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Dubuque Incorporates with ESG 5, Readies for Deployment

Navy NewsStand

Story Number: NNS060726-10
Release Date: 7/28/2006 12:01:00 PM

By Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class James Bartels, USS Boxer Public Affairs

ABOARD USS DUBUQUE (NNS) -- USS Dubuque (LPD 8) completed 17 days of Expeditionary Strike Group (ESG) 5 incorporation July 28 after operating off the coast of Southern California in preparation for their Western Pacific deployment scheduled later this year.

Dubuque began incorporating elements of the 15th Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU), Dubuque Sailors, and additional naval units to become operationally ready during the second of three pre-deployment training exercises.

“From our newest Sailor all the way to the commanding officer, we stayed focused on the task of preparing for this integration,” said Command Master Chief Brent Williams, Dubuque’s command master chief. “There are always a few changes in a situation like this, but we are ready and able to meet the challenge at hand.”

In addition to allowing ESG 5 assets the opportunity to combine their skills and learn to work as a team, the underway also provided Marines with ship familiarization and non-combatant evacuation operations training.

“The Marines that have come aboard have all been very helpful and eager to learn,” said Culinary Specialist Seaman Joe Rubalicado. “With the ship’s crew doubling, it would be difficult to maintain our pace of work without their help.”

Over the next two months, ESG 5 will become fully operational for its Western Pacific deployment by integrating eight ships, 2,900 Marines, 4,500 Sailors and eight embarked units. Dubuque will gain more than 400 Marines.

“The teamwork between the Marine and Navy commanders is some of the best I’ve seen in my 22 years of service,” said Marine 1st Sgt. Butch Vasquez, sergeant major of Combat Logistics Battalion 15 attached to the 15th MEU aboard Dubuque. “When we show a unified front, the lower ranks know it and respond. With teamwork like this, it is impossible to fail.”

ESG 5 is comprised of Commander, Amphibious Squadron 5, 15th MEU, Dubuque, USS Boxer (LHD 4), USS Greenville (SSN 772), USS Comstock (LSD 45), USS Bunker Hill (CG 52), USS Benfold (DDG 65), USS Howard (DDG 83), USCGC Midgett (WHEC 726) and HMCS Ottawa (FFH 341).

For related news, visit the USS Boxer (LHD 4) Navy NewsStand page at www.news.navy.mil/local/lhd4/.