Bonhomme Richard ARG arrives in Malaysia for port visit

Photo By Petty Officer 3rd Class Karen Blankenship | Amphibious transport dock ship USS Denver (LPD 9) (left) and amphibious dock landing ship USS Tortuga (LSD 46) (right) are moored pier side as amphibious assault ship USS Bonhomme Richard (LHD 6) arrives in Kota Kinabalu for a scheduled port visit. The Bonhomme Richard Amphibious Ready Group (ARG), commanded by Capt. Cathal S. O'Connor, is comprised of amphibious assault ship USS Bonhomme Richard (LHD 6), amphibious dock landing ship USS Tortuga (LSD 46) and amphibious transport dock ship USS Denver (LPD 9) and is currently operating in the 7th Fleet Area of Responsibility.  

KOTA KINABALU , MALAYSIA

10.22.2012

Courtesy Story

Amphibious Squadron 11

By Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Lacordrick Wilson,
Amphibious Squadron 11 Public Affairs

KOTA KINABALU, Malaysia – The Bonhomme Richard Amphibious Ready Group (ARG) comprised of amphibious assault ship USS Bonhomme Richard (LHD 6), amphibious dock landing ship USS Tortuga (LSD 46) and amphibious transport dock ship USS Denver (LPD 9) arrived in Malaysia for a scheduled port visit Oct. 22.

More than 2,800 sailors and embarked Marines are expected to go ashore to visit the city and experience the local culture around the island.

“We are excited to have the opportunity to visit Malaysia,” said Lt. Cmdr. William Muhm, a chaplain aboard Bonhomme Richard. “This port visit will give the crew a chance to observe the different culture and to take part in some morale building events.”

Many sailors and Marines will be participating in a variety of Morale, Welfare and Recreation (MWR) tours around the city including mountain climbing, white water rafting, scuba diving and city tours.

“The MWR tours really enhance the crew’s morale by giving us time to relax, a chance to review the Malaysian history and interact with the surrounding society,” said Master-at-Arms 2nd Class Cornelius R. Johnson. “This is my first time here and I am truly ecstatic to venture out and encounter the culture of Malaysia. I am looking forward to climbing Mt. Kinabalu, visiting the poring hot springs , the war memorial and enjoying some great cuisine.”

Part of the 21st Century Sailor and Marine initiative is to help service members manage stress and maximize personal readiness and events such as this help ensure that Sailors and Marines are given time to relax so that they can continue to work effectively.

The Bonhomme Richard ARG, commanded by Capt. Cathal S. O'Connor, is comprised of amphibious assault ship USS Bonhomme Richard, amphibious dock landing ship USS Tortuga and amphibious transport dock ship USS Denver is currently operating in the 7th Fleet Area of Responsibility.

For more news about Amphibious Squadron 11 or USS Bonhomme Richard (LHD 6), please visit:
www.facebook.com/#!/PHIBRON11
www.dvidshub.net/unit/PHIBRON11
www.cpf.navy.mil
www.c7f.navy.mil

• Date Taken: 10.22.2012
• Date Posted: 10.22.2012 09:49
• Story ID: 96547
• Location: KOTA KINABALU , MY