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BHR Tops Off Ammo at Sea

Navy NewsStand

Story Number: NNS061203-02
Release Date: 12/3/2006 12:51:00 PM

By Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Dustin Mapson, USS Bonhomme Richard Public Affairs

USS BONHOMME RICHARD, At Sea (NNS) -- USS Bonhomme Richard (LHD 6) (BHR) completed an ammunition onload at sea Nov. 28 as part of the ship’s preparation for its upcoming deployment.

Two Landing Craft Utility (LCU) ships assigned to Assault Craft Unit (ACU) 1, out of Naval Air Station North Island, met BHR while conducting operations off the coast of Southern California to onload and offload ammunition. LCUs are designed to transport equipment and troops ashore, and in this case to the BHR at sea.

“We were pretty much topping off our supply,” said BHR Weapons Officer, Lt j.g. Travis Scott. “We will probably only need to load one more time before we are fully ready for deployment.”

The operation included the movement of more than 146,000 pounds of missiles, demolition material, and small and large caliber munitions. BHR Weapons Department Leading Petty Officer, Aviation Ordnanceman 1st Class Derrick J. Smith, saw the event as a great training opportunity for his Sailors.

“Only a handful of my Sailors were here for the last deployment; this is a new crew,” said Smith. “Because of this operation, we were able to teach proper tie down of ordnance, stowage compatibility, elevator operation, and give forklift training.”

Chief Quartermaster Matthew Gallwas, craft master in Charge of LCU 1629, the ship responsible for the delivery of ammunition, said the LCU, while aging, still has a mission that is constantly adapting to meet the needs of the modern fleet.

“Whether it be on loading ammunition or conducting security patrols inport or at sea, these ships are versatile,” said Gallwas.

The ability to fully embark ships such as the LCU in the well deck is an example of BHR’s own versatility.

BHR is currently steaming off the coast of Southern California, training to conduct prompt and sustained combat operations at sea. During this underway period, BHR will also conduct CWIS (close-in weapons system), underway replenishments, and flight operations.