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Iwo Jima Strike Group Deploys

Navy NewsStand

Story Number: NNS060608-02
Release Date: 6/8/2006 10:05:00 AM

By Lt. Karen E. Eifert, USS Iwo Jima Expeditionary Strike Group Public Affairs

USS IWO JIMA, At Sea (NNS) -- Amphibious assault ship USS Iwo Jima (LHD 7), amphibious transport dock USS Nashville (LPD 13), guided-missile cruiser USS Philippine Sea (CG 58), dock landing ship USS Whidbey Island (LSD 41), and fast-attack submarine USS Albuquerque (SSN 706) deployed June 6 as part of the Iwo Jima Expeditionary Strike Group (ISG).

The five vessels, which departed from Naval Station Norfolk, are en route to the Middle East for a six-month scheduled deployment in support of maritime security operations.

“We are already settling into the battle rhythm we’ll likely follow throughout the duration of the deployment,” said ISG Commander Capt. Sinclair Harris to members of the strike group. “While we have no way of knowing what we’ll encounter while we’re out here, we do know that we have trained very hard over the past several months and are prepared to handle the missions and challenges likely to come our way.”

Harris said he understands the first few weeks of a deployment often find service members missing loved ones, and encouraged them to write home frequently and even contact the strike group ombudsmen as needed. He told Sailors during a Captain’s call, “Keep in touch with your loved ones, because absence does not make the heart grow stronger; it makes it wander.”

The strike group commander went on to stress the importance of maintaining strict operational security (OPSEC) throughout the deployment, emphasizing that foreign enemies of the U.S. would like nothing more than to know where the strike group is operating so they can attack it.

As a final note of advice on completing the six-month tour successfully, Harris said, “Make some goals for yourself, whether they be professional, financial, spiritual or academic. Just remember to pace yourself, because a deployment is a marathon, not a sprint.”

Guided-missile destroyers USS Cole (DDG 67) and USS Bulkeley (DDG 84) also comprise the Iwo Jima strike group, and are scheduled to deploy June 8. Additionally, 2,100 Marines from the 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit, commanded by Marine Col. Ron Johnson, are scheduled to join the ISG over the next few days.

For more news from around the fleet, visit www.navy.mil.