CBonhomme Richard Departs Malaysia
Navy NewsStand
Story Number: NNS100315-01
Release Date: 3/15/2010 10:13:00 AM
From Bonhomme Richard Amphibious Ready Group Public Affairs
PORT KELANG, Malaysia (NNS) -- USS Bonhomme Richard (LHD 6) departed Port Kelang, Malaysia, March 15 after completing a six-day visit to the country's capital, Kuala Lumpur.
During the visit, more than 70 Sailors and Marines volunteered at Tasputra Perkim Day Care Center for Disabled Children in Kuala Lumpur.
Service members spent three days painting, completing light grounds work and interacting with local youngsters.
"It felt good being able to lend a hand to such a good cause," said Information Systems Technician 3rd Class Erica Watkins, one of the volunteers.
"Nothing is greater than offering your time. The people who worked there really inspired me because of their selfless attitude and their ability to work in such a challenging environment," Watkins added.
The 2,400 Sailors and Marines who visited are part of the Bonhomme Richard Amphibious Ready Group (ARG) and embarked 11th Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU), currently transiting U.S. 7th Fleet's Area of Responsibility (AOR) after completing four months of maritime security operations in the 5th Fleet AOR.
"After 127 consecutive days at sea, our visit to Kuala Lumpur gave everyone the opportunity to take a much needed break to relax and experience this beautiful city, its citizens and the three distinct Malay, Chinese and Indian cultures," said Capt. John Funk, Bonhomme Richard's commanding officer.
While transiting the 7th Fleet AOR, the ARG/MEU reports to Rear Adm. Richard Landolt, commander, Amphibious Force 7th Fleet, headquartered in Okinawa, Japan.
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