USS Bonhomme Richard arrives in Bali

USS BONHOMME RICHARD, BALI, INDONESIA

07.31.2015

Courtesy Story

USS Bonhomme Richard (LHD 6)

By Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Naomi VanDuser, USS Bonhomme Richard Public Affairs

BALI, Indonesia – Forward-deployed amphibious assault ship USS Bonhomme Richard (LHD 6) anchored off the coast of Bali, July 31, for a port visit and cultural exchange.

Upon arrival, Bonhomme Richard will host a reception for foreign dignitaries and visitors. The reception will allow guests to see the ship’s capabilities and learn more about the ship’s mission, across amphibious and humanitarian assistance and disaster relief operations.

The reception will give U.S. service members the opportunity to learn about Indonesian culture, in order to broaden shared perspectives.

While in-port, Sailors and Marines will have the opportunity to visit and experience local sights and culture for some rest and relaxation.

“I’m really looking forward to hanging out with my friends and experiencing some authentic Indonesian food,” said lance Corporal Ryan Parkinson, from Santa Maria, California and a Marine attached to Combat Logistics Battalion (CLB) 31. “I plan to do a lot of relaxing on the beach.”

This port visit comes upon the completion of the biennial exercise Talisman Sabre on July 18.

Bonhomme Richard, along with USS Green Bay (LPD 20), USS Ashland (LSD 48), USS Preble (DDG 88), the 31st marine Expeditionary Unit (31st MEU) and counterparts from the Australian Defense Force (ADF), conducted various exercises which included naval maneuvers, an amphibious beach assault and live-fire training.

Bonhomme Richard is the lead ship of the Bonhomme Richard Expeditionary Strike Group (BHRESG) and is on patrol in the U.S. Seventh Fleet Area of Operations.

• Date Taken: 07.31.2015
• Date Posted: 07.31.2015 04:24
• Story ID: 171697
• Location: USS BONHOMME RICHARD, BALI, ID