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Batman47 Board Founder/CNC User is Offline Joined: 10 Feb 2007 Posts: 368 Karma: 5 applaud / smite 397 points 0 warnings 0 tempbans	Posted: Mon Jun 30, 2008 12:13 am    Post subject: USS Bataan (LHD-5) · Quote Bataan Expeditionary Strike Group (ESG) 2- (CPG) 2 -CTF-22 - ow-command post http://www.freepowerboards.com/owcommandpost/viewtopic.php?p=12930#12930 Headquarters United States European Command http://www.eucom.mil/english/index.asp   Commander, U.S. Naval Forces Europe Commander, U.S. 6th Fleet - CNE-C6F http://www.c6f.navy.mil Commander, U.S. Naval Forces Europe Changes Command NAPLES, Italy (NNS) -- Adm. Mark Fitzgerald relieved Adm. Harry Ulrich III as Commander, U.S. Naval Forces Europe during a ceremony at Joint Forces Command Naples on Nov. 30. http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=33637 United States Sixth Fleet Task Force 61 is the Mediterranean Amphibious Ready Group (MARG). It is composed of approximately three amphibious ships and their embarked landing craft. From these ships, United States Marine ground forces can move ashore by sea and air in amphibious assault of emergency evacuation missions. Once ashore, the ships of Task Force 61 logistically support the ground forces, until the objective of the landing has been accomplished, and the Marine Forces return to the ships. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/United_States_6th_Fleet   Commander, Expeditionary Strike Group (ESG) 2 Commander, Amphibious Strike Group Two COMEXSTRKGRU TWO Commander, Amphibious Group (CPG) 2 Amphibious Group Two Commander, Task Force 22 (CTF-22) COMPHIBSTRIKFOR (NATO) Amphibious Task Force - East PHIBGRU TWO Commander, Amphibious Group (CPG) 2 was disestablished 31 December 2006, and commissioned as Commander, Expeditionary Strike Group (ESG) 2 [COMEXSTRKGRU TWO], per CNO guidance regarding alignment of Expeditionary Strike Groups and Amphibious Groups. This culminated nearly a year of preparation to become an operational command ready to deploy to the Middle East. Commander, Expeditionary Strike Group TWO is an Echelon 4 command, reporting to Echelon 3 Commander, Second Fleet. http://www.globalsecurity.org/military/agency/navy/phibgru2.htm Naval Support Activity, Naples, Italy http://www.nsa.naples.navy.mil Focus on Commander, Amphibious Group 2 http://www.news.navy.mil/local/cpg2   Commander, Amphibious Group 2 Story Archive http://www.navy.mil/local/story_archive.asp?id=316 COMEXSTRKGRU TWO SHIP'S AND SUPPORT UNITS The strike group includes Amphibious Squadron Two, Bataan, USS Shreveport (LPD-12), USS Oak Hill (LSD-51), USS Vella Gulf (CG-72), USS Nitze (DDG-94), USS Underwood (FFG-36), USS Scranton (SSN-756) and the 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit, based out of Camp Lejeune, N.C. http://www.eucom.mil/english/FullStory.asp?art=1228   Mount Whitney Expeditionary Strike Group Mount Whitney Amphibious Ready Group USS Mount Whitney (LCC/JCC 20) http://www.mtwhitney.navy.mil/default.aspx USS Mount Whitney (LCC/JCC 20) History http://navysite.de/ships/lcc20.htm   History of USS Mount Whitney (LCC/JCC 20) http://www.mtwhitney.navy.mil/site%20pages/history.aspx Bataan Expeditionary Strike Group (ESG) [BATESG] USS Bataan (LHD-5) "Big 5"   “Courage, Commitment ad Honor” http://www.bataan.navy.mil/default.aspx Focus on USS Bataan (LHD 5) http://www.navy.mil/local/lhd5 USS Bataan (LHD 5) Story Archive http://www.navy.mil/local/story_archive.asp?id=87 USS Bataan (LHD 5) History http://www.navysite.de/ships/lhd5.htm USS Bataan (LHD 5) Photos http://www.navsource.org/archives/10/08/0805.htm   Bataan Amphibious Ready Group (ARG) [BATARG] http://www.globalsecurity.org/military/agency/navy/lhd-5.htm   CNE-C6F http://www.c6f.navy.mil Naval Support Activity, Naples, Italy, former Naval Station, Norfolk, VA. http://www.nsa.naples.navy.mil USS Bataan (LHD 5) Deployment History http://www.uscarriers.net/lhd5.htm History of the USS Bataan http://www.navy.mil/local/lhd5 European Command's area of responsibility Jan. 11, 2007, supporting EUCOM's initiative to strengthen emerging and enduring partnerships. Bataan memorializes the valiant resistance of American and Filipino troops on the Bataan Peninsula in the dawning days of World War II. Fighting on the Philippine Islands of Luzon and Corregidor began just 10 short hours after the raid on Pearl Harbor. After weeks of Japanese air raids and beach landings on the north of Luzon, General Douglas MacArthur ordered withdrawal from the fortified north to the narrow jungle peninsula December 23, 1941. There, combined Army, Navy, Marine Corps and American-trained Filipino forces opposed teeming Japanese aggressors. Despite rampant disease, malnutrition, insufficient supplies and ammunition, the “Battling Bastards of Bataan” defended the peninsula until April 16, 1942. Corregidor fell shortly after on May 6, 1942. During combat, some units absorbed as high as 80 percent casualties. Tens of thousands of American service members died either in battle or during the unconscionable “Bataan Death March.” The 65-mile “Death March” alone claimed the lives of more than 21,000 allies in less than a week and is marked as one of the greatest travesties of World War II. Those who survived the march faced starvation and disease aboard “hell ships” during transportation and later in prison camps until Japan's formal surrender in 1945. Two of every three Americans who defended Bataan and Corregidor never returned home. Bataan was the last American stronghold in the Pacific theater to fall until MacArthur fulfilled his famed prophecy, “I shall return,” by reconquering the Philippine Islands two-and-one-half years later. The battle of Bataan and ensuing “Death March” are widely regarded as one of the greatest examples of allied courage, endurance and sacrifice in the history of military conflict. http://www.bataan.navy.mil/site%20pages/History.aspx   Ingalls shipbuilding, a division of Litton Industries, has been building ships for the U.S. Navy and Merchant Marine Fleets for more than half a century. Fabrication work for Bataan  (LHD 5) began at Ingalls on August 2, 1993, and the ship's keel was laid on June 22, 1994. LHD-5 was launched on March 15, 1996. On May 18, 1996, Mrs. Linda Mundy, wife of General Carl E. Mundy, USMC (Ret.), former Commandant of the Marine Corps, christened LHD-5 "Bataan." LHD 5, the fifth ship of the WASP (LHD 1) class being built by Ingalls, is named to honor the heroic defense of the Bataan Peninsula on the western side of Manila Bay in the Philippines during the early days of World War II. Ship's Sponsor, Linda Sloan Mundy, wife of former Marine Corps Commandant Gen. Carl E. Mundy Jr., christened the new ship "in the name of the United States and in honor of the heroic defenders of Bataan." More than 100 members of veterans groups associated with the defense of Bataan and the subsequent infamous "Death March," the battle of Corregidor and the aircraft carrier USS Bataan (CVL 29) were at the christening ceremony. "No one who was not there can know the ghastly