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Iwo Jima ESG Departs 5th Fleet

Navy NewsStand

Story Number: NNS061109-13
Release Date: 11/9/2006 4:12:00 PM

By Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class (SW/AW) Mike Jones, Commander, U.S. Naval Forces Central Command/Commander, U.S. 5th Fleet Public Affairs

USS IWO JIMA, At Sea (NNS) -- USS Iwo Jima (LHD 7) Expeditionary Strike Group (ESG) successfully transited the Suez Canal Nov. 8, concluding operations in the U.S. Naval Forces Central Command/U.S. 5th Fleet area of operations (AOR).

Iwo Jima ESG includes USS Whidbey Island (LSD 41), USS Bulkeley (DDG 84), USS Nashville (LPD 13), USS Philippine Sea (CG 58), USS Cole (DDG 67), and USS Albuquerque (SSN 706). Additionally, the ESG includes the 24th Expeditionary Unit (Special Operations Capable), as well as various supporting elements from Assault Craft Unit 4, Beachmaster Unit 2, and Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron (HSC) 26.

The ESG conducted maritime security operations (MSO) in the region. MSO help set the conditions for security and stability in the maritime environment, as well as complement the counter-terrorism and security efforts of regional nations. These operations deny international terrorists use of the maritime environment as a venue for attack or to transport personnel, weapons or other material.

The deployment was also highlighted by the important role the ESG played in the voluntary departure of American citizens from Lebanon this summer.

“The safe evacuation of nearly 15,000 American citizens in Lebanon has been in keeping with the proud tradition of this ship’s history,” said Iwo Jima Commanding Officer, Capt. Michael Walley. “I continue to be amazed at the level of professionalism exhibited by each and every Iwo Jima Sailor and Marine of the 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit.”

In addition to conducting security patrols of Iraqi oil platforms in the North Persian Gulf, Philippine Sea served as the flagship for Commander, Task Force 158 Royal Australian Navy Commodore Peter Lockwood. The guided-missile destroyer Cole participated in MSO with other coalition navies in the Gulf of Aden and Horn of Africa, while Albuquerque supported theater and national level tasking throughout the region.

“Versatility has always been the Navy/Marine Corps strong suit. The Iwo Jima ESG has been no exception,” said Commander, Iwo Jima ESG, Capt. Brad Kyker. “Non-combatant evacuation operations in Lebanon, exercises with major regional partners, MSO throughout the AOR, flying combat sorties in support of Operations Iraqi and Enduring Freedom, the team has done a bit of just about everything.”

Iwo Jima left its homeport of Norfolk, Va., June 6, and began a six-month deployment to the U.S. European Command and U.S. Central Command areas of responsibility to conduct MSO.