Forward deployed