hell endured by the brave veterans of Bataan," White noted. "All of us are deeply indebted to them for their service. We salute you for you heroism, your unwavering determination and your living reminder to us that freedom is not free." In speaking of LHD 5, White added, "Our world is changing so rapidly in so many ways that we don't know what the future will be, but we have a new strategy for this new, ever changing and still dangerous world. Having a ready force today is our number one priority because crises can erupt any time, anywhere. Sailors and Marines on USS Bataan (CVL 29) will have the training, ammo, supplies and support they need to succeed on any mission. "When LHD-5 deploys all around the world as flagship for an amphibious readiness group, the crew of 1,200 and the 2,000 members of its Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) will spend long periods away from home ... and they will face danger," White continued. "No system gives us more capability to project power than Bataan. This ship is truly the most modern amphibious assault ship in the world." LHDs are specifically designed to lay off a troubled area of the world and insert forces ashore by helicopters and hover craft. An LHD is fully capable of amphibious assault, advance force and special purpose operations as well as non-combatant evacuation and other humanitarian missions. Building a ship as complex as USS Bataan (CVL 29) is a real challenge," said Capt. Joseph Carnevale, supervisor of shipbuilding, conversion and repair. "Today there are two challenges for us: We must deliver the finest ships in the world and deliver them affordably. With the broad range of acquisition reform initiatives being implemented throughout the Department of Defense, there's a lot of focus on teamwork. I like to think that we're at the forefront of those efforts here in Pascagoula." "Today's christening is about a ship and it's also about people," said Ingalls President Jerry St. Pé. "It's about people like the great Americans ... the survivors of the 'Death March' who have given this ship their name ... and people like the shipbuilders of Ingalls who come to work each day with a common goal to build the best, most affordable ships possible for the men and women of the United States Navy." LHD-5 is 844 feet long with a 106-foot beam. Two steam propulsion plants, developing a combined 70,000 horsepower, will drive the 40,500-ton ship to speeds in excess of 20 knots. For combat support, as well as non-combatant evacuation and other humanitarian missions, LHDs have hospital facilities second only to the Navy's hospital ships, including six fully-equipped medical operating rooms, and hospital facilities capable of caring for as many as 600 patients. Her well deck is 267 feet long and capable of holding three LCACs. Two steam propulsion plants, developing a combined 70,000 horsepower, drive the 40,500-ton ship in excess of 20 knots. The ship's living areas can accommodate approximately 3,200 crewmembers and embarked troops. http://www.bataan.navy.mil/site%20pages/History.aspx  http://www.bataan.navy.mil/Site%20Pages/Christening.aspx Bataan was delivered in 1997. Capt. Craig Wilson of Virginia Beach was selected as LHD-5's prospective Commanding Officer. Wilson, a 1973 graduate of the U.S. Naval Academy, previously served as Executive Officer aboard USS Kearsarge (LHD 3). http://www.bataan.navy.mil/Site%20Pages/Christening.aspx   USS Bataan (LHD 5) was commissioned September 20, 1997. BATAAN is the fifth ship in the WASP class of United States Navy multipurpose amphibious assault ships. The mission of BATAAN is to enable the Navy and Marine Corps team to accomplish a seamless transition “….from the sea” to the land battle, originally as the lead ship of an Amphibious Readiness Group (ARG) and now as the centerpiece of an Expeditionary Strike Group (ESG). While a multi-mission ARG was capable of amphibious assault, advance force, and special purpose operations, as well as non-combatant evacuation and other humanitarian missions, the ESG also incorporates surface combatants to increase the group's anti-air warfare and land attack capabilities. LHDs embark, transport, deploy, command and fully support all elements of a Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) of 2,000 Marines, inserting forces ashore via helicopters, landing craft and amphibious vehicles. The WASP class ships are the first ships specifically designed to utilize landing craft air-cushion vehicles (LCACs) for assault. LHDs can accommodate the full range of Navy and Marine Corps helicopters, conventional landing craft and amphibious vehicles, along with all of the tanks, vehicles, artillery, ammunition and other supplies necessary to fully support the assault force. The WASP class ships were also specifically designed to carry a squadron of Harrier II (AV-8B) V/STOL (Vertical Short Take Off and Landing) jets for operational support and will be capable of carrying and supporting the MV-22 Osprey and the Marine Joint Strike Fighter when they are introduced into the fleet. One of the fleet's busiest ships over the last four years, BATAAN has participated in Operation ENDURING FREEDOM, Operation IRAQI FREEDOM I and Operation IRAQI FREEDOM II while supporting combat operations in both Afghanistan and Iraq. During OIF II, January-March 2004, the crew's mission was to offload Marines from Second Marine Expeditionary Force (II MEF), along with their equipment and ammunition, into Kuwait in order to help stabilize Iraq. The Marines were part of a 25,000 member air-and-ground task force that contributed to the largest rotation of U.S. Forces since World War II. During OIF I January-June 2003, her crew developed the Harrier Carrier concept, flying up to 26 AV-8B's off her deck during OIF I. This innovation maximized the combat capabilities of assets in theater and directly resulted in the destruction of hundreds of military targets within Iraq and once again proved the flexibility of this mighty warship. http://www.bataan.navy.mil/site%20pages/History.aspx   Amphibious Strike Group visits European theater Release Date: Jan 12, 2007   By Navy Mass Communications Specialist 3rd Class Joanne De Vera, USS Bataan public affairs ABOARD USS BATAAN, At Sea - The Bataan Expeditionary Strike Group (ESG) entered the European area of operations Jan. 10, supporting EUCOM's initiative to strengthen strengthen emerging and enduring partnerships with the nations and armed forces of Greece, France, Morocco, Italy, Spain, Turkey and Malta. USS Bataan (LHD 5) left her homeport of Norfolk, Va., Jan. 4 on a regularly-scheduled deployment as the flagship of the Bataan Expeditionary Strike Group. The strike group includes Amphibious Squadron Two, Bataan, USS Shreveport (LPD 12), USS Oak Hill (LSD 51), as well as the Aegis-equipped cruiser USS Vella Gulf (CG 72), guided missile destroyer USS Nitze (DDG 94), frigate USS Underwood (FFG 36), and the Los Angeles-class submarine USS Scranton (SSN 756) and the 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit, based out of Camp Lejeune, N.C. While deployed