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AFRICOM Thanks Kearsarge Navy-Marine Corps Team

Navy News Service

Story Number: NNS110401-15
4/1/2011

By Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class (SW) Mike Lenart, Commander, Amphibious Squadron Four Public Affairs

USS KEARSARGE, At Sea (NNS) -- As U.S. military forces entered their sixth day of enforcing United Nations Security Council Resolution (UNSCR) 1973, Commander, U.S. Africa Command (AFRICOM), visited the amphibious assault ship USS Kearsarge (LHD 3) in the Mediterranean Sea March 24.

Army Gen. Carter F. Ham assumed command just a couple of weeks prior to his visit, and during an all hands call that followed a mission brief from the deployed leadership, he had nothing but praise for the job performance of the ship's Sailors and Marines.

"I've been in this job at U.S. Africa Command for a whole two weeks now, and one of the things I have not worried about even a little bit is the Navy-Marine Corps team that is aboard here," said Ham, who was making his first visit ever to a warship at sea. "You have accomplished your task with extraordinary skill, dedication, and competence, and that has been evidenced in these initial six days of Odyssey Dawn. What you have done so far has been great."

AFRICOM established Joint Task Force Operation Odyssey Dawn to provide operational and tactical command and control of U.S. military forces supporting the international response to the unrest in Libya.

Kearsarge has played a crucial role in Odyssey Dawn through airstrikes from AV-8B Harriers embarked with the 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU).

Before his address to the crew, Ham attended a mission brief with Commander, Expeditionary Strike Group 5, Rear Adm. Peg Klein, Commander, Amphibious Squadron 4, Capt. Peter Pagano, Commander, Destroyer Squadron 60, Capt. Dan Shaffer, Commanding Officer, USS Kearsarge (LHD 3), Capt. Baxter A. Goodly, and Commanding Officer, 26 MEU, Col. Mark J. Desens, that discussed Kearsarge's various roles in the 6th and 5th Fleet areas of responsibility.

After expressing his gratitude to the entire crew for their collaborative efforts, Ham took some time to recognize 21 Sailors and Marines with Navy-Marine Corps Achievement Medals for their skilled and efficient performance during a recent Tactical Recovery of Aircraft and Personnel evolution.

Before departing, Ham reminded the Kearsarge team that they have a lot of work to do, but he has full confidence they will have continued success. He also passed on that from his daily conversations with President Barack Obama he knows the Commander in Chief is aware of the fine work being done by Kearsarge and they have his gratitude as well.

"Everyone involved, including the president, the secretary of defense and the joint chiefs could not be more proud of what Kearsarge has accomplished so far," Ham said.

"There are missions out there that we can't see yet, but whatever those missions are, the Navy-Marine Corps team aboard Kearsarge is going to be able to handle them. Of that, I have absolutely no doubt. From the bottom of my heart, I thank you for all you are doing each and every day for our country. You make us all so very proud. Stay safe, take care of each other, and stay focused on your mission."

Joint Task Force Odyssey Dawn is the U.S. Africa Command task force established to provide operational and tactical command and control of U.S. military forces supporting the international response to the unrest in Libya and enforcement of United Nation Security Council Resolution (UNSCR) 1973. UNSCR 1973 authorizes all necessary measures to protect civilians in Libya under threat of attack by Qadahfi regime forces. JTF Odyssey Dawn is commanded by U.S. Navy Admiral Samuel L. Locklear, III.