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Forward Deployed ARG Returns to Okinawa

Navy NewsStand

Story Number: NNS051108-02
Release Date: 11/8/2005 11:43:00 AM

From Task Force 76 Public Affairs

ABOARD USS ESSEX, Okinawa, Japan (NNS) -- Sailors of the Sasebo-based Forward Deployed Amphibious Ready Group and Marines from the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) arrived Nov. 7 at White Beach Naval Facility in Okinawa, Japan, after successfully completing exercise Talon Vision (TV) and Amphibious Landing Exercise (PHIBLEX) '06 in the Republic of the Philippines.

PHIBLEX is an annual bilateral Republic of the Philippines and U.S. exercise designed to improve interoperability, increase readiness and continue professional relationships between the United States and Philippine Armed Forces. Approximately 5,000 U.S. and Philippine military personnel participated in the exercises.

Closing ceremonies for PHIBLEX '06 was held Oct. 29 at Marine Base Ternate.

“I am very pleased in the performance of our Sailors and Marines during Talon Vision and PHIBLEX '06, which were both a tremendous success for the U.S. and Philippine Armed Forces,” said Capt. Mark E. Donahue, commodore, Amphibious Squadron (PHIBRON) 11. “The Sailors and Marines showcased joint and combined interoperablity with the Phillipine Armed Forces in executing precision amphibious landings and contributed to the local community with medical civic action projects and community serivce projects.”

The Medical Civic Action Project (MEDCAP) is part of the continuing Republic of the Philippines and U.S. humanitarian assistance to the people of the Philippines at the invitation of the government of the Philippines. U.S. Navy, Marine and AFP medical personnel provided basic health checkups and medicine to children, expectant mothers, elderly and those with illness. Medical care provided to the local residents included medical screening, dental care, minor surgery and medicine.

Sailors from USS Essex (LHD 2), PHIBRON 11 and Marines from 31st MEU also participated in two community service projects involving elementary schools, Gordon Heights Elementary school Oct. 23 and Santa Rita Elementary school Nov. 2, in Olongapo City. The Sailors and Marines donated clothes and painted the schools as part of the projects.

The three-ship Sasebo-based Forward Deployed Amphibious Ready Group consists of the Essex, USS Juneau (LPD 10) and USS Fort McHenry (LSD 43), which is currently on its routine fall deployment.

Task Force 76 is the Navy's only forward-deployed amphibious force and is headquartered at White Beach Naval Facility, Okinawa, Japan, with an operating detachment in Sasebo, Japan.