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Ogden Deploys with ESG 3

Navy NewsStand

Story Number: NNS060216-16
Release Date: 2/16/2006 4:29:00 PM

By Journalist Seaman Robert C. Long, Fleet Public Affairs Center, Pacific

SAN DIEGO (NNS) -- USS Ogden (LPD 5), part of Expeditionary Strike Group (ESG) 3, departed Feb. 15 for a six-month western pacific deployment.

Ogden is deployed in support of the global war on terrorism and other missions required by Marine Brig. Gen. Carl Jensen, combatant commander of ESG 3.

Before deploying, Ogden trained with the other ships in the ESG in their 14-day Joint Task Force Exercise (JTFEX) off the coast of Southern California, and its two other required exercises, ESG Integration Exercise (ESGINT) and Composite Training Unit Exercise (COMPTUEX), late last year.

“We performed an integrated training session, which all of the ships in the strike group come together as the overall group,” said Cmdr. James Hruska, Ogden’s commanding officer, who is making his first deployment as a commanding officer.

“We plan to carry out our policies as directed by the President of the United States, and we will advance our national policy on the global war on terrorism,” said Hruska.

During the deployment, ESG 3 will conduct maritime security operations (MSO), which set conditions for security and stability in the maritime environment.
MSO also complements the counter-terrorism and security efforts for nations in their deployed region.

A few Ogden Sailors are marking their first deployments.

Seaman Apprentice Christopher Whatley, who enlisted in the Navy in November 2004, said, “I’m excited, nervous, and I am ready to go.”

One of the more senior Sailors admitted that while a lot of things changed, some just stayed the same.

“The apprehension of leaving family and friends is the same whether it’s your first time out or your 50th,” said Chief Damage Controlman (SW) James Strickell, Repair Division leading chief petty officer.

“The only difference between the new guys and the older guys is that the older ones know what to expect,” Strickell said.

Some of the Sailors had aspirations of what they wanted to see or do while out on deployment.

“I want to enjoy the sights of the lands we visit and just have some fun,” said Whatley.

“While we’re out there, I am going to work on my college classes. During off time onboard, there is no better time to do it,” said Strickell.

Once Ogden returns from its deployment, the crew will begin working towards the ship’s decommissioning.

ESG 3 is comprised of Amphibious Squadron (COMPHIBRON) 3, the 11th Marine Expeditionary Unit (Special Operations Capable), the amphibious assault ship USS Peleliu (LHA 5), the guided-missile frigate USS Reuben James (FFG 57), the guided-missile cruiser USS Port Royal (CG 73), the guided-missile destroyer USS Gonzales (DDG 66), Ogden, the dock landing ship USS Germantown (LSD 42), Tactical Air Control Squadron (TACRON) 11, and the "Black Jacks" of Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron (HSC) 21.