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Forward-Deployed Amphibious Ready Group Returns to Sasebo

Navy NewsStand

Story Number: NNS050408-01
Release Date: 4/8/2005 8:55:00 AM

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

SASEBO, Japan (NNS) -- The Forward-Deployed Amphibious Ready Group (ARG) returned to Sasebo, Japan, April 6, completing a successful eight-month deployment that included operations in the Persian Gulf and in support of Operation Unified Assistance, following the Dec. 26 tsunami in Southeast Asia.

The Sasebo-based amphibious assault ship USS Essex (LHD 2), returned with USS Juneau (LPD 10) and USS Harpers Ferry (LSD 49) after disembarking 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) personnel and equipment at White Beach, Okinawa.

"The successful deployment of the Forward-Deployed Amphibious Ready Group speaks volumes of our continuous commitment to operational readiness and of the quality of Sailors and Marines we have in the 7th Fleet," said Rear Adm. Victor G. Guillory, commander, Amphibious Group 1/Task Force 76 (CTF 76). "These men and women - this amphibious ready group team - are all true heroes. We are tremendously proud of each and every one of them for a job well done!"

The surge deployment, or a deployment with minimal notice, sent the Navy's only forward-deployed amphibious force to the Persian Gulf to conduct Maritime Security Operations (MSO) and Maritime Interception Operations (MIO) by providing security to the Al Basrah and the Khawr Al Amaya Oil Terminals in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom and the global war on terrorism. Essex also successfully embarked the Expeditionary Strike Group (ESG) 3 staff from USS Belleau Wood (LHA 3) Sept. 10 during an at-sea crossdeck, officially activating the Essex Expeditionary Strike Group (ESX ESG).

While conducting operations in the Persian Gulf, Essex and Helicopter Mine-Countermeasures Squadron (HM) 15 personnel from Bahrain were called upon to assist Combined Support Force (CSF) 536 in support of Operation Unified Assistance following the Dec. 26 tsunami in Southeast Asia. In eight days, the amphibious assault ship moved more than 1 million pounds of relief supplies and humanitarian aid to tsunami survivors on the island of Sumatra, Indonesia, using helicopter and Landing Craft, Air Cushion (LCAC) support in addition to manual labor. During the disaster relief operation, Essex delivered nearly 6 million pounds of humanitarian aid and relief supplies to the tsunami victims.

"During this unscheduled deployment, we spent 188 days conducting combat, security and stability operations on the 'tip of the spear' in the Central Command theater. Only one naval strike group has spent more time deployed to Central Command since the commencement of Operation Iraqi Freedom," said Capt. Mark Donahue, commander, Amphibious Squadron (PHIBRON) 11. "From maritime security operations in the North Arabian Gulf to combat operations in Fallujah, to humanitarian relief operations off the coast of Sumatra, the Sailors and Marines of the forward-deployed amphibious ready group have succeeded at every mission and have great reason to be very proud of their accomplishments. It has been a great deployment, but we are sure happy to be returning to our family and friends in Sasebo."

Following Operation Unified Assistance, Essex returned to the Persian Gulf and rejoined Juneau and Harpers Ferry to backload the 31st MEU and their equipment for the return transit to the U.S. 7th Fleet area of operations. In addition to the amphibious operations Essex provided during the deployment, she also provided high-level medical care and served as the premier hospital ship, with embarked fleet surgeons from Fleet Surgical Team (FST) 7.

Currently operating in the Forward-Deployed Amphibious Ready Group are Essex, Juneau, Harpers Ferry, USS Fort McHenry (LSD 43), elements from the 31st MEU, embarked personnel from Amphibious Group (CPG) 1, PHIBRON 11, Assault Craft Units (ACU) 1 and 5, Beachmaster Unit (BMU) 1, Explosive Ordnance Disposal Mobile Unit (EODMU) 5, Helicopter Combat Squadron (HC) 5 and FST 7.