ready Group and the 15th Marine Expeditionary Unit (Special Operations Capable). DENVER participated in exercises IRON MAGIC/IRON SIREN with the United Arab Emirates, PELMEUEX with Kuwait, and EASTERN MAVERICK with Qatar. On 24 January 2000 DENVER departed its home port on deployment to the Western Pacific, Indian Ocean and Arabian Gulf. DENVER was involved in many vital operations and exercises. DENVER's first mission was to support peacekeeping and humanitarian operations of the international forces in East Timor. While in the Arabian Gulf DENVER joined other forces of the fifth fleet supporting operation Southern Watch. DENVER and the 15th MEU also participated in multinational exercises Eager Mace in Kuwait, Eastern Maverick in Quatar, and Sea Soldier in Oman . The ship had the honor of being one of the first amphibious ships to support Maritime Interdiction Operations (MIO) in the Arabian Gulf. A mission previously only conducted by destroyers and cruisers. DENVER's visit Board, Search and Seizure (VBSS) teams boarded five ships in support of United Nations Sanctions against Iraq . Port visits included Darwin, Australia; Phuket, Thailand; Manama, Bahrain; Kuwait City, Kuwait; Doha, Qatar; Jebel Ali, UAE; Muscat, Oman; Penang, Malaysia; and Hong Kong. DENVER also qualified 103 personnel as Enlisted Surface Warfare Specialist during its deployment. http://www.denver.navy.mil/Site%20Pages/history.aspx USS Rushmore (LSD-47) “Nobility & Power” http://www.rushmore.navy.mil/default.aspx Focus on USS Rushmore (LSD 47) http://www.navy.mil/local/lsd47 USS Rushmore (LSD 47) Story Archive http://www.navy.mil/local/story_archive.asp?id=413 USS Rushmore (LSD 47) History http://navysite.de/ships/lsd47.htm USS Rushmore (LSD 47) Photos http://www.navsource.org/archives/10/12/1247.htm USS RUSHMORE is the seventh ship in the WHIDBEY ISLAND - class of Dock Landing Ships and the fourth ship in that class to serve in the Pacific Fleet. USS RUSHMORE is named after the Mount Rushmore National Monument in the Black Hills of South Dakota.  RUSHMORE was built by Avondale Industries in New Orleans, Louisiana.  Mrs. Meredith Brokaw, wife of NBC News anchorman Tom Brokaw, christened the ship RUSHMORE May 6, 1989.  Commissioning ceremonies were held on June 1, 1991 on the banks of the Mississippi River at the River Walk, New Orleans. The ship's first assignment was to deliver three Air Cushioned Landing Craft (LCAC) to Camp Pendleton, California from Panama City, Florida.  Along the way, RUSHMORE conducted a port visit in Jamaica, traversed the Panama Canal, and visited Rodman, Panama.  Camp Pendleton was the last stop before arriving at her homeport of San Diego. During her first six-month deployment, USS RUSHMORE spearheaded the beach landing on Somalia during Operation RESTORE HOPE, the largest military humanitarian operation in history.  Operation RESTORE HOPE was designed to provide food and medical relief to the starving people of Somalia. RUSHMORE's 1994 WESTPAC deployment came almost one year ahead of schedule.  She deployed with only four weeks notice and participated in Operation SUPPORT HOPE off the coast of Mombassa, Kenya, the USLO relocation in Somalia, and exercises with forces of Oman and the United Arab Emirates. RUSHMORE's 1996 deployment followed a complete and highly successful training cycle during which RUSHMORE earned the Blue "E" and the Battle "E".  RUSHMORE concluded 1996 with a port visit to Mazatlan, Mexico.  The ship earned its second consecutive Battle "E" in 1996. RUSHMORE enjoyed port visits in Portland, Oregon, Annette Island, Alaska, and Seattle, Washington in 1997.  Also in 1997, RUSHMORE became the Navy's first "Smart Ship".  The "Smart Ship" concept integrates and evaluates commercial off-the-shelf technologies for future fleet application.  Systems include Electronic Chart Display, Integrated Bridge System, and Machinery Control System. RUSHMORE deployed in 1999 with the PELELIU Amphibious Ready Group and the 11th Marine Expeditionary Unit.  During this deployment, RUSHMORE participated in Operation IRON MAGIC with the United Arab Emirates and Exercise RED REEF with Saudi Arabia.  RUSHMORE also had the distinction of becoming the first United States Naval warship to visit Doha, Qatar in 10 years.  Other port visits included Japan, Thailand, Saudi Arabia, UAE, Singapore, Guam, Australia and Hawaii.  RUSHMORE returned to San Diego in December 1999 and became the first "Smart Ship" to complete a six-month Western Pacific deployment. With the new millennium, came a year of local operations for RUSHMORE.  The ship last deployed on Dec. 6, 2004 in support of Operation IRAQI FREEDOM as part of the USS BONHOMME RICHARD Expeditionary Strike Group (ESG 5).  On the way to the Fifth Fleet Area of Responsibility, a cataclysmic event occurred, which would change the course of RUSHMORE and begin a massive U.S. military humanitarian operation, dubbed Operation UNIFIED ASSISTANCE.  The powerful tsunami that caused tidal waves and flooding in Southeast Asia took the lives of more than 100,000 people in a matter of hours.  USS RUSHMORE and the elements of Expeditionary Strike Group FIVE were called into action. The ship became an afloat staging base for military helicopters to refuel and transport supplies.  USS RUSHMORE launched both LCACs bringing tons of food and water ashore for distribution to survivors.  Once the operation ended, RUSHMORE reset a course to the Persian Gulf to support Maritime Security Operations, and help defend Iraq's Kwar Al Amaya and Al Basra Oil Platforms.  The Marines of the 15th Marine Expeditionary Unit deployed to Kuwait, and went further north into areas of Iraq before they were brought back onboard in early April. RUSHMORE Sailors enjoyed two port visits during their two months in the Persian Gulf, one visit to the Mid-Eastern country of Bahrain, the other, a trip to the port of Jebel Ali, United Arab Emirates.  During the transit home, RUSHMORE stopped for a port visit to Cairns, Australia.   RUSHMORE and her crew of more than 330 Sailors returned to the ship's homeport of San Diego, CA on June 6, 2005. The ship completed a three-month maintenance period and participated in Operation Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC) off the Coast of Hawaii from June to August of 2006. RUSHMORE began 2007 by completing work ups with the BONHOMME RICHARD (ESG 5).  They loaded more than 400 marines of the 13th MEU onboard along with their equipment to prepare for the transit to the Middle East. As April 10th arrived the RUSHMORE was ready to get underway for deployment.  RUSHMORE has visited several different ports including; Guam, Singapore, Jebel Ali, Dubai United Arab Emirates and Bahrain.  RUSHMORE continued to work with coalition partners in the Arabian Gulf until thier return to homeport San Diego November 19. http://www.rushmore.navy.mil/site%20pages/history.aspx 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   Afloat Training Group, Western Pacific http://www.atgwp.navy.mil _________________ U. S. Navy Veteran  August 1977 to July 1983 Yoeman Second Class, with student pilot's license
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