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USS Iwo Jima Arrives in Marseille, France

Navy NewsStand

Story Number: NNS060620-13
Release Date: 6/20/2006 1:44:00 PM

By Journalist 1st Class (SW) Mike Jones, USS Iwo Jima Public Affairs

MARSEILLE, France (NNS) -- USS Iwo Jima (LHD 7) arrived pierside in Marseille, France, June 20 after safely transiting the Strait of Gibraltar.

The multipurpose amphibious assault ship departed its homeport of Norfolk, Va., June 6 to begin a regularly scheduled six-month deployment in support of maritime security operations (MSO).

“The phenomenal crew of Iwo Jima is extremely excited to be here,” remarked Iwo Jima Commanding Officer Capt. Michael A. Walley. “The city of Marseille is absolutely bursting with history and culture, and I know the hard-working men and women of LHD 7 and 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit, Special Operations Capable (24 MEU(SOC)) are looking forward to all this grand city has to offer.”

For many Iwo Jima Sailors, this port call marks a first.

“I’ve never been here before,” said Information Systems Technician 2nd Class (SW/AW) Joshua Huot. “I’m really looking forward to touring the castles and other historical sites,” the Three Forks, Mont., native explained.

“It’s definitely exciting,” added Information Systems Technician 3rd Class Jason Schmitzer, from Appleton, Wis. “I can’t wait to visit the older parts of France – I’m really into the history here.”

“This is my first time to France,” said Austin, Texas, native Cryptologic Technician (Collection) 2nd Class (SW) Brian Merkel. “I’m really looking forward to the scenery, culture – definitely the dining experience here.”

Iwo’s arrival in Marseilles marked the second visit to France for Scotts Bluff, Neb., native Cryptologic Technician (Collection) 1st Class Shannon Martin. “I’ve been to Paris before, and I’m really looking forward to seeing Marseille,” she said. “I’m really excited to see the shops here,” she added.

Also during the visit, Iwo Sailors are slated take part in several community relations projects, including gardening at a local foster home and a paint restoration project at the local Red Cross.

“A lot of the Sailors and Marines have signed up to provide their assistance,” explained Religious Program Specialist 1st Class Ella M. Castile. “We’re all looking forward to giving back to the community,” the Chicago native added.

Iwo Jima is one of 24 ships that comprise Commander, Amphibious Group (COMPHIBGRU) 2, based at Naval Amphibious Base Little Creek, Va. COMPHIBGRU 2, with its 16,000 Sailors and Marines, provides warfighting naval amphibious forces to operate with joint and combined forces for combatant commanders.

LHD 7 is currently serving as the flagship for the Iwo Jima Expeditionary Strike Group (ESG), which includes USS Nashville (LPD 13), USS Whidbey Island (LSD 41), USS Philippine Sea (CG 58), USS Bulkeley (DDG 84), USS Cole (DDG 67) And USS Albuquerque (SSN 706).

Additionally, the Iwo Jima ESG includes the 24th MEU(SOC), as well as various supporting elements from Assault Craft Unit 4, Beachmaster Unit 2, and Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron (HSC) 26.

For related news, visit the USS Iwo Jima (LHD 7) Navy NewsStand page at www.news.navy.mil/local/lhd7/.