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BHR Conducts Successful Ammo Offload

Navy NewsStand

Story Number: NNS080118-15
Release Date: 1/18/2008 3:19:00 PM

By Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Mark Patterson II, USS Bonhomme Richard Public Affairs

SAN DIEGO (NNS) -- Bonhomme Richard (LHD 6) (BHR) returned to its homeport of San Diego Jan. 18 after conducting a post-deployment ammunition offload off the coast of Southern California Jan. 14-17.

The four-day offload evolution consisted of removing more than 1 million pounds of missiles, demolition material and small and large caliber munitions. MH-60S Knighthawk helicopters from Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron 23 were used to lift and transport the ammunition to transport trucks.

Those trucks, according to Aviation Ordnanceman 1st Class (AW/SW/FMF) Derrick J. Smith, were used to transfer the loads to Naval Weapons Station, Fallbrook, Calif.

"This particular ammunition offload was different," said Smith, G-3 division leading petty officer. "Normally the ammunition would be transferred via helicopter and (landing craft unit) to another ship that is getting ready for deployment."

However, since there was no other ship preparing for deployment and in need of the ammunition, it was instead transferred to Fallbrook via transport trucks, said Smith.

According to Aviation Ordnanceman 1st Class (AW/SW) Jaime Juarez, before the offload could begin, the ammunition was moved to large areas on the flight deck and hangar bay then separated. It was then pre-staged in sequence determined by the receiving shore command in order to facilitate the loading of the trucks ashore and to meet shipment criteria.

"The overall weight, the explosive weight and the compatibility between the different kinds of explosives all had to be considered before shipping," said Juarez. "Once separated, the ammunition was then staged at the forward and aft ends of the flight deck."

Once ammunition arrives in Fallbrook, it is refreshed and prepared for distribution to the next ship being deployed, said Chief Aviation Ordnanceman (AW) Daniel J. Kramer.

"When ammunition is transferred from ship-to-ship, it goes as-is," said Kramer, "but the personnel at Fallbrook are capable of re-palletizing and re-marking all of the ammunition. That way the next ship to receive the ammo will receive (fresh) supplies."

Senior Chief Aviation Ordnanceman (AW) David P. McGinty, G-3 Division leading chief petty officer, was pleased with the performance of all the Sailors involved.

"The offload was a great success," said McGinty. "It was professionally staged and executed. All personnel involved did an outstanding job. They made my job easy."

The ammo offload represented the final stage of the BHR's 2007 Western Pacific deployment and the start of the post-deployment maintenance period.

"We had this ammo for over a year now," said Smith, "and I know that we were all happy to see it go. This evolution truly signified the end of a successful deployment."

For more news from USS Bonhomme Richard, visit www.navy.mil/local/lhd6/.