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ESG-5 Commander Visits Cleveland, Rushmore at Sea

Navy NewsStand

Story Number: NNS091125-03
Release Date: 11/25/2009 10:04:00 AM

From Bonhomme Richard Amphibious Ready Group Public Affairs

USS CLEVELAND, At Sea (NNS) -- The commander of Expeditionary Strike Group (ESG) 5 visited Sailors and Marines aboard USS Cleveland (LPD 7) and USS Rushmore (LSD 47) Nov. 18-20, while traveling in the Gulf region to express appreciation to coalition partners participating in theater security cooperation engagements and exercises.

"Our exercises in the region are the basis for our partnership-building capacity," said Rear Adm. Sinclair Harris, commander, ESG 5. "We learn from each other to become more interoperable. It's this interoperability that strengthens our nations and acts as a deterrent to hostile activities in the region."

The admiral met with ship leaders and interacted with Sailors and Marines during tours on board the ships.

"As the amphibious force commander, I feel it's best to meet the Sailors and Marines I'm leading," said Harris. "While on board Cleveland, I've been impressed with the morale of the Sailors and Marines I've met and the material condition of this ship."

"The best part of my career has been at sea, and my best time at sea has been on ships like Cleveland," said Harris. "It's obvious that the Sailors and Marines aboard Cleveland take care of this ship and are proud of their spaces."

Cleveland and Rushmore are currently on a scheduled deployment with the Bonhomme Richard Amphibious Ready Group (ARG), which is supporting maritime security operations, which help set conditions for security and promote regional stability and global prosperity.

"Along the many lines of operation in the Fifth Fleet area of operations – deterring violent extremism, maritime security efforts, demonstrating forward presence – amphibious ships like Cleveland and Rushmore can work to support efforts across those lines," said Harris. "They are playing a major role in building partnerships."

Harris, who recently assumed command of the newly established ESG-5, is responsible for all amphibious forces deployed to the U.S. 5th Fleet Area of Operations (AOO) as Commander, Task Force (CTF) 51 and 59.

Task Force 51 is responsible for the planning and execution of contingency response missions in the 5th Fleet area of responsibility. Task Force 59 plans and conducts maritime humanitarian aid and disaster relief operations.

In addition to Cleveland and Rushmore, the Bonhomme Richard ARG includes the command element, Amphibious Squadron 7; the flagship, USS Bonhomme Richard (LHD 6); Tactical Air Control Squadron 12, Det. 1; Helicopter Sea Combat 23, Det. 3; Assault Craft Unit 1, Det. B; Assault Craft Unit 5, Det. F; Beachmaster Unit 1, Det. B; and Fleet Surgical Team 9.

For more news from Commander, Amphibious Squadron 7, visit www.navy.mil/local/cas7/.