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ESXARG, 31st MEU Depart ROK

Navy NewsStand

Story Number: NNS070411-19
Release Date: 4/11/2007 4:51:00 PM

By Task Force 76 Public Affairs and 31st MEU Public Affairs

REPUBLIC OF KOREA (NNS) -- With tunes from Republic of Korea Navy bands sending them off, USS Essex (LHD 2) and USS Juneau (LPD 10) left Busan and USS Tortuga (LSD 46) departed Chinhae April 8 following port visits to the cities.

Sailors of the Essex Amphibious Ready Group (ESXARG) and embarked Marines of the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) were afforded liberty in the cities following the completion of the annual U.S.-ROK joint/combined exercise Foal Eagle 2007.

The visits were an extension of the bilateral relations built during the exercise, as Sailors and Marines completed community service projects, played sports activities with military counterparts, facilitated ship tours and also enjoyed the restaurants and attractions of the host cities.

“The Sailors and Marines of the ARG-MEU team displayed not only their professionalism in this port visit but also a high level of ambassadorship,” said Capt. Anthony J. Pachuta, commodore, Amphibious Squadron 11 and task group commander of the ESXARG. “After this exercise and the port visits, I can confidently say that the U.S.-ROK alliance has not only been solidified but built upon.”

On April 6 and 7, nearly 90 Sailors and Marines, along with ROK service members participated in four community service projects: Essex planted trees at the Jong Duk Won orphanage in Busan; Juneau made repairs at Sinae Jae Haul Won Rehab Center in Busan for those with mental and physical disabilities; Tortuga visited the Donjin Girls Middle School in Chinhae followed by a tour of the ship later that day for the students; and April 7, Tortuga visited a Chinhae Children’s Home, cleaning the home and playing with kids.

“I feel like we gained more than we gave,” said Aerographer’s Mate 2nd Class (AW) James D. Mark, of the Essex, who participated at the Busan orphanage service project. “It was like we were guests in somebody’s home.”

Joint activities were facilitated directly with the ROK Navy’s Yang Man Chun, the sister ship of the Essex, and other ROK military personnel. Essex crew welcomed aboard various groups for tours.

When Sailors and Marines weren’t busy at the service projects, they could take advantage of the chance to experience Korean culture.

“Just in tasting the food it was good to get in something different,” said Marine Lance Cpl. Brandon D. Luedtke, from the 31st MEU’s Battalion Landing Team 2/1. “There was a lot to do there. The people were really friendly. It was nice to meet them and see what Korean culture was all about.”

Making the most of the experience is what 31st MEU commanding officer, Marine Col. John L. Mayer, hoped he would see from both Marines and Sailors. He was pleased with the results in how all U.S. service members interacted with the host cities.

“I am glad that our Marines and Sailors had this opportunity to see and experience the very best that Korea has to offer,” said Mayer. “I know that these experiences have left lasting impressions, and I sincerely hope the feeling is mutual for the Korean people in terms of the impact we made here with our projects and friendship activities. Our heartfelt thanks go to our gracious hosts.”

Commander, Expeditionary Strike Group (ESG) 7/Task Force (CTF) 76 is the Navy’s only forward-deployed amphibious force. Task Force 76 is headquartered at White Beach Naval Facility, Okinawa, Japan, with an operating detachment in Sasebo, Japan. The 31st MEU is permanently forward-deployed from Okinawa.