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USS Port Royal Deploys with ESG 1

Navy Newsstand

Story Number: NNS030908-04

Release Date: 9/8/2003 9:39:00 AM

By Journalist 1st Class Daniel J. Calderón, Commander, Navy Region Hawaii Public Affairs

PEARL HARBOR, Hawaii (NNS) -- After Mother Nature, in the form of Hurricane Jimena, intervened and granted two extra days at home, the crew of USS Port Royal (CG 73) deployed Sept. 3 with Expeditionary Strike Group (ESG) 1.

Crowds of family, friends and well-wishers filled the pier as banners flew, and hugs and kisses were exchanged between those leaving, and those remaining behind.

"This is our first deployment," said Katherine Harris, whose husband, Information Systems Technician 3rd Class Marcus Harris, sailed away aboard Port Royal.

"We've only been married six months, and we're still in our 'honeymoon' phase. I hope and I pray that he'll be safe. I'll just stay here, work and try to keep busy," she said.

Sailors aboard Port Royal are prepared for this deployment.

"I'm ready," said Chief Operations Specialist (SW) Ed Kilgore. "With the war on terrorism going on, it's our turn to go over and do our part."

Port Royal's Commanding Officer, Capt. Pat Allen, agrees the deployment is necessary.

"We go today to do our job so all of you can remain here safe," Allen said. "We will miss you every day, but I'm confident in the group we're leaving behind -- our wonderful ombudsmen. and our fantastic Port Royal Ohana."

This marks the first deployment for ESG 1. During the deployment, the $1 billion Aegis-class warship will provide the primary-fire support for ESG 1. Outfitted with the MK-41 Vertical Launch System (VLS), Port Royal is capable of firing tomahawk and Standard (SM2 Block IV-A) missiles.

Commissioned July 9, 1994, the assignment to ESG 1 will mark the ship's fourth western-Pacific deployment. While they are away, Allen reminded the families that, even in the age of near-instant communications, the older means of communication are sometimes more appreciated.

"I encourage all of you to keep those cards and letters coming," said Allen to the assembled group of families and friends. "There's nothing better than hearing your name called at mail call."

ESG 1 is commanded by Rear Adm. Robert T. Conway Jr., and includes the ships of the USS Peleliu Amphibious Ready Group: USS Peleliu (LHA 5), USS Germantown (LSD 42) and USS Ogden (LPD 5), as well as 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit (special-operations capable), guided-missile destroyer USS Decatur (DDG 73), guided-missile frigate USS Jarrett (FFG 33) and fast-attack submarine USS Greeneville (SSN 772). Approximately 5,000 Sailors and Marines deployed with ESG 1.

Before the crew pulled in the ship's lines and before the brow was taken away, Allen offered a promise as a final thought to families and friends.

"I intend to use all the skills and experience I've gained in 30 years of naval service to bring this ship and her crew back safely," he asserted. "We will be safe. We will be victorious. We love you all. We will miss you. See you next year."