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ESG 5 Commander Visits Bonhomme Richard

Navy NewsStand

Story Number: NNS100201-07
Release Date: 2/1/2010 2:31:00 PM

By Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Drew Williams, USS Bonhomme Richard Public Affairs

USS BONHOMME RICHARD, At Sea (NNS) -- Commander, Expeditionary Strike Group 5 met the Sailors and Marines from Bonhomme Richard Amphibious Ready Group (ARG) and 11th Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) during a visit to amphibious assault ship USS Bonhomme Richard (LHD 6) Jan. 28-30.

Rear Adm. Sinclair Harris expressed appreciation for the crew's accomplishments and sacrifices while deployed in the U.S. 5th Fleet Area of Operations. The ARG/MEU's efforts support Maritime Security Operations that help develop regional security and stability.

"Thank you for your professionalism, thank you for your teamwork, and thank you for what you are doing here keeping America safer," Harris said. "What you are doing out here matters, and you are doing it very well."

During the time he spent shipboard, Harris met with Sailors and Marines throughout the ship. Crew members described their jobs and discussed their backgrounds. Harris also presented awards and held an all hands call on the ship's flight deck.

"It was good he took time out of his schedule to come out here and meet us, spend time with us, and see what we do," said Aviation Boatswain's Mate 2nd Class (AW/SW) Kenneth Lake. "It was nice to hear it straight from the boss that our efforts are appreciated and that we are making a difference."

Harris encouraged personnel aboard Bonhomme Richard, who've been deployed since September, to continue working hard, remain motivated and look out for each other.

"I want you all to finish safe and strong out here," he said. "There's the old saying, 'mission first, safety always.' We want to bring everybody back home. Just finish safe, and finish strong."

Harris ended his visit at Koron Range in Djibouti, where he visited with 11th MEU scout sniper and light armored reconnaissance platoons conducting sustainment training ashore.

As the ESG 5 commander, Harris is responsible for all amphibious forces deployed to 5th Fleet. He is responsible for the planning and execution of contingency response missions and maritime humanitarian aid and disaster relief operations.

Bonhomme Richard is the command platform for the Bonhomme Richard ARG and 11th MEU. The ARG also consists of the command element, Amphibious Squadron 7; amphibious transport dock USS Cleveland (LPD 7); and amphibious dock landing ship USS Rushmore (LSD 47); 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.