here, approximately 6,000 U.S. Sailors and Marines assigned to the seven ships and the embarked 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit provide a versatile sea-based force that can be tailored for a variety of missions. The Bataan ESG has the capabilities to support maritime security operations, combat operations, humanitarian assistance and disaster relief. “Our top mission is theater security cooperation engagements, which we execute with some exciting port visits,”said Navy Capt. Donna Looney, Commander, Bataan Strike Group/Amphibious Squadron TWO. Sailors and Marines from the Strike Group’s seven ships are scheduled to make various port visits during their time here. “We’re looking forward to successful visits that reinforce our long-standing friendships. The Sailors and Marines of the ESG are our best ambassadors, and they are looking forward to this opportunity to see this part of the world", she said. http://www.eucom.mil/english/FullStory.asp?art=1228   European Command's area of responsibility Jan. 11, 2007, supporting EUCOM's initiative to strengthen emerging and enduring partnerships. Bataan Successfully Completes Light-Off Assessment Story Number: NNS080428-20 Release Date: 4/28/2008 8:34:00 PM By Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class (SW) Stephen Oleksiak, USS Bataan Public Affairs PORTSMOUTH, Va. (NNS) -- Long hours and hard work are the reasons why the engineering department aboard the multi-purpose amphibious assault ship USS Bataan (LHD 5) successfully completed the ship's Light-Off Assessment (LOA), April 14-18. When a ship's engines are not running and boilers are not producing any steam, it is called cold iron. LOA is an assessment of a ship's main spaces after a ship has been cold iron for more than 120 days, which was the case for Bataan prior to ending its dry-docked planned maintenance availability (DPMA). "LOA was held to ensure that we can safely light-off and steam the boilers," said Chief Machinist's Mate (SW) Donald Woodard. "The events conducted were a management program review to make sure we are in accordance with the governing documents and a safety walkthrough to make sure the material readiness of main spaces can support a safe light-off and steaming of the boilers." The crew prepared for eight months before beginning LOA. "We put in a lot of long hours to get all of our systems ready to go," said Machinist's Mate 2nd Class (SW) Thierry Chevrier. "We disassembled all the equipment in the main spaces to be inspected, repaired and then tested to make sure they were operational before LOA started." In addition to all the main space and boiler inspections, Bataan's repair division had their hands full helping machinery repair and maintenance, damage control and fire prevention. "Our job was to make sure the damage control equipment in the main spaces was operational," said Chief Damage Controlman (SW) James Welch. "We brought our firefighting systems and equipment back online and made sure they were ready to use if we needed them." Aside from the inspections and testing of equipment, the engineers spent much of their time cleaning and preserving their spaces. "Because we were on a deadline, there was a lot of pressure to make sure everything looked as good as it performed," said Chevrier. After the walkthroughs and maintenance checks were completed, the ship conducted a main space fire drill to ensure that Bataan's crew can properly combat a fuel oil leak and a major class bravo fire in the main machinery spaces. "This was a chance for the engineers to show that they were ready after eight months of maintenance and training," said Bataan's chief engineer Cmdr. Donald Shortridge. "We also had tremendous support from the whole crew; if it hadn't been for them we wouldn't have done as well." Bataan's completion of LOA not only proves her ability to get back underway, but marks a special event for her chief engineer. "This was a bittersweet victory for me," said Shortridge. "It's bitter because this was my last LOA, it was sweet because I got to see my snipes (engineers) perform well." http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=36692 Bataan Departs Norfolk Naval Shipyard, Returns to Sea Story Number: NNS080505-11 Release Date: 5/5/2008 3:20:00 PM By Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class (SW/AW) Pedro A. Rodríguez, USS Bataan Public Affairs PORTSMOUTH, Va. (NNS) -- USS Bataan (LHD 5) left the Norfolk Naval Shipyard after an eight month dry-docked planned maintenance availability (DPMA), May 5. Some major jobs completed aboard Bataan were completion of a seawater compensated fuel system modification and upgrades to support the newest vertical/short take off and landing Marine Corps aircraft, the MV-22 Osprey. The fuel compensation modification changes the way the fuel tanks aboard the ship are emptied. As fuel is used, the emptying tanks fill with seawater, so the ship's stability is not reduced as fuel is burned while underway. "The biggest thing with this modification is stability, but it also requires less manpower to operate, and to some extent, reduces the risk of fuel spills," said Chief Machinist's Mate (SW) Donald Woodard. The upgrades for the MV-22 Osprey aircraft were made in the hangar bay, flight deck, Aircraft Intermediate Maintenance Department, and supply aviation storage spaces. "We got a new avionics work center and two metal bending shops specifically for the MV-22," said Chief Aviation Electrician's Mate (AW/SW) Chad A. Vance. "We can now meet the operational requirements of the aircraft." During the DPMA, many members of Bataan's crew worked on other needed repairs. The paint team, directed by Chief Aviation Boatswain's Mate (Handling) (AW/SW) Hector M. Arroyo, expended thousands of man hours to paint more than 250 spaces, saving thousands of dollars. "We had two shifts; the main job of the day shift was to prepare the spaces for the night shift, who came in at night to get the spaces painted," said Arroyo. Other jobs aboard included repairs to the crew living spaces, enhancing the quality of life for crew members who live aboard the ship. Crew members fixed more than 2,000 racks in 17 living spaces throughout the ship. "We prepared all living spaces so the paint team could save time painting the spaces," said Aviation Ordnanceman 3rd Class Alexander N. Pisanello, assigned to the rehab team. "We also installed toilets, shower heads, sinks and mirrors." The main machinery rooms also received repairs and upgrades. Bataan had four fuel oil manifolds removed; many fuel tanks were combined into four groups and are now compensated with sea water. "There were hundreds of feet of new piping installed, and old-style tank level indicators were removed and replaced with radar indicators," said Woodard. During the eight months the ship was in the yards, Bataan's Sailors never lost ownership of their ship. The Sailors stood duty aboard, manning some of the critical spaces, which required a lot of flexibility. During the DPMA final phase, Bataan conducted her light off assessment, which ensures