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Task Force 76 Flagship Returns to Sasebo After ROK Exercise

Navy NewsStand

Story Number: NNS060412-13
Release Date: 4/12/2006 12:53:00 PM

By Journalist 3rd Class Adam R. Cole, Task Force 76 Public Affairs

SASEBO, Japan (NNS) -- USS Essex (LHD 2) returned to its forward-deployed base of Sasebo, Japan, April 11 after completing exercise Reception, Staging, Onward-movement and Integration (RSOI) and Foal Eagle (FE) 2006 March 25-31 in the Republic of Korea (ROK).

Commander, Task Force (CTF) 76 ships and units recently completed the 45th FE, a weeklong joint field training exercise conducted by Combined Forces Command and U.S. Forces Korea components, which focused on ground maneuver, air, naval, expeditionary and special operations. RSOI/FE 06 is defense oriented and designed to improve the command’s ability to defend the ROK and include a full range of equipment, capabilities and personnel.

CTF 76 ships involved included those of the Forward-Deployed Amphibious Ready Group, consisting of Essex, USS Juneau (LPD 10) and USS Harpers Ferry (LSD 49). The exercise also included elements from Assault Craft Units 1 and 5 and Beachmaster Unit 1, as well as forward-deployed mine sweepers USS Guardian (MCM 5) and USS Patriot (MCM 7). All ships and units are based in Sasebo, Japan.

Rescue and salvage ship USS Safeguard (ARS 50) also completed a salvage exercise with the ROK navy, which was held March 16-30 but was not linked to RSOI/FE 06.

“The ships and units of Task Force 76 accomplished every training objective and showcased our ability to work alongside our Korean allies in performing a multitude of missions with ROK navy and marines,” said Capt. Mark E. Donahue, commodore, Amphibious Squadron 11, and Task Group commander of the Forward-Deployed ARG. “More than anything, I think our Sailors and Marines were able to experience the wonderful Korean culture and make lasting friendships.”

Sailors of the Forward-Deployed ARG participated in a number of community service activities as part of RSOI/FE 06.

Essex crew members visited Pohang’s Sun Rin Ae Yuk Won Orphanage before and after the exercise, sending nearly 100 Sailors to perform renovation and maintenance work while also interacting with the children. Juneau Sailors performed a similar project at St. Mary’s ‘Mercy and Love’ Sunshine Village, an elderly home also in Pohang. Members of Safeguard did a community service project in Chinhae at the Chinhae Huimang Children's Home where participants did groundskeeping work, cleaned up the playground and played with the children.

In addition to community service work, CTF 76 Sailors experienced the sights, sounds and spicy flavors of the Republic of Korea. Members of the Forward-Deployed ARG went on a Morale, Welfare and Recreation (MWR) trip to Kyongju, where Sailors visited Pulguksa Temple, one of Asia's most renowned Buddhist shrines, and Kyongju National Museum, which is host to a number of artifacts from the Silla period.

“It was good to taste things and see things that I have never tried before and contribute to the community of Pohang,” said Aviation Boatswain’s Mate (Fuels) 3rd Class (SW) Pablo J. Rodriquez, who participated in both the community service project and the MWR tour. “My favorite part was sharing Korean pancakes with my shipmates while doing the community service project at the elderly home. It was very tasty, and I could tell that a lot of work went into it.”

Those that were affected by the community service expressed heartfelt appreciation, such as Columba Cheong, head nun of the Sunshine Village, where Juneau Sailors laid brick for the first segment of an outdoor courtyard.

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