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U.S. Strike Group Visits Darwin, Australia

7th Fleet

Release Date: 2/4/2004

Expeditionary Strike Group ONE public affairs

BDARWIN, AUSTRALIA -- In their first port visit of 2004, U.S. warships of Expeditionary Strike Group 1 (ESG 1) arrived here Feb. 4 for a well-earned rest following active deployment to the war on terrorism. San Diego-based ships USS Peleliu (LHA 5), USS Decatur (DDG 73) and USS Germantown (LSD 42), as well as the 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit (Special Operations Capable) arrived to a warm welcome in this community in northeast Australia. USS Jarrett (FFG 33) arrived in Broome, Australia, earlier this week.

"It's exciting to be visiting Darwin. This is my first time in Australia, so I'm going to sightsee and probably do some shopping, and just relax," said Operations Specialist 3rd Class Megan Honeycutt. The 20-year-old Arizona native is one of 5,500 Sailors and Marines assigned to the seven-ship flotilla. ESG 1 also consists of San Diego-based USS Ogden (LPD 5), as well as Hawaii-based warships USS Port Royal (CG 73) and USS Greeneville (SSN 772).

The Strike Group's visit comes following a Middle East deployment involving missions in support of Central Command's (CENTCOM) objectives in the global war on terrorism. ESG 1 participated in Iraq operations, as well as maritime interception operations in the North Arabian Gulf and the Horn of Africa. The three ships arriving in Darwin were recently involved in maritime interception operations that yielded drug seizures estimated at upward of $22 million, and the detention of individuals with possible links to terrorist activities. Also, the 13th MEU conducted anti-smuggling, humanitarian assistance and security operations in southern Iraq, and in the Horn of Africa.

Most recently, the Strike Group participated with units from 13 other coalition countries in exercise "Sea Saber", the fifth in a series of multi-national maritime interdiction exercises in support of the Proliferation Security Initiative (PSI). This was the first U.S.-led PSI exercise, and followed "Pacific Protector", a similar PSI exercise led by Australia in September 2003.

ESG 1 is a product of the U.S. Navy and Marine Corps' commitment to the U.S. defense secretary's transformation of the Armed Forces. It combines the capabilities of the traditional Amphibious Ready Group and Marine Expeditionary Unit with the more robust strike, anti-air, anti-surface and anti-submarine capabilities of a cruiser, a destroyer, a frigate and a fast attack submarine in order to present regional and combatant commanders a wider variety of options and enables independent operations in more dynamic operating environments.

"This visit is more meaningful in the current operational environment," said Rear Adm. Bob Conway, Commander, Expeditionary Strike Group One. "Australia is one of the United States' closest partners in the global war on terrorism and, as demonstrated by the recent PSI exercises, is a global partner in the growing coalition against WMD proliferation. Besides, I cannot think of a better way to return home than to visit friends. Darwin is home to some of the finest people in the world and what a fantastic opportunity for our Sailors and Marines."

ESG 1 is currently deployed to the Commander, U.S. Seventh Fleet area of responsibility in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. The group is currently scheduled to return to the United States in March.