engineers can safely light off and steam the plant. The events conducted include a management program review to ensure the ship is in accordance with all governing documents and a safety walk-through is done to make sure the material readiness of the main spaces can support the safe light-off. "The preparations started the day we entered the shipyard," said Woodard. "We had to clean, paint and preserve the engineering spaces." All equipment is checked using the preventive maintenance system or master light off checks. "All checks are followed up by a main space fire drill to ensure the ship's fire party can properly fight a main space fire," said Woodard. "It was eight months of hard work," said Capt. Rick Snyder, Bataan's commanding officer. "We were faced with a lot of challenges in different areas, and we are ready to get back to sea and our nation's tasking." http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=36859 Bataan Completes First Underway Replenishment in Year Story Number: NNS080624-09 Release Date: 6/24/2008 4:46:00 PM By Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class (SW) Patrick Gearhiser, USS Bataan Public Affairs USS BATAAN At Sea (NNS) -- The multipurpose amphibious assault ship USS Bataan (LHD 5) conducted her first replenishment at sea (RAS) in a year, June 20, with the fleet replenishment oiler USNS Leroy Grumman (T-AO 195). "To help gets us back into the habit, we only took aboard 24 pallets of supplies," Cmdr. Frank Hruska, Bataan's supply officer said. "This gave us more than enough time to walk through the steps with no pressure while allowing us to test the equipment." "On the next un-rep, we will bring aboard 50 pallets and soon we will be ready for a [regular] un-rep again," he continued. This preparation helped remind Sailors aboard Bataan of the procedures and dangers involved in conducting a RAS. "In a RAS, the pallets are very heavy; the wires between the ships can be very dangerous, and a person could fall overboard," Hruska added. "Like anything else you do for the first time in a long time, you have to take it slow, in incremental steps so people get into the habit of doing it again." Even though it has been a year since Bataan's last RAS, the crew performed admirably, according to the ship's leadership. "I could not tell that it had been 364 days since our last RAS," said Hruska with pride. "Deck department has been well-trained and it showed during today's evolution. It's a great accomplishment and a reflection on our training that we did so well after not doing it for so long." During the RAS, Bataan also took aboard 323,000 gallons of aviation fuel and 158,000 gallons of diesel fuel for the ship. The ship is on her way to Boston to take part in Harborfest 2008. http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=38021 Bataan Arrives in Boston, Kicks off Harborfest Story Number: NNS080703-14 Release Date: 7/3/2008 9:24:00 PM By Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class (SW/AW) Joanne De Vera, USS Bataan Public Affairs BOSTON (NNS) -- The multipurpose amphibious assault ship Bataan (LHD 5) arrived in Boston July 1 and kicked off Harborfest 2008 with an opening ceremony at the city's historic Faneuil Hall. Bataan is in Boston this week participating in the 27th annual Harborfest, a six-day Fourth of July festival showcasing the colonial and maritime heritage in the cradle of the American Revolution. Thomas Menino, the mayor of Boston, welcomed the crew of Bataan to his city for the celebration. "Harborfest celebrates Boston's vibrancy and vitality, and we're glad to have the Navy here," said Menino. Faneuil Hall has served as a marketplace and a meeting hall since 1742 when Boston's wealthiest merchant at the time, Peter Faneuil, built the hall as a gift to the city. It was home to merchants, fishermen, and meat and produce sellers. Through the years, Faneuil Hall has played host to many impassioned speakers, from Oliver Wendall Holmes and Susan B. Anthony, to Bill Clinton and Ted Kennedy, always living up to its nickname, "The Cradle of Liberty." The ceremony began with the Middlesex County Volunteers Fifes and Drums ensemble paving the way for a speech given by Susan Park, Harborfest president. Capt. Rick Snyder, Bataan's commanding officer, expressed how happy he and his crew were to arrive in one of the nation's most historic cities and shared what he felt Bataan and Boston have in common. "Americans fought against injustice and tyranny during the Bataan Death March 60 years ago, much like they did more than 230 years ago here in Boston during the beginning days of our nation," he said. http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=38209 Bataan Sailors Display Patriotism During Fourth of July Parade Story Number: NNS080709-27 Release Date: 7/9/2008 9:59:00 PM By Seaman Jessica Pounds, USS Bataan Public Affairs BOSTON (NNS) -- Sailors aboard the multipurpose amphibious assault ship USS Bataan (LHD 5) participated in an Independence Day parade during Boston Harborfest on July 4. Bataan is in Boston to celebrate the 27th annual Boston Harborfest 2008, a six-day Fourth of July festival showcasing the colonial and maritime heritage of the cradle of the American Revolution in the historic city of Boston. More than 75 Bataan crew members began their morning at the City Hall Plaza, where Boston Mayor Thomas Menino welcomed them. The welcoming ceremony was followed by the narration of the pledge of allegiance by Rear Adm. Lawrence Rice, Director, Chief of Naval Operations Environmental Readiness Division. At approximately 9:30 a.m., the parade participants from Bataan gathered in formation as they prepared to take on the streets of Boston. They would march one mile from start to finish. After 10 minutes of marching, the parade halted to render honors at the Old Granary Burying Ground, the city's third oldest cemetery. The cemetery serves as the final resting place for many notable Revolutionary War-era patriots, including Samuel Adams, John Hancock and Paul Revere. The next stop was at the Old State House, also known as Boston's Towne House. On July 18, 1776, citizens gathered in the street to hear the Declaration of Independence read from the building's balcony, the first public reading in Massachusetts. Bataan's Sailor of the year, Master-at-Arms 1st Class (SW) Terri Ellis recited the Pledge of Allegiance from the front of the Old State House. "It was an absolute honor to be able to cite the Pledge of Allegiance from the Old State House," said Ellis. "It was an exciting feeling to know that I was standing in the same place that the Declaration of Independence was originally cited from." When Ellis finished, the parade participants re-formed and continued their journey to the end, where they stopped at Faneuil Hall. Following the parade, Boatswain's Mate Seaman Andrew Soto shared his thoughts on being able to participate in the parade. "I was happy that I was able to march with my shipmates," said Soto. "When the crowd cheered for us as we passed them, it made me feel really proud to be a Sailor in the