Units

Nassau Expeditionary Strike Group MED 06 Deployment
LHA-4 Nassau
"First from the Sea" / "Top Gator"
ex-Leyte Gulf

NASSAU returned to Norfolk Naval Shipyard post deployment for an extensive overhaul. The ship was dry-docked to facilitate installation of a new fuel compensating system and to complete hull preservation in addition to regular routine maintenance.

More than nine months after having entered Norfolk Naval Shipyard for an extended repair availability, USS Nassau (LHA 4) has completed sea trials April 2-4 and is once again berthed at Naval Station Norfolk.

Sailors aboard multi-purpose amphibious assault ship USS Nassau (LHA 4) successfully completed their tasking as the flagship for the Combined Joint Task Force Exercise (CJTFEX 04-2), Operation Blinding Storm, June 19. The joint coalition training exercise involved more than 28,000 U.S. and allied service members. Nassau hosted Sailors and Marines from the United Kingdom and Netherlands, who joined with U.S. forces to explore the tactical field of operations in intelligence, combat systems, Marine engagement and logistical flight operations. When Nassau returned to Norfolk following CJTFEX, her crew continued through qualifications and training exercises to continue the basic phase of the Inter-Deployment Readiness Cycle.

More than 2,000 Sailors of the USS Nassau (LHA 4) Expeditionary Strike Group (ESG) departed their homeport in Norfolk, Va., May 5 to the U.S. Southern Command area of responsibility in support of exercise New Horizons (NH) in Haiti. New Horizons began in February when USS Saipan (LHA 2) delivered task force personnel and equipment to the Caribbean island. The task force involved nearly 1,000 Sailors, Soldiers, Marines and Airmen.

With NH concluding, Nassau ESG was called upon to support the recovery of forces and equipment. Upon arrival in Haiti, the Nassau ESG loaded and transported assets back to the home stations for detachments of Naval Mobile Construction Battalion 1 (Gulfport, Miss.); the 699th Engineering Company (Fort Buchanan, Puerto Rico); and the 640th Water Purification Unit (U.S. Virgin Islands). Additionally, personnel and equipment from the U.S. Army Reserve 400th MP Battalion, based at Fort Meade, Md., and the Alaska Army National Guard 207th Aviation Battalion will embark to be transported back to the continental U.S. for further transfer to their home bases.

Expeditionary Strike Group (ESG) 8, comprised of the Nassau Strike Group and 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU), got underway Sept. 22 for their final exercise prior to deploying later this year. The Certification Exercise (CERTEX) is the culminating exercise of the MEU's exhaustive pre-deployment training program, and marks the fourth time the MEU has conducted at-sea training alongside its Navy brethren of the Nassau Strike Group.

USS Nassau (LHA 4) departed Naval Station Rota, Spain, Nov. 21, checking off the first milestone of a six-month deployment since leaving Norfolk Nov. 7. Nassau's visit was scheduled for three days, but strong winds kept her in port an additional day, allowing for one last visit to the Navy Exchange. Nassau is the lead ship of the Nassau Expeditionary Strike Group (ESG), on her regularly scheduled six-month deployment in support of the global war on terrorism.

Expeditionary Strike Group (ESG) 8 passed through the Suez Canal Nov. 26, entering the U.S. 5th Fleet area of operations (AOO) to conduct maritime security operations (MSO) and support further tasking from the U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM).

The Royal Netherlands Marines and USS Nassau (LHA 4) joined forces Jan. 5 for a Visit, Boarding, Search and Seizure (VBSS) training opportunity aboard Nassau. The event began as the Netherlands Marines left their ship HNLMS De Zeven Provincien (FFG 802) and boarded Nassau by fast roping onto the flight deck. Once the Netherlands Marines hit the deck, both navies simulated the required motions of boarding a suspect terrorist type vessel.

USS Nassau (LHA 4) and embarked units provided assistance to a distressed vessel off the coast of Kenya Jan. 31 while conducting maritime security operations (MSO) in the area.

Nassau is deployed for six months to the 5th Fleet Area of Operations in support of Maritime Security Operations (MSO). MSO set the conditions for security and stability in the maritime environment. MSO complement the counter-terrorism and security efforts of regional nations. MSO deny international terrorists use of the maritime environment as a venue for attack or to transport personnel, weapons, or other material.

Sailors aboard the Navy's "top gator" received welcome news March 11 when their commanding officer shared over the ship's general announcing system that USS Nassau (LHA 4) had won the Battle "E" award for the second time in the ship's history.

Expeditionary Strike Group (ESG) 8 transited through the Suez Canal April 7, marking the end of more than four months of maritime security operations in the U.S. 5th Fleet area of operations. After arriving in the Persian Gulf, the amphibious ships of the strike group completed a timely and efficient offload for the 22nd MEU (SOC) which was continuing into Iraq in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. Once in Iraq, the 22nd MEU (SOC) established its combat operations center near the ancient city of Hit along the Euphrates River. The MEU remained on station in Iraq for nearly 60 days.

Sailors of USS Nassau (LHA 4) hosted a U.S. 6th Fleet reception for hundreds of guests while anchored for a port visit to Palma de Majorca, Spain, April 13. The visit was the final port for Nassau crew members, embarked staff of Amphibious Squadron 6 and Marines of 22 Marine Expeditionary Unit (Special Operations Capable) as they continued their transit home after more than four months of successful maritime security operations (MSO) in the U.S. 5th Fleet.

Elements of the USS Nassau (LHA 4) Expeditionary Strike Group (ESG) including the dock landing ship USS Carter Hall (LSD 50), amphibious transport dock USS Austin (LPD 4) and the guided-missile cruiser USS Cape St. George (CG 71), carrying more than 2,700 Sailors, returned to Naval Station Norfolk and Naval Amphibious Base Little Creek May 4, following a six-month deployment in support of the global war on terrorism.

Nassau ESG ships, which deployed Nov. 7, conducted maritime security operations in the U.S. 5th Fleet area of responsibility (AOR) and supported theater security cooperation in the U.S. 6th Fleet AOR.

While deployed, Cape St. George and Austin maintained security for Iraqi oil platforms in the Northern Persian Gulf while working closely with mobile security detachments, coalition forces and the Iraqi navy. Carter Hall became the air cushion landing craft (LCAC) ship for the Nassau ESG, where they offloaded the 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit (Special Operations Capable) (MEU(SOC))at Kuwait Naval Base. Shortly after this offload, the strike group participated in an anti-piracy operation in the Indian Ocean.

Carter Hall also conducted an underway replenishment training exercise with the French frigate Courbet, where French and American Sailors conducted a cross-deck swap. Ships in the Nassau ESG participated in several training exercises with coalition forces in the area. In the North Persian Gulf, they worked closely with British and Australian ships, while the ships in the Arabian Sea and Indian Ocean operated with the French, German and Dutch navies as part of Coalition Task Force 150. In February, Carter Hall and Nassau began transiting north to the Persian Gulf, where they offloaded the 22nd MEU(SOC). After the offload, Carter Hall transited to Kuwait Naval Base to backload the Marines.

While operating under CTF 150, the strike group remained in the Persian Gulf to conduct maritime surveillance operations as part of Operation Sea Dragon III. Nassau, Austin and the 22nd MEU(SOC) conducted a final exercise with Djibouti before heading out of the 5th Fleet AOR. The exercise offered the opportunity for Marines from the MEU to conduct bilateral training, while the Aviation Combat Element practiced low-altitude training and fire-support functions.

Chronology

04 Apr 2004 - Completes Yard Period

NEWSLETTER

Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list

Military

Units

Nassau Expeditionary Strike Group MED 06 Deployment LHA-4 Nassau "First from the Sea" / "Top Gator" ex-Leyte Gulf

Chronology

Nassau Expeditionary Strike Group MED 06 Deployment
LHA-4 Nassau
"First from the Sea" / "Top Gator"
ex-Leyte Gulf