SANTA RITA, Guam - Two ships and more than 1,600 Sailors and Marines from the Bonhomme Richard Amphibious Ready Group arrived in Santa Rita, Guam, Monday, Oct. 5 for their first port call in the U.S. 7th Fleet area of operations.
The amphibious transport dock ship USS Cleveland (LPD 7) and amphibious dock landing ship USS Rushmore (LSD 47) departed their San Diego homeport Sept. 18 on a scheduled deployment.
"In addition to exploring the island and enjoying a brief respite from shipboard routine, we plan to participate in several community service projects and some friendly sports events with USS Cleveland," said Cmdr. William Grotewold, Rushmore's commanding officer.
During their free time nearly 125 Sailors and Marines are scheduled to participate in four community service events. Projects will include a visit with residents at St. Dominick's Retirement Home where volunteers will participate in morning exercises and complete the activity of the day with 30 patients.
Sailors and Marines have also volunteered to help mentor local middle school students and clean kennels at the Guam Animals In Need shelter in Yigo.
Capt. Rodney Clark commands the ARG — the Navy component of a multi-capable team that includes 2,200 embarked troops from the 11th Marine Expeditionary Unit based in Camp Pendleton.
In addition to Cleveland and Rushmore, the ARG consists of the command element, Commander, Amphibious Squadron 7; the ready group's flagship, USS Bonhomme Richard (LHD 6); Tactical Air Control Squadron 12, Detachment 1; the "Wild Cards" of Helicopter Sea Combat 23, Detachment 3; Assault Craft Unit 1, Detachment B; Assault Craft Unit 5, Detachment F; Beachmaster Unit 1, Detachment B; and Fleet Surgical Team 9.
The Bonhomme Richard ARG is transiting the U.S. 7th Fleet area of operations and reports to the Commander, Amphibious Force 7th Fleet, Rear Adm. Richard Landolt, who is headquartered in Okinawa, Japan.