• Military Menu                       

• Introduction
• Systems
• Facilities
• Agencies
• Industry
• Operations
• Countries
• Hot Documents
• News
• Reports
• Policy
• Budget
• Congress
• Links

• WMD
• Intelligence
• Homeland Security
• Space

Fort McHenry Returns to Forward Deployed Port

Navy NewsStand

Story Number: NNS050321-13
Release Date: 3/21/2005 2:22:00 PM

By Journalist 2nd Class James Kimber, Amphibious Group 1 Public Affairs

SASEBO, Japan (NNS) -- USS Fort McHenry (LSD 43) returned to Sasebo, Japan, March 19 after spending nearly three months deployed at sea.

The amphibious dock landing ship deployed to Sumatra, Indonesia, in support of Operation Unified Assistance and ceremonies commemorating the 60th anniversary of the Battle of Iwo Jima.

Fort McHenry Commanding Officer Cmdr. Mark Weber said he couldn't be prouder of the tremendous efforts and dedication of the Navy and Marine Corps team aboard Fort McHenry during the surge deployment.

"From [the Navy and Marine Corps team's] superior performance in helping to prevent further loss of life and reduce suffering by providing humanitarian assistance for the victims of the horrific southeast Asia tsunami, through their outstanding commitment and untiring support for Former Presidents' Bush and Clinton visit to the area, to the amphibious operations in support of the 60th Iwo Jima Commemoration, they excelled in all mission requirements," said Weber.

"Although the personal gratification and professional experience has been very rewarding for all, I can state without hesitation, we are very happy to return to our families and friends in Sasebo," he added.

Fort McHenry joined Combined Support Force (CSF) 536 in Operation Unified Assistance and delivered more than 1.2 million pounds of humanitarian aid and disaster relief supplies to the area, which was devastated by the Dec. 26 tsunami. Assault Craft Unit 5's Landing Craft, Air Cushion (LCAC) and Marine Medium Helicopter Squadron (HMM) 262 helicopter support delivered the much-needed supplies. Included in the delivery was the more than 2,000 pounds of supplies collected by communities attached to Fleet Activities Sasebo.

The ship also embarked personnel and equipment from Naval Mobile Construction Battalion (NMCB) 40 to support the effort. Embarked medical and dental teams also provided care to more than 150 patients.

Fort McHenry also participated in activities marking the 60th Anniversary of the Battle of Iwo Jima March 12. Both American and Japanese war veterans joined Fort McHenry and embarked personnel from the III Marine Expeditionary Force (MEF) to commemorate the Pacific's bloodiest World War II battle.

Commandant of the Marine Corps Gen. Michael W. Hagee, guest speaker at the ceremonial event, said he was proud to stand amongst the heroes and service members who set the standard.

"The battle of Iwo Jima remains as a landmark of mass courage and individual honor," said Hagee. "The world might not remember what we said or did today, but it must remember what they did 60 years ago."

Fort McHenry is an an amphibious dock landing ship forward deployed to Sasebo, Japan, and is a part of the Navy's only forward deployed amphibious ready group, the USS Essex (LHD 2) Amphibious Ready Group.