U.S. Navy." http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=38276 Bataan Completes 'Operation Brimstone' Support Story Number: NNS080731-12 Release Date: 7/31/2008 4:21:00 PM By Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class (SW) Stephen Oleksiak, USS Bataan Public Affairs ABOARD BATAAN, At Sea (NNS) -- The multipurpose amphibious assault ship USS Bataan (LHD 5) returned to her homeport of Naval Station Norfolk, July 31 after a 10-day underway period to provide support for the Joint Task Force Exercise (JTFEX) 08-4 "Operation Brimstone." JTFEX 08-4 is held to help U.S. and coalition naval assets, from countries with a desire for peaceful use of the world's oceans, to come together as a force to dissuade potential adversaries. Bataan and her crew supported the exercise by providing a platform for Commander, U.S. 2nd Fleet Vice Adm. Marty Chanik, and his staff. "As the flagship, Bataan was able to provide command and control (C2) systems for the exercise," said Capt. Bob Castleton, 2nd Fleet's director of Fleet Training. "This allowed us to manage the 'war' at sea and helped Bataan and 2nd Fleet to work as a team." C2 systems provided Bataan and the 2nd Fleet staff the ability to maintain communications between all parties involved in the exercise. "We set up and maintained more than 10 different communication networks, from video teleconferences to satellite-communication voice links," said Information Systems Technician 1st Class Ayana Carter. "This allowed us the ability to continuously control every aspect of the exercise." Bataan also assisted 2nd Fleet in testing new equipment. "We aided in the testing of a portable command and control center that was originally designed for shore use," said Cmdr. Kevin Johnson, Bataan's operations officer. "By testing it afloat, we helped validate the design and made it more compatible with shipboard communication systems." JTFEX is also designed as a graduate-level exercise for strike groups who are preparing to forward deploy. "We've been able to align the training schedules of both the Theodore Roosevelt Carrier Strike Group and the Iwo Jima Expeditionary Strike Group to create an Expeditionary Strike Force," said Castleton. "That not only enhanced training for those specific strike groups, it helped Bataan and 2nd Fleet prepare for the training we will be receiving in the upcoming work-ups." In addition to being a certifying level for pre-deployment strike groups, JTFEX brought together multiple branches of the U.S. military and the militaries of other allied nations. Members of the U.S. Air Force, Army and Marine Corps as well as militaries from Brazil, Britain and Italy were involved in the exercise, which allowed them to operate together, creating a diverse military force to aid in maritime security operations. "By bringing together the U.S. military and our foreign allies, Bataan provided a great opportunity to work with our multinational partners," said Castleton. "This was an excellent chance to strengthen bonds for coalition interoperability." When the exercise was finished and Bataan began her transit home, it was with a feeling of success and satisfaction. "It's important to recognize that JTFEX wasn't just an opportunity for Bataan to support 2nd Fleet. Thanks to outstanding cooperation and coordination, we were also able to conduct good unit-level training in preparation for pre-deployment work-ups," said Capt. Rick Snyder, Bataan's commanding officer, during an all hands call with the crew. "I am impressed with the crew's performance, especially considering we've only been out of the shipyards for three months." Bataan is the fifth ship of the Navy's Wasp-class ships. She was commissioned Sept. 20, 1997, and is the second U.S. Navy warship to bear the name. CVL-29 was an Independence-class small aircraft carrier that was commissioned in November 1943. After serving in both World War II and the Korean conflict, CVL-29 was decommissioned in 1954. http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=38855 Bataan's INSURV Pit Crew Manned and Ready Story Number: NNS080808-02 Release Date: 8/8/2008 12:07:00 PM By Seaman Jessica Pounds, USS Bataan Public Affairs ABOARD USS BATAAN (NNS) -- A team of Sailors aboard the multipurpose amphibious assault ship USS Bataan (LHD 5) have worked since early this year to prepare for the upcoming Board of Inspection and Survey (INSURV), scheduled for Oct. 20. During the first of two phases of their operation, this Pre-INSURV Team (PIT Crew), developed a database to track material discrepancies for more than 1,400 spaces. After the team gathered a list of deficiencies from Bataan's previous INSURV and other U.S. Navy ships throughout the fleet, they performed a ship-wide zone inspection of every space on the ship. The team, comprised of 28 Sailors received specialized training as required, to help fix thousands of material discrepancies. Next, the team was broken up into four tiger teams to tackle some of the larger jobs such as lagging repair, corrosion removal and preservation, watertight door adjustments and space rehabilitation. Aviation Electrician's Mate Airman Amanda Davis works in the administration department for the PIT Crew and with two of her shipmates, meticulously entered every deficiency into the INSURV database. "We focus daily on making sure corrected discrepancies are constantly updated on the master copy of the database," said Davis. "We keep the commanding officer and executive officer informed of the ship's progress." The team's leading petty officer, Boatswain's Mate 1st Class (SW) Jason Hatfield explained the importance of their work. "We are not only fixing discrepancies, but helping the ship by finding problems that a lot of people were not aware of," said Hatfield. "This is important because Bataan is our home away from home, and what we find and fix could prevent a casualty from happening down the road." The team's division officer, Lt. Cory Johnson said, "The INSURV team has been working very hard every day to make sure Bataan will remain mission ready to serve our nation for decades to come." Bataan is the fifth ship of the Navy's Wasp-class ships. She was commissioned Sept. 20, 1997, and is the second U.S. Navy warship to bear the name. CVL-29 was an Independence-class small aircraft carrier that was commissioned in November 1943. After serving in both World War II and the Korean conflict, CVL-29 was decommissioned in 1954. http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=38934 Bataan Chaplain Keeps Sailors Mentally and Physically Healthy Story Number: NNS080808-16 Release Date: 8/8/2008 3:47:00 PM By Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class(SW/AW) Pedro A. Rodríguez, USS Bataan Public Affairs USS BATAAN, At Sea (NNS) -- The command chaplain aboard the multipurpose amphibious assault ship USS Bataan (LHD 5), began an aerobics and yoga program July 21 to help Sailors stay in shape and reduce stress. Cmdr. Brenda F. Bradleydavila, Bataan chaplain, began the classes with a focus on Sailors' mental and physical readiness. "We were looking at creating a program