Amphibious Squadron 3 Inactivation

Photo By Petty Officer 1st Class Brandon Woods | 230303-N-FO865-2078 NAVAL BASE SAN DIEGO (March 3, 2023) Capt. Ryan Rogers, commander, Amphibious Squadron (PHIBRON) 3, right, receives the command pennant from Quartermaster 3rd Class Andres Murillofigueroa during the PHIBRON 3 inactivation ceremony held aboard amphibious transport dock USS San Diego (LPD 22), March 3, 2023.  

SAN DIEGO, CA, UNITED STATES

03.03.2023

Courtesy Story

Expeditionary Strike Group 3

Amphibious Squadron (PHIBRON) 3 held an inactivation ceremony aboard amphibious transport dock USS San Diego (LPD 22), March 3, 2023.

Rear Adm. James Kirk presided over the ceremony. In his remarks, he thanked the PHIBRON 3 staff for their hard work and dedication and recounted the many contributions the command made to the Amphibious Force during its lifetime.

“The accomplishments of you and your former shipmates ensured the ships under your purview were manned, trained, and equipped to accomplish any mission,” said Kirk. “You represent the fighting spirit of our Navy, and your eagerness to do your part makes a difference to our Navy and our nation.”

The history of PHIBRON 3 is a proud one, with the command participating in most major operations in the Western Pacific since its inception in 1950 as Transport Squadron One. The PHIBRON 3 staff and ships played an integral role in the Korean War and supported operations during the global war on terrorism and Iraqi Freedom. The PHIBRON has also operated in nearly every U.S. Fleet, completing deployments and participating in a number of multilateral, bilateral, and joint operations and exercises alongside international partners, hosted distinguished guests and visitors, and was instrumental in maintaining safety and stability on a global scale.

The Navy’s decision to inactivate PHIBRON 3 is part of a broader initiative to fulfill and execute the National Defense Strategy (NDS), which requires a continuous examination of manpower and allocation of resources to enhance the readiness of the Surface Force. Manpower billets have been reallocated to various unites and staffs to optimally man the Force, and all ships previously assigned to PHIBRON 3 remain in San Diego and have been reassigned to other San Diego-based PHIBRONs.

ESG 3 comprises three amphibious squadrons, 15 amphibious warships, and eight naval support elements including approximately 18,000 active-duty and reserve Sailors and Marines. As the deputy commander for amphibious and littoral warfare, U.S. 3rd Fleet, the ESG 3 commander also oversees Mine Countermeasures Group 3 and the 14 littoral combat ships and two subordinate divisions under Littoral Combat Ship Squadron 1. ESG 3 is postured in support of U.S. 3rd Fleet as a globally responsive and scalable naval command element, capable of generating, deploying, and employing naval forces and formations for crisis and contingency response, forward presence, and major combat operations focusing on amphibious operations, humanitarian and disaster relief and support to defense civil authorities, and expeditionary logistics.

For more news from Expeditionary Strike Group 3, visit https://www.surfpac.navy.mil/esg3/.

• Date Taken: 03.03.2023
• Date Posted: 03.03.2023 18:47
• Story ID: 439645
• Location: SAN DIEGO, CA, US