Bonhomme Richard ARG embarks 31st MEU

Photo By Chief Petty Officer Stacy Atkins Ricks | 160206-N-IK388-006 NAKAGUSUKU BAY, Japan (Feb. 6, 2016) – Amphibious assault ship USS Bonhomme Richard (LHD 6) departs White Beach Naval Facilities after completing an onload of the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU). Bonhomme Richard is the lead ship of the Bonhomme Richard Amphibious Ready Group and is participating in amphibious integration training (AIT) and a certification exercise (CERTEX) with the embarked 31st MEU. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Stacy M. Atkins Ricks /Released)  

OKINAWA, OKINAWA, JAPAN

02.06.2016

Courtesy Story

Amphibious Squadron 11

By Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Stacy M. Atkins Ricks, Commander, Amphibious Squadron 11 Public Affairs

OKINAWA, Japan – The Bonhomme Richard Amphibious Ready Group (ARG) wrapped up its onload of the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) Feb. 5 as part of a scheduled patrol of the U.S. 7th Fleet area of operations.

Amphibious dock landing ship USS Ashland (LSD 48) was the first ship of the ARG to embark Marines off the coast of Okinawa Jan. 29.

Amphibious assault ship USS Bonhomme Richard (LHD 6), the flag ship of the ARG, and amphibious dock landing ship USS Germantown (LSD 42) arrived in Okinawa Feb. 1 and spent several days onloading Marine gear and equipment to ensure the ARG’s readiness for the patrol.

“Integration with the Marines is essential to conducting the full range of amphibious operations at sea,” said Capt. Ed Thompson, commodore of Amphibious Squadron Eleven. “Having the 31st MEU aboard allows the BHR ARG to support a variety of complex objectives from air, land and sea.”

Aboard Bonhomme Richard the embarkation began with a fly-on of the Aviation Combat Element (ACE). The aviation department and the MEU’s Combat Cargo team managed the logistics of embarking over 200 personnel and attached aircraft.

“This was actually the first time that we embarked the ACE before we picked up the Marines on shore,” said Gunnery Sgt. Jesse Rubens, Combat Cargo assistant aboard Bonhomme Richard. “We usually have the ACE fly on once we leave port, but this time we were able to accomplish the evolution smoothly beforehand.”

Once moored at White Beach Naval Base, Sailors and Marines transported vehicles and equipment to the Bonhomme Richard’s well deck and hangar bay via cranes and forklifts. Coordinators compared the task of moving the tons of trucks, Humvees and large metal containers to a real-life game of Tetris.

“It takes months of coordination and preparation to load all of the equipment and gear safety and efficiently,” said Rubens. “Planning for the next onload begins as soon as the current one ends.”

Sailors welcomed Marines as they marched their personal belongings to the quarterdeck. For many Marines, this is their first time out to sea. Many of whom were doing this for the first time.

“I’m excited for this patrol,” said Cpl. Nikko Olalia, assigned to the 31st MEU. “I look forward to learning and seeing new things through working with the Navy.”

Bonhomme Richard and Germantown are conducting Amphibious Integration Training (AIT) and Certification Exercises (CERTEX) with the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) to refine their sea-to-shore capabilities.

Ashland is participating in the U.S. and Thailand co-sponsored joint exercise Cobra Gold. The exercise is designed to enhance and advance the security commitments in the Indo-Asia Pacific region.

For more information about Bonhomme Richard visit our Facebook page at www.Facebook.com/ussbhr.

For more news from Commander, Amphibious Force, U.S. 7th Fleet, visit www.navy.mil/local/ctf76/.

• Date Taken: 02.06.2016
• Date Posted: 02.06.2016 21:53
• Story ID: 188121
• Location: OKINAWA, OKINAWA, JP