to help the crew to stay healthy," said Bradleydavila. "Something that was fun and motivational at the same time." With the Physical Fitness Assessment rapidly approaching the program is very timely. "It's a fun and energetic alternative from the regular Navy physical training," said Storekeeper 2nd Class Omolade E. Jones. "With the music and the participation, it motivates everyone to come out." Along with the aerobics session, Bradleydavila started a yoga session conducted by Lt. Cmdr. Mike E. Johnston, Bataan's helicopter direction control officer, to help Sailors relax after their daily duties. "Yoga increases your balance and strength using your own body weight," said Johnston. "It helps to control different conditions like high cholesterol." Bataan is the fifth ship of the Navy's Wasp-class ships. She was commissioned Sept. 20, 1997, and is the second U.S. Navy warship to bear the name. CVL-29 was an Independence-class small aircraft carrier that was commissioned in November 1943. After serving in both World War II and the Korean conflict, CVL-29 was decommissioned in 1954. http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=38985 Norfolk-Area Junior Officers Receive Training Aboard Bataan Story Number: NNS080831-04 Release Date: 8/31/2008 6:14:00 AM By Seaman Jessica Pounds, USS Bataan Public Affairs NORFOLK (NNS) -- Junior officers from neighboring ships at Norfolk Naval Station attended surface warfare officer (SWO) training aboard the multipurpose amphibious assault ship USS Bataan (LHD 5) Aug. 18. Spring 2008 graduates from the Naval Reserve Officers' Training Corps (ROTC) and the United States Naval Academy presently stationed aboard USS Nassau (LHA 4) and USS Iwo Jima (LHD 7) collaborated with junior officers from Bataan to learn what it takes to be a SWO. Modeled after the SWO introductory course for Officer Candidate School graduates, this course aims to improve warfighting readiness. The curriculum focuses on the basics, involves hands-on training and provides ensigns with skills to excel in demanding billets. During the month-long training course, officers have the opportunity to go aboard several U.S. Navy ships to gain hands-on experience and learn the basics of becoming a junior officer. Lt. j.g. Michael Flynn, a division officer aboard Bataan, guided the group of officers around the ship. One of the first assignments for a SWO is the task of becoming a division officer. "I really enjoyed helping out with the junior officers because I wanted them to get a good look into a variety of aspects of the Surface Navy from a division officer's perspective," said Flynn. Aspiring SWO, Ensign Caity Bourgoire, from Nassau, was one of the 10 junior officers who received training aboard Bataan. "We learned a lot from our visit today. We were taught everything from learning how to do tag-out procedures, to the proper way to conduct messing and berthing inspections." Ensign Monica Amagna, also from Nassau, gained additional insight from the training aboard Bataan. "Everything I learned from all of the training will definitely help me in my career in the Navy. I hope to someday be able to command my own ship." SWO school is designed to develop the requisite leadership skills required for junior officers' sea-duty assignments. Bataan is the fifth ship of the Navy's Wasp-class ships. She was commissioned Sept. 20, 1997, and is the second U.S. Navy warship to bear the name. CVL-29 was an Independence-class small aircraft carrier that was commissioned in November 1943. After serving in both World War II and the Korean conflict, CVL-29 was decommissioned in 1954. http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=39402 Bataan Conducts Command Climate Survey Story Number: NNS080822-13 Release Date: 8/22/2008 3:09:00 PM By Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class (SW/AW) Pedro A. Rodríguez, USS Bataan Public Affairs NORFOLK (NNS) -- The crew of the multipurpose amphibious assault ship USS Bataan (LHD 5) completed a command climate survey Aug. 22, which will be used by the commanding officer to evaluate the climate and morale aboard the ship. "The perceptions of the crew are valuable because they provide insight into the general attitudes in our organization," said Capt. Rick Snyder, Bataan's commanding officer. Sailors had the opportunity to express their concerns directly to the commanding officer through the survey. "It gives the upper chain of command an honest opinion directly from us about the level of morale and the fairness of the way the ship operates," said Hospital Corpsman 2nd Class (FMF) Luis Fonseca. The questions created by the captain, the command management equal opportunity officer (CMEO) and the Command Assessment Team (CAT) are based on the crew's input from division in the spot light (DISL) out-briefs and the CAT inputs. "It is important to give each crew member the opportunity to tell the captain their concerns," said Chief Warrant Officer Frank Jordan, Bataan's CMEO. "It helps us to identify those areas the command needs improvement on, regarding morale of the crew and climate." The next step in the process is comparing the climate aboard Bataan with the rest of the Navy. "Following the comparison with other commands, the Defense Equal Opportunity Management Institute will compile the results," said Chief Damage Controlman (SW) Sylvester Miller, Bataan's equal opportunity advisor. The Navy has changed the way Sailors take the survey. The new Web site is oriented to protect the Sailors privacy and confidentiality when taking the survey. "In the past the survey was taken on a piece of paper and collected by a representative. Now it is taken by computer, that way their privacy is more protected, and we can see the results faster," said Information Systems Technician 1st Class (SW/AW) Xan Mahan, enlisted CMEO advocate. Bataan is the fifth ship of the Navy's Wasp-class ships. She was commissioned Sept. 20, 1997, and is the second U.S. Navy warship to bear the name. CVL-29 was an Independence-class small aircraft carrier that was commissioned in November 1943. After serving in both World War II and the Korean conflict, CVL-29 was decommissioned in 1954. http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=39302 Bataan Sailors Prepare for Election Story Number: NNS080902-09 Release Date: 9/2/2008 5:14:00 PM By Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class (SW/AW) Jeremy Grisham, USs Bataan Public Affairs USS BATAAN, At Sea (NNS) -- Sailors aboard the multipurpose amphibious assault ship USS Bataan (LHD 5) are preparing for the upcoming 2008 presidential election and ensuring their votes will be counted. With only two months left until the election, Bataan's voting assistance officers (VAO) are getting Sailors ready by helping them register to vote or request absentee ballots from their homes of record. "Voting should be very important to service members because of the direct impact that elected officials' decisions have on us," said Legalman 1st Class (SW/AW) Rachel B. Allen, one of Bataan's VAOs. "These officials make important decisions