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III MEF Visits Essex

Navy NewsStand

Story Number: NNS061020-20
Release Date: 10/20/2006 3:02:00 PM

By Mass Communication Specialist (SW/PJ) Michael Kennedy, USS Essex Public Affairs

SUBIC BAY, Republic of Philippines (NNS) -- Commanding General, III Marine Expeditionary Force (III MEF)/Commander, Marine Forces Japan, Lt. Gen. Joseph F. Weber visited Sailors and Marines aboard USS Essex (LHD 2) while the ship was pierside here Oct. 18-19.

Essex, the Navy’s only forward-deployed amphibious assault ship, is in the area for two major exercises with the Republic of the Philippines, Talon Vision (TV) 07 and Amphibious Landing Exercise (PHIBLEX) 07. Both exercises are running concurrently Oct. 16-31.

The general was able to meet Essex Sailors and Marines from the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU), currently embarked aboard Essex, while touring the ship. He shook hands and gave words of encouragement to the members of the Navy/Marine Corps team.

“After seeing our hard working Marines and Sailors in action, I think these exercises will be a great success,” said Weber.

Since Weber spent the night aboard Essex, he had the opportunity to eat both dinner and breakfast on the ship’s mess decks with junior Marines and Sailors.

“I was surprised how he was so down to earth. I was very nervous at first, but after talking to him for a few minutes, he really put me at ease,” said Electronics Technician Seaman Amy Mosley.

One of the Marines who works on the mess decks while the MEU is embarked got to meet and talk with the general.

“It was great that he took time out to meet with individual Marines like me. It made me feel that we really matter to him, which personally impresses me a lot,” said Marine Lance Cpl. Joshua Benes.

Weber has high praise for the Navy and how it supports the Marine Corps in accomplishing the mission.

“The Navy part of the team is critical,” said Weber. “Without the Navy’s cooperation, the Marine Corps could not survive.

“The Navy gives us so much in the way of mobility, operability and sustainability. Without any one of these elements, the Marine Corps could not function as effectively as it does,” he added.

Essex is the Navy’s only forward-deployed amphibious assault ship and is the flagship for the Sasebo, Japan-based Essex Amphibious Ready Group (ARG), which serves under Commander, Task Force 76. 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.