USS Belleau Wood ESG Deploys
Navy Newsstand
Story Number: NNS040601-10
Release Date: 6/1/2004 1:51:00 PM
By Journalist 3rd Class Cynthia R. Smith, Navy Public Affairs Center San Diego
SAN DIEGO (NNS) -- More than 5,000 Sailors and Marines embarked with the USS Belleau Wood (LHA 3) Expeditionary Strike Group (ESG) began to deploy May 27 to the western Pacific ocean and the Central Command Area of Responsibility in support of the global war on terrorism.
Belleau Wood, USS Denver (LPD 9) and USS Comstock (LSD 45) departed San Diego May 27 to meet U.S. Central Command's request for forces to support the global war on terrorism and to conduct future operations as directed. The remainder of the strike group, USS Mobile Bay (CG 53), USS Preble (DDG 88), USS Hopper (DDG 70) and the fast attack submarine USS Charlotte (SSN 766), will depart in the coming weeks.
The deployment is considered a prudent step to increase military capabilities and enhance flexibility in the region. The Belleau Wood ESG's ability to deploy a few weeks earlier than its original deployment date is an example of the flexibility of naval assets and the Fleet Response Plan (FRP).
Staci Smith, from Oroville, Calif., is the brother of Marine Lance Cpl. Sean Smith, embarked with the 11th Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU). Smith noted that, while she is sad to see her brother deploy, she is proud of the job he will be doing in Iraq.
"I am very proud of Sean," Smith said. "He is going to go complete his job and then come back home to us safely. He is a Marine. He will get the job done."
Jenise Angeles, from Portland Ore., is the mother of Marine Pfc. J.T. Dickinson, a mortarman with the 11th MEU. She explained that her son is ready to do his job and that she is proud of him.
"It is going to be difficult for everyone," said Angeles, "but J.T. is glad he has the opportunity to do what he came into the Marines to do. He told me he was proud to serve his country, and I am proud of him for stepping up to the challenge. I am going to miss him, but now I can look forward to welcoming him home."
Commander, U.S. 3rd Fleet certified the ESG ready for deployment, and special operations training group, 1st Marine Expeditionary Forces, certified the embarked 11th MEU as special operations capable.
Brig. Gen. Joseph V. Medina is in command of the Belleau Wood ESG, which includes the staff of ESG 3, Amphibious Squadron 5 and surface ships Belleau Wood, Denver, Comstock, Mobile Bay, Preble, Hopper and Charlotte. Brig. Gen Medina is also in command of the 11th MEU, including Battalion 1/4, Marine Service Support Group (MSSG) 11, and Marine Medium Helicopter Squadron (HMM) 166, based at Camp Pendleton and Marine Corps Air Station Miramar in Calif., respectively.
This is the first ESG to be commanded by a Marine Corps general.
The Expeditionary Strike Group staff provides the planning and staff functions, which enable them to respond to a range of possible missions as directed by the regional combatant commander.
"Belleau Wood Expeditionary Strike Group supports the Department of the Navy's vision to align, organize, integrate, and transform to meet the challenges that lay ahead. The ESG brings enhanced power projection, defensive protection and operational independence afforded by the freedom to maneuver on the sea," Medina said.
Under FRP, the Navy's new operational construct, naval forces have been trained to immediately respond to a crisis or contingency with the required combat power. This "progressive readiness" was developed to tailor training to meet today's quick response requirements.
The ESG will have a variety of missions while deployed, to include humanitarian assistance and non-combatant evacuation operations, and combat operations in support of joint force commanders throughout the Western Pacific and Central Command AOR.
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