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USS Bonhomme Richard Onloads More Than 2 Million Pounds of Munitions

Navy NewsStand

Story Number: NNS060417-07
4/17/2006

By Photographer’s Mate Airman Mark Patterson, USS Bonhomme Richard Public Affairs

ABOARD USS BONHOMME RICHARD, At Sea (NNS) -- During local operations off the coast of Southern California, the San Diego-based Multipurpose Amphibious Assault Ship USS Bonhomme Richard (BHR) (LHD 6) received more than 2 million pounds of munitions.

The munitions, designed to arm an embarked Marine Expeditionary Unit, were transferred to BHR from USS Tarawa (LHA 1) and Naval Weapons Station Seal Beach, Detachment Fallbrook.

The multi-dimensional evolution began early April 10 and was so well executed that it was finished on April 13, one day ahead of schedule.

“This was an all hands evolution,” said BHR’s Air Gunner, Lt. j.g. Travis L. Scott. “It wasn’t just AOs (aviation ordnancemen) down here. Deck Department recovered and launched LCUs (landing craft units), Air Department ensured the pallets landed safely and refueled the MH-60s (Knighthawk), Combat Cargo helped coordinate the movement of the munitions, and AIMD (aircraft intermediate maintenance department) kept the forklifts running.”

This major logistics evolution started three months ago when an order for munitions was sent to Ammo Waterfront Support Department (AMMOPAC), which is governed by Naval Operational Logistics Support Center (NOLSC). AMMOPAC performs inventory management, ammunition logistics and technical support for the Pacific Fleet. Once the order was received by AMMOPAC, the onload logistics was scheduled.

According to BHR Commanding Officer, Capt. Steve Greene, the success of this ammo onload is another example of Bonhomme Richard’s commitment to pride, professionalism and personal responsibility.

“From the flight deck to the well deck to the hangar deck, our Sailors worked around the clock to ensure we are properly armed and equipped to accomplish our mission,” Greene said. “The fact they completed the onload safely and a day early is just another sign of the pride our Sailors take in their work. I couldn’t be more proud of this crew.”

BHR is currently training off the coast of Southern California, preparing for future operations at sea.