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Bonhomme Richard Combat Cargo Back-loads Gear, Helps Complete Mission in Gulf

Navy Newsstand

Story Number: NNS030610-04

Release Date: 6/10/2003 10:12:00 AM

By Journalist 1st Class (SW) Danny Hayes, USS Bonhomme Richard Public Affairs

ABOARD USS BONHOMME RICHARD, At sea (NNS) -- USS Bonhomme Richard (LHD 6) completed its mission in the Arabian Gulf, May 25, after back-loading Marine troops and vehicles in record time.

In about four hours, Landing Craft Air Cushions (LCACs) brought more than 110 pieces of rolling Marine gear and equipment aboard the amphibious assault ship.

According to Gunnery Sgt. Alexander Thorpe, combat cargo assistant (well deck), the entire back-load evolution was completed rapidly and safely. "That's the fastest back load I had ever done," he said.

Thorpe said there were times throughout the deployment when the weather cut down visibility for the LCACs, and created delays. During the troop back-load, however, conditions were good.

Another possible obstacle to the mission was his new and inexperienced combat cargo platoon. Thorpe said the personnel he had did the job well. "Everything went smoothly for having a new platoon that had never been on a ship before," he said.

The leaders of the combat cargo team are part of Bonhomme Richard ship's company. Their permanent duty station is aboard the ship, and they have become a bridge between the Sailors and embarked Marine units. While many of the Marines are ashore, Bonhomme Richard crew members supplement the platoon. They worked during well deck and flight deck operations while the Amphibious Task Force (ATF)-West was in the Gulf region.

"Combat cargo is the go-between between the Navy and Marines," said Marine Chief Warrant Officer Richard Ekborg, the ship's combat cargo officer (CCO). "Essentially, we are a Marine Corps liaison. We bring the strengths out in both sides to make it a one-team effort."

It's that team effort which allowed the ship to send Marines ashore, and later recover them successfully, said the CCO.

Bonhomme Richard departed the Arabian Gulf, May 30, and began steaming east after all the ATF-West ships were loaded up. The ship is homeported in San Diego, and is scheduled to return in late July.