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Forward Deployed ARG Completes Amphibious Operations Training with Thai Forces

Navy NewsStand

Story Number: NNS060526-30
Release Date: 5/26/2006 2:36:00 PM

From Task Force 76 Public Affairs

GULF of THAILAND, Thailand (NNS) -- Ships of the Forward Deployed Amphibious Ready Group (FD-ARG) and embarked 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) conducted amphibious operations training with Royal Thai Armed Forces with a series of raids May 19-21.

The group, consisting of USS Essex (LHD 2), USS Juneau (LPD 10) and USS Harpers Ferry (LSD 49), provided the sea-based platform for a combined simulated mechanized raid and a boat raid on Hat Yao Beach and launched helicopters, of both forces, to conduct a helicopter raid at Chandi Range.

“These operations showcase our ability to work alongside our Royal Thai counterparts, allowing us to conduct a number of operations that will enhance our ability to work together in crisis response situations,” said Capt. Mark E. Donahue, commodore, Amphibious Squadron (PHIBRON) 11, and the task group commander for the forward deployed ARG.

In the mechanized raid, Amphibious Assault Vehicles (AAV) of the 31st MEU were launched from Harpers Ferry in tandem with Thai AAVs from Royal Thai navy (RTN) tank landing ship Sichang (LST 721). Once ashore, the 31st MEU completed their objective with support from Royal Thai marines.

In the boat raid, accomplished at night from Juneau, 31st MEU and Royal Thai marines launched Combat Rubber Raiding Craft (CRRC) side-by-side with the Thai marines.

Interoperability of ship-to-shore movements of this type was evident during Operation Unified Assistance (OUA) in response to the 2004 Indonesian tsunami and will be essential in the future if similar situations arise, said senior leadership of the U.S. and Thai naval forces.

“The U.S. knows it has a strong partnership between our allies in the region. We know that we can count on them to ensure peace and stability in this region,” said Donahue.

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.