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Bonhomme Richard Completes Mission in Persian Gulf

Navy NewsStand

Story Number: NNS050425-03
Release Date: 4/25/2005 2:49:00 PM

By Chief Journalist (SW/AW) Walter T. Ham IV, USS Bonhomme Richard Public Affairs

ABOARD USS BONHOMME RICHARD, At Sea (NNS) -- The multipurpose amphibious assault ship USS Bonhomme Richard (LHD 6) (BHR) departed the Persian Gulf April 19 after bringing the 15th Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) back aboard from combat operations in Iraq.

BHR was on station in the Gulf for almost three months, serving as a sea base for the 15th MEU and command ship for Commander, Task Force (CTF) 58, protecting vital Iraqi oil terminals and conducting maritime security operations (MSO).

“Our crew performed admirably in the Gulf,” said Capt. J. Scott Jones, BHR commanding officer. “I’m glad we and the rest of the Navy/Marine Corps team of Expeditionary Strike Group 5 were able to contribute to the missions in this vital region.”

CTF 58’s primary mission in the North Persian Gulf is maintaining security in and around both the Al Basrah and Khawr Al Amaya oil terminals (ABOT and KAAOT, respectively), in support of U.N. Security Council Resolution 1546, which charges the multinational force with the responsibility and the authority to maintain security and stability in Iraqi territorial waters and also supports the Iraqi government’s request for security support.

The oil terminals are significant sources of revenue for the Iraqi people – revenue that is important to the rebuilding of Iraq.

MSO is aimed at setting the conditions for security and stability in the maritime environment. Illicit activity at sea has a global impact. MSO pressurizes the maritime environment and is the single most significant component of the conventional maritime effort against terrorism.

During its time in the Gulf, the San Diego-based ship made port visits to Manama, Bahrain, home of the U.S. 5th Fleet, and Jebel Ali, United Arab Emirates.

“This ship proved its value as a multipurpose assault platform,” said Scott. “Her Sailors and Marines proved once again they are most powerful weapon in the American arsenal.”