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Harriers Return to USS Bonhomme Richard

Navy NewsStand

Story Number: NNS060326-02
Release Date: 3/26/2006 12:15:00 AM

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

ABOARD USS BONHOMME RICHARD (NNS) -- AV-8B Harriers returned to USS Bonhomme Richard (LHD 6) for the first time in nearly nine months March 23 during local operations off the coast of Southern California.

Bonhomme Richard is currently training and preparing for operations in support of the global war on terrorism.

“It’s great to have these Harriers back aboard,” said Senior Chief Aviation Boatswain’s Mate (Handling) (AW/SW) Jose Dickson, BHR’s V-1 division officer and flight deck officer. “Having them on board gives my Sailors the opportunity to train and helps to keep the pilots qualified. It also keeps us ready to do what we do best: take it to our enemies around the globe.”

The San Diego-based multipurpose amphibious assault ship also conducted an underway replenishment with the Military Sealift Command’s USNS Guadalupe (T-AO 200), receiving more than 1.1 millions gallons of diesel marine and jet fuel.

“The underway replenishment was flawlessly executed,” said BHR Executive Officer Cmdr. Andrew Cully. “Underway replenishments are the primary tool we use to keep our ships at sea as long as it takes to accomplish our mission. This is a core mission, and our Sailors delivered.”

From March 20 through 24, BHR was at sea training for ULTRA C, a major milestone in the ship’s training cycle.

“We put the ship and the crew through their operational paces, training for virtually every scenario possible,” said BHR Commanding Officer Capt. Steve Greene. “Our Sailors and Marines take training very seriously. With our nation at war, they know the importance of being ready for any contingency.”