for us, like what conflicts we engage in and the finances of the Navy." To register to vote or request an absentee ballot, Sailors must fill out a one-page form for mailing to their home state. The form takes about five minutes to fill out, said Allen. Bataan Sailors have until Sept. 5 to register or request their absentee ballot, ensuring that state voting offices have enough time to mail out ballots. Once the ballot has arrived and is properly filled out, it must be sent back to the Sailor's state of residence by the deadline, which varies by state, in order for the vote to be counted. "With the presidential election in November, it is important that each Bataan Sailor exercises their right to vote," said Chief Warrant Officer Frank Jordan, another of Bataan's VAOs. "It is important that they play an active part in their own future." For more information, visit the Federal Voting Assistance Program Web site at www.fvap.gov. Bataan is the fifth ship of the Navy's Wasp-class ships. She was commissioned Sept. 20, 1997, and is the second U.S. Navy warship to bear the name. CVL-29 was an Independence-class small aircraft carrier that was commissioned in November 1943. After serving in both World War II and the Korean conflict, CVL-29 was decommissioned in 1954. http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=39462 Fleet Commander Orders Bataan Underway Story Number: NNS080830-08 Release Date: 8/30/2008 8:43:00 PM From U.S. 2nd Fleet Public Affairs NORFOLK (NNS) -- Commander, U.S. 2nd Fleet, Vice Adm. Mel Williams, Jr., ordered USS Bataan (LHD 5) to get underway Sept. 2, for disaster response if called upon to perform this mission. "In general, the highest condition of readiness for Navy ships and other capabilities is achieved while underway at sea," said Williams. "Getting USS Bataan underway will provide Commander, U.S. Fleet Forces; Commander, U.S. Joint Forces Command; and Commander, U.S. Northern Command, with highly ready Navy capabilities if needed for support during the 2008 hurricane season." Bataan's underway period is a short-notice, 2nd Fleet readiness at-sea event. http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=39428 Bataan Sails Into HURREX 08 Training Story Number: NNS080904-24 Release Date: 9/4/2008 5:32:00 PM By Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Matthew Bookwalter, USS Bataan Public Affairs ABOARD USS BATAAN, At Sea (NNS) -- USS Bataan (LHD 5) completed its first full day of Hurricane Exercise (HURREX) 08-002 training Sept. 3. The at-sea exercise, designed to test the ship's ability to respond to humanitarian-assistance and disaster-relief needs during the 2008 hurricane season, kicked off with a full day of events that included flight operations, medical evacuation training and rigid-hull inflatable boat (RHIB) drills. "We simulated going into uncharted waters where the ship has never been before," said Chief Boatswain's Mate (SW) Michael Thomas, "Just like if we were going in to provide hurricane relief." The RHIB stayed out in front of the ship to give readings of the depth of the water ahead. "We check the depth of the water to make sure the ship anchors in safe waters," said Thomas. "Staying 2,000 yards ahead of the ship lets us know that if the ship was anchored, it would have a safe radius for its swing circle." A sounding boat is a smaller vessel, normally a RHIB, which is used in these types of operations to scout the depths of the waters, a standard procedure used when anchoring in questionable seas. "Whenever a ship is going somewhere it has never been, like when a hurricane comes through and changes the waters, a sounding boat can look for new sand bars, debris fields, sunken ships or buildings and make sure there is a safe area to anchor," said Thomas. In addition to the successful anchoring training, Fleet Surgical Team (FST) 6 operated with Bataan's shipboard medical team to prepare for emergency response, should the need arise. "We were trying to exercise the casualty responses of the Bataan in the presence of the augmented medical capabilities," said Cmdr. Guido Valdes, the officer in charge of FST-6. "We had a basic casualty evacuation drill where casualties come to us via helicopter, which will be our main mission when we regularly deploy. Right now we are taking baby steps and figuring out what we need to improve on." The day's training gave the surgical team and ship's company a look at not only what they need to work on to be ready to deploy next year but also how they'll respond during any possible relief efforts. "Everyone responded the way they were supposed to," said Valdes. "The strike group officially forms in October, and we are getting everybody up to speed. We have had a lot of turnover with personnel, and as a result of that, everybody is learning their roles and their stations." Bataan still has a few days of training scheduled for the HURREX, and although the exercise isn't in response to any current event, each day is geared toward training for hurricane relief efforts that may be needed during this year's hurricane season. "The best way to make sure we're ready to provide aid when and where needed is to be at sea," said Capt. Jack Sotherland, Bataan Expeditionary Strike Group (ESG) commodore. "From here, not only can we fine-tune our skills, but we're also ready to respond if called upon." Embarked squadrons for the exercise include equipment and personnel from Commander, ESG 2: Commander, Amphibious Squadron 2; Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron 22, Tactical Squadron 21, FST 6, Assault Craft Unit (ACU) 2; ACU 4; and Beachmaster Unit 2. Bataan is the fifth ship of the Navy's Wasp-class ships. She was commissioned Sept. 20, 1997 and is the second U.S. Navy warship to bear the name. CVL-29 was an Independence-class small aircraft carrier that was commissioned in November 1943. After serving in both World War II and the Korean conflict, CVL-29 was decommissioned in 1954. http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=39538 Bataan Sails in Familiar Waters During HURREX 08 Story Number: NNS080903-12 Release Date: 9/3/2008 3:41:00 PM By Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Christina M. Shaw ABOARD USS BATAAN, At sea (NNS) -- The multipurpose amphibious assault ship USS Bataan (LHD 5) departed Naval Station Norfolk Sept. 2 for HURREX 08-002 to demonstrate at-sea readiness for disaster response. It will give Bataan a chance to demonstrate their ability to respond to humanitarian-assistance and disaster-relief needs during the 2008 hurricane season. "This will be a valuable time for us at sea, and we'll stay out as long as we need to," said Capt. Rick Snyder, Bataan's commanding officer. Nearly 1,100 Sailors make up Bataan's crew, and Snyder believes their "big hearts" may be even more important than the state-of-the-art equipment and capabilities that makes the ship an ideal platform for disaster-relief operations. "The Sailors are all great Americans who are ready to take care of other Americans, that's probably the best asset we have," said Snyder. During the course of the exercise, the ship and embarked commands will test their ability to coordinate and perform search and rescue operations, evacuations and provide medical care. The coordination among all units involved was tested immediately when Commander, U.S. Second Fleet directed the short-notice underway to commence the exercise. "Bataan is like a well-oiled machine," said Capt. Jack Sotherland, Bataan Expeditionary Strike Group commodore. "Everybody was notified; they recalled their personnel, and we went ahead and made it happen." Bataan Sailors proved themselves during real-world events just three years earlier. The ship was on station in the Gulf of Mexico Aug. 20, 2005, and was the first Navy ship on scene after Katrina, a category 4 hurricane, made landfall. The crew went right to work and spent 19 days supporting the relief efforts by moving more than 1,600 people to safety and delivering more than 160,000 pounds of supplies to the Gulf Coast states. "We moved food, water and neonatal materials to the area, because everything was bad," said Storekeeper First Class (SW/AW) Antonio Gillespie, stock control leading petty officer. "This time, all the ships and commands got together to coordinate who needs to be where in order to be on site in a more timely fashion." Embarked squadrons for the exercise include equipment and personnel from Commander, Amphibious Squadron Two; Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron 22, Tactical Squadron 21, Fleet Surgical Team Six, Assault Craft Unit Two and Four and Beachmaster Unit Two. Bataan is the fifth ship of the Navy's Wasp-class ships. She was commissioned Sept. 20, 1997, and is the second U.S. Navy warship to bear the name. http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=39508 _________________ U. S. Navy Veteran  August 1977 to July 1983 Yoeman Second Class, with student pilot's license Last edited by Batman47 on Wed Sep 10, 2008 11:01 pm; edited 2 times in total
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Batman47 Board Founder/CNC User is Offline Joined: 10 Feb 2007 Posts: 368 Karma: 5 applaud / smite 397 points 0 warnings 0 tempbans	Posted: Wed Sep 10, 2008 10:16 pm    Post subject: USS Bataan (LHD 5) · Quote USS Bataan Completes Hurricane Exercise Story Number: NNS080906-01 Release Date: 9/6/2008 8:04:00 AM By Commander, U.S. 2nd Fleet Public Affairs NORFOLK (NNS) -- Approximately 1,000 Sailors aboard the USS Bataan (LHD 5) completed a four-day hurricane exercise, HURREX 08-002, Sept. 5. The exercise was a short-notice 2nd Fleet event which enabled the ship and crew to demonstrate at-sea readiness for disaster response. "This exercise has put us in position to provide humanitarian assistance and disaster relief efficiently and effectively if called upon, and it also allows my staff to gain valuable and realistic training," said Capt. Jack Sotherland, commander, Amphibious Squadron 2. "The bottom line is that at-sea preparedness is critical to executing our national Maritime Strategy, and the Bataan and her crew are ready to execute." "Once underway, Capt. Rick Snyder, Bataan's commanding officer, and his crew did a fantastic job developing a detailed schedule of events and we have executed it successfully…they performed mass casualty drills, small craft drills, practiced medical evacuations and generally made sure Bataan is ready to respond to any mission that is ordered by higher authority," said Sotherland. Bataan's crew was able to successfully accomplish their drills in a real-world environment simulating as closely as possible the conditions that would be encountered during actual disaster relief operations. "The best place to test a ship's readiness is at sea, and HURREX provided us an opportunity to get the ship underway in short notice and conduct valuable training in all aspects of providing relief efforts following a natural disaster," said Capt. Rick Snyder, Bataan's commanding officer. Supporting civil authorities with military capabilities that can help stabilize and improve the situation in the wake of natural and man-made disasters is a core Navy mission. If required, Navy forces are ready to deploy in support of civilian authorities. "I would estimate that a quarter to a third of the crew was on board in 2005 when Bataan supported Hurricane Katrina relief efforts, but now the whole crew has a better understanding of the ship's role and what it takes to be successful," said Snyder. "If we're called upon to respond during the 2008 hurricane season, I know we'll be ready to perform that mission." http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=39583 USS Bataan Returns from Successful Underway Training Story Number: NNS080911-15 Release Date: 9/11/2008 5:38:00 PM From USS Bataan Public Affairs NORFOLK (NNS) -- The multipurpose amphibious assault ship USS Bataan (LHD 5) pulled into its homeport of Norfolk, Sept. 11 following a successful underway when the ship completed a four day Hurricane Exercise (HURREX 08-002) and landing qualifications for pilots from Marine Attack Squadron (VMA) 542 and Marine Medium Tilt-rotor Squadron (VMM) 263. Bataan sortied Sept. 2 to perform the HURREX, which enabled the ship and crew to demonstrate at-sea readiness for disaster response. Following the exercise, the ship remained at sea to conduct training with embarked squadrons. "This was a valuable time for us at sea," said Capt. Rick Snyder, Bataan's commanding officer. "Not only did we conduct training in all aspects of providing relief following a natural disaster, we were able to give the crew a head start coordinating and training with the Marine aviators who will embark next year for deployment." Initial daytime landing qualifications for AV-8B Harrier pilots from VMA-542 and initial night-vision device landing qualifications for MV-22 Osprey pilots from VMM-263 is an important step in their pre-deployment training. "We have guys who have been to [Operation Iraqi Freedom] three times, but some of them have never been a part of a Marine Expeditionary Unit," said Marine Corps Maj. Johnny Widener, safety officer for VMA-542. "Landing on a ship is one of the most dangerous things that we do, and we're making sure we're proficient in doing so." Embarked squadrons included equipment and personnel from Commander Amphibious Squadron 2, Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron 22, Tactical Squadron 21, Fleet Surgical Team 6, Assault Craft Unit (ACU) 2, ACU 4, Beachmaster Unit 2, VMA-452 and VMM-263. Bataan is the fifth ship of the Navy's Wasp-class ships. She was commissioned Sept. 20, 1997, and is the second U.S. Navy warship to bear the name. CVL-29 was an Independence-class small aircraft carrier that was commissioned in November 1943. After serving in both World War II and the Korean conflict, CVL-29 was decommissioned in 1954. http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=39679 For more news from USS Bataan, visit www.navy.mil/local/lhd5 _________________ U. S. Navy Veteran  August 1977 to July 1983 Yoeman Second Class, with student pilot's license
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