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Bataan Returns to Heroes' Welcome

Navy NewsStand

Story Number: NNS091208-21
Release Date: 12/8/2009 5:39:00 PM

From USS Bataan Public Affairs

NORFOLK (NNS) -- Friends and family of Sailors and Marines aboard multipurpose amphibious assault ship USS Bataan (LHD 5) lined Pier 10 on Naval Station Norfolk Dec. 8 to welcome home Bataan's crew following a seven-month deployment conducting Maritime Security Operations in the U.S. 5th and 6th Fleet areas of responsibility.

In addition to the 1,100 Sailors and Marines on board, Bataan arrived with nearly 400 "Tigers," friends and family of the crew who embarked the "Big 5" during the offload of Marines and equipment from the 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit in Onslow Bay, N.C.

The crew's deployment was designed to maintain America's commitment to peace, stability and theater security in the Mediterranean and Persian Gulf regions.

Bataan and her ARG departed mid-Atlantic waters May 13, and conducted successful missions and port visits around the globe, contributing to the nation's Maritime Strategy.

"The primary mission of this deployment was to maintain a presence in the Persian Gulf region," said Capt. Sam Howard, commanding officer of Bataan. "Our mission demonstrated to all of our friends and allies our support for their livelihood. Our presence helped to stabilize the region and reinforce our commitment to theater security cooperation."

During the deployment, which covered nearly 34,000 nautical miles – equivalent to almost two trips around the world – Bataan and the 22nd MEU conducted more than 2,200 sorties, participated in several international naval exercises, including Bright Star 2009, U.S. Central Command's largest exercise, and hosted hundreds
of international visitors.

Bataan also served as the platform for the first at-sea operational deployment of the MV-22 Osprey. The aircraft provided logistics, troop and equipment transport, and medical support throughout the deployment. Bataan launched 10 MV-22B Ospreys from Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron (VMM) 263 (Reinforced), 22nd MEU, into Camp Bastion, Afghanistan, Nov. 6, marking the first time the aircraft were used in support of Operation Enduring Freedom.

"The historic mission was one of the highlights of our deployment," said Howard. "The team aboard Bataan ensured the aircraft and aircrews had all the material and logistic support necessary for a safe and successful fly-off."

Bataan's numerous port calls included stops in the countries of Greece, Spain, Bahrain, the United Arab Emirates, Jordan and Turkey. During the eight port visits, Bataan Sailors and Marines participated in 10 community relations projects, amounting to more than 1,000 hours of service to host nations.

Bataan is scheduled for a six-month planned maintenance availability beginning in January 2010.

Bataan's ARG includes the amphibious transport dock USS Ponce (LPD 15), the amphibious dock landing ship USS Fort McHenry (LSD 43) and detachments from Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron (HSC) 22, Fleet Surgical Team 6, Assault Craft Unit (ACU) 2, ACU 4, Beachmaster Unit 2. All of the ships and detachments also returned Dec. 8.

Bataan, the Navy's fifth Wasp-class amphibious assault ship, was commissioned Sept. 20, 1997. Displacing more than 40,000 tons, Bataan is home to nearly 1,100 Sailors and Marines. From its flight deck and well deck, the "Big 5" crew can quickly launch and recover the world's most modern tilt-rotor aircraft and landing craft, capable of landing Marine forces and providing humanitarian assistance or disaster relief efforts worldwide.

For more news from USS Bataan (LHD 5), visit www.navy.mil/local/lhd5/.