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BHR Repair Capability Opens the Gate for RMPAC Training Readiness

Navy NewsStand

Story Number: NNS080716-17
Release Date: 7/16/2008 9:40:00 PM

By Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class (SW/AW) Ryan Tabios, USS Bonhomme Richard Public Affairs

USS BONHOMME RICHARD, At Sea (NNS) -- USS Bonhomme Richard's (LHD 6) (BHR) machinery repairmen assisted one of the partner-nation ships participating in the Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC) 2008 exercise by repairing a much-needed part for amphibious operations.

BHR's machine shop constructed a replacement stern gate pin for the well deck of the Australian ship HMAS Tobruk (L 50) July 14. The pin, damaged during a training event off the Hawaiian island of Kauai, is an essential part needed to launch landing craft vehicular personnel units (LCVP).

"Bonhomme Richard is the intermediate maintenance activity for most of the ships participating in RIMPAC," said Machinery Repairman 1st Class (SW/AW) Drew Winners, machine shop leading petty officer. "We have been working non-stop to reconstruct the pin, so they can continue with well-deck operations."

Aside from daily maintenance and engraving tasks aboard BHR, machinery repairmen spent more than 10 hours manufacturing the pin. BHR returned the pin the same afternoon to ensure Tobruk stays mission ready.

"What we did was further strengthen our commitment to building stronger ties with other countries," said Lt. Cmdr. Brian Boycourt, BHR's damage control assistant. "The Tobruk can continue training with us and prepare for potential real-world events."

Winners explained that this is the first job they have completed for a partner nation's ship during RIMPAC.

"It's rewarding knowing that I helped another ship from another country get back in the thick of things. It was a hard-day's work -- tiring -- but the feeling was great when it was all done with."

Tobruk is a multipurpose troop and roll-on/roll-off amphibious heavy vehicle ship participating in RIMPAC 2008.

BHR is currently participating in RIMPAC 2008. RIMPAC is the world's largest multinational exercise and is scheduled biennially by the U. S. Pacific Fleet. Participants include the United States, Australia, Canada, Chile, Japan, the Netherlands, Peru, Republic of Korea, Singapore and the United Kingdom.

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