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BHR Begins Onload

Navy NewsStand

Story Number: NNS070126-13
Release Date: 1/26/2007 4:07:00 PM

By Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Emmanuel Rios, USS Bonhomme Richard Public Affairs

USS BONHOMME RICHARD, At Sea (NNS) -- USS Bonhomme Richard (LHD 6) (BHR) began its first phase of the amphibious on-load of Marines and supplies off the coast of Southern California on Jan. 25.

Three Landing Craft Air Cushion (LCAC) assigned to Assault Craft Unit (ACU) 5 embarked the well deck of BHR while she was conducting operations during Expeditionary Strike Group Integration (ESGINT) training exercises.

More than 140 Marines and equipment from 3rd Battalion 1st Marines, Weapons Company Bravo Battery, and 1st Battalion 11th Marines were transported from San Clemente Island to BHR via LCACs, which are designed to transport equipment and troops to and from ships.

The more than six-hour on-load included three Medium tactical vehicle replacement (MTVR) seven-ton trucks, 16 highly mobile multi-wheeled vehicles (HMMWV), four supply trailers, and two 155mm howitzer towed guns.

BHR’s Commanding Officer Capt. Stephen Greene, said the focus of this underway and ESGINT is to further strengthen the cooperative operational capabilities of ESG 5 as a whole.

“These LCAC and LCU operations play a major role in the movement of Marines and their equipment ashore or, in this case, back aboard the amphibious ships,” Greene said. “Every time our Marines and Sailors have the opportunity to conduct integrated training exercises underway, they are building relationships and teamwork that will translate into successful missions during our upcoming deployment.”

Weapons Company Operations Chief Master Gunnery Sgt. Bill Van Hoy saw this as more than simply a method of transporting personnel and supplies from one point to another.

“There is a huge benefit to doing on-loads underway as opposed to pier side," said Van Hoy. “It really solidifies our amphibious capability, letting us know that we can do it. These types of exercises help improve the cohesion between the Navy-Marine Corps team.”

Gunnery Sgt. Flan Harrell, BHR’s assistant combat cargo officer, said that although it would seem more convenient to conduct these operations pier side, everyone reaps the benefits of conducting them underway.

“The biggest benefit is training Sailors and Marines for when we deploy,” said Harrell. “This way they will know what to expect when we get overseas, and then we can expedite the on or off-load."

“It’s a little more dangerous to do the on-load underway, but it works out better for us, because in a real life scenario, that’s exactly how we would do it,” Harrell concluded.

The Navy and Marine Corps team will have more chances to practice as all of ESG 5’s elements are expected aboard in the coming months. ESG 5 is conducting training operations off the coast of Southern California in preparation for an upcoming deployment.