Iwo Jima ESG Returns From Six-Month Deployment
Navy NewsStand
Story Number: NNS061207-09
Release Date: 12/7/2006 11:07:00 AM
By Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class (SW/AW) Mike Jones, USS Iwo Jima Public Affairs
ABOARD USS IWO JIMA (NNS) -- After six-months, and approximately 30,000 nautical miles, the USS Iwo Jima (LHD 7) Expeditionary Strike Group (ESG), led by the multipurpose, amphibious assault ship Iwo Jima, returned to its homeport of Norfolk, Va., Dec. 6.
Iwo Jima departed Norfolk Naval Base June 6 to begin a regularly scheduled, six-month deployment in support of maritime security operations (MSO). In addition to providing direct support to Operations Enduring and Iraqi Freedom, several ships of the Iwo Jima ESG provided emergency evacuation assistance to nearly 15,000 American citizens in Lebanon.
LHD 7 serves as the flagship for the Iwo Jima 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 Marine Expeditionary Unit (Special Operations Capable) (MEU(SOC)), as well as various supporting elements from Assault Craft Unit 4, Beachmaster Unit 2, and Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron (HSC) 26.
The Commander of the Iwo Jima ESG, Capt. Brad Kyker, commented on the wide array of ESG accomplishments.
“Versatility has always been the Navy/Marine Corps strong suit,” he said. “The Iwo Jima ESG has been no exception. Non-combatant evacuation (NEO) operations in Lebanon, exercises with major regional partners, maritime security operations throughout the AOR (area of responsibility), flying combat sorties in support of Operations Iraqi and Enduring Freedom, the team has done a bit of just about everything.”
Shortly after Iwo Jima transited the Suez Canal into the Red Sea, the ship was recalled back into the Mediterranean Sea to be prepared to conduct humanitarian relief operations in Lebanon. Iwo Jima arrived on station off the troubled Beirut coast July 21.
As part of Commander, Task Force 59, Iwo Jima and 24 MEU(SOC) Marines provided crucial departure assistance to American citizens in Lebanon looking to leave the troubled region. Cole and Whidbey Island accompanied Iwo Jima on station off Lebanon, ready to provide additional assistance as needed.
Helicopters assigned to the Marine Medium Helicopter Squadron (HMM) 365 aboard Iwo Jima immediately joined in the departure assistance efforts to American citizens there. Several CH-53 “Sea Stallion” and CH-46 “Sea Knight” helicopters from the multipurpose, amphibious assault ship safely transported hundreds of citizens out of Beirut. Additionally, the helicopters delivered approximately 4,200 pounds of meals ready to eat and 1,200 pounds of water for those citizens waiting to depart the country.
Fifty Iwo Sailors and Marines provided much-needed assistance to nearly 2,000 American citizens aboard USS Trenton (LPD 14), also on station in the eastern Mediterranean Sea July 23. Once aboard, the all-volunteer group immediately began assisting with the comfort and needs of the large group gathered there. This included setting up cots and tents, delivering water and taking care of the citizens’ needs while moving around the ship. With the help of the volunteer team, Trenton safely transferred the departing citizens from Beirut, Lebanon, to Mersin, Turkey.
“I am very proud to have been part of this huge effort,” said Interior Communications Electrician 1st Class (SW) Cassius Johnson. “This team worked very hard, and the payoff was hearing ‘thank you’ from so many people.”
Iwo Jima returned to the Suez Canal Aug. 20 and entered the U.S. Naval Forces Central Command/U.S. 5th Fleet area of operations (AOO).
Upon arrival in the Persian Gulf in October, Iwo Jima ESG ships Iwo Jima, Whidbey Island, Bulkeley and Nashville maintained maritime security presence there as the 24 MEU(SOC) Marines arrived to Kuwait Naval Base to conduct sustainment training.
Additionally, the guided-missile cruiser Philippine Sea conducted security patrols around the oil platforms of the North Persian Gulf, and served as the flagship for Commander, Task Force 158 Royal Australian Navy Commodore Peter Lockwood. Finally, Albuquerque supported theater and national level tasking throughout the AOR.
Launching a myriad of Air Combat Element aircraft and Landing Craft Air Cushions, Landing Craft Utility and Amphibious Assault Vehicles, ESG ships Iwo Jima, Whidbey Island and Nashville safely delivered the Marines, supplies and equipment ashore during the offload evolution.
Iwo Jima safely transited the Suez Canal Nov. 8, concluding operations in the AOO. Upon its return to the Mediterranean, LHD 7 safely arrived pierside to the port town of Toulon, France, Nov. 17, following a port call to Civitavecchia on the outskirts of Rome, Italy, Nov. 12.
While many Sailors and Marines took advantage of the liberty ports to enjoy the sights and tastes, several chose instead to lend their efforts to some community relations projects (COMREL) arranged via the Iwo Jima’s chaplain’s office.
“I chose to take part mainly due to the fact that I wanted to help serve in the community. I wanted to also do something worthwhile rather than just going out and spending a whole bunch of money,” explained Aviation Boatswain’s Mate Airman Robert B. Broomfield. “I thoroughly enjoyed my time.”
Iwo Jima is one of 24 ships that comprise Commander, Amphibious Group (COMPHIBGRU) 2 based at Naval Air Base Little Creek, Va. COMPHIBGRU 2 with its 16,000 Sailors and Marines provides war fighting naval amphibious forces to operate with joint and combined forces for combatant commanders.
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 the use of the maritime environment as a venue for attack or to transport personnel, weapons or other materials.
|
NEWSLETTER
|
| Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list |
|
|
|
