Peleliu ESG WESTPAC 99 Deployment
LHA-5 Peleliu
ex-Da Nang / ex-Khe Sanh
Pax Per Potens: "Peace Through Power"
On June 21, 1999 the Peleliu Amphibious Ready Group deployed for a 6-month WESTPAC along with the USS Constellation. Amphibious ships USS Peleliu (LHA 5), USS Ogden (LPD 5) and USS Rushmore (LSD 47) deployed with the 11th
Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU), Special Operations Capable (SOC). All of the ships are homeported at Naval Station San Diego. The Peleliu ARG, with more than 5,000 Sailors and Marines, will take part in amphibious exercises with allies in the Pacific and Arabian Gulf.
Peleliu is one of the largest and most capable multi-purpose amphibious platforms ever built. It is equipped to perform command and control functions, support both aircraft and surface landing craft and conduct large-scale amphibious assaults. In addition to air-cushioned landing craft, Peleliu carries AV-8 Harrier jets and attack and transport helicopters.
In 1999 the USS Peleliu and its ARG supported Operation Stabalise which was intended to support humanitarian and peacekeeping efforts in East Timor. For the past month, Amphibious Squadron One and the 11th Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) Special Operations Capable (SOC) embarked in USS Peleliu (LHA 5) have provided heavy-lift logistics helicopter and surface support to the United Nations- sanctioned International Force in East Timor (INTERFET) during a most critical period in the island's transition to independence and statehood.
Together, the Navy-Marine Corps team of the Peleliu Amphibious Ready Group (ARG) and the 11th MEU(SOC) planned and executed over 30 varied missions and assignments in support of INTERFET and people in need.
Four 11th MEU(SOC) CH-53 heavy-lift helicopters embarked aboard Peleliu were specifically requested by INTERFET to assist in Operation Stabilise, moving 1.5 million pounds of humanitarian assistance supplies and equipment throughout the island's interior. Navy landing craft also supported the movement of hundreds of tons of relief supplies and equipment into coastal enclaves.
Peleliu re-embarked the MEU, commanded by Col. Thomas L. Moore, Jr., after wrapping up a highly successful exercise and immediately departed the Arabian Gulf en route to East Timor. They made the transit in 10 days.
Peleliu and the 11th MEU (SOC) concluded their assignment in East Timor Nov. 27. The group includes USS Rushmore (LSD 47) and USS Ogden (LPD 5). Peleliu will now rendezvous with those ships for transit back to the ship's homeport in San Diego.
Chronology
-
Dec 1999 - Returned to San Diego
27 Nov 1999 - East Timor
01 Nov 1999 - East Timor
21 Jun 1999 - Deployed
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