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ESG-5 Visits USS Bataan

Navy News Service

Story Number: NNS111108-02
11/8/2011

From USS Bataan Public Affairs

USS BATAAN, At Sea (NNS) -- USS Bataan (LHD 5) welcomed the commander of Expeditionary Strike Group (ESG) 5 for an in-depth tour of the multipurpose amphibious assualt ship Oct. 28.

Rear Adm. Peter Fanta interacted with Sailors and Marines and received a firsthand account of how personnel and equipment are holding up since deploying March 23 from Norfolk, Va.

Fanta toured the well deck, hangar bay, flight deck, and various operations and control spaces. He also presented command coins and awards to several Sailors and Marines.

"I was completely caught off guard by the award presentation," said Machinist's Mate 1st Class Robert Buschbell, one of the Sailors who received an award. "I was under the impression that I was going to explain to the admiral the repairs we did for the deballast compressors, but instead I received a Navy Achievement Medal. So it really made my day."

"It's one of the favorite parts of my job, being able to recognize the hard work our Sailors and Marines do every day," said Fanta. "The Bataan team has provided critical support towards the security and stability in this region for more than seven months. I could not be more impressed by their performance and dedication since arriving in theater."

Hard work and dedication are the rule for Bataan's crew. Last year, after returning from a deployment and undergoing a yard period, the ship was surged to assist humanitarian efforts in Haiti, then conducted work-ups and deployed again almost four months early. Once the ship returns home from this deployment, Bataan will have completed one of the longest deployments on record for modern warships.

"The crew makes me proud every single day," said Capt. Erik Ross, commanding officer USS Bataan. "Whatever I ask of them, whatever task comes up, they always rise to the occasion with a can-do spirit. They are mission-focused and ready to go when called on."

Bataan is the command ship of the Bataan Amphibious Ready Group, supporting maritime security operations and theater security cooperation efforts in the U.S. 5th Fleet area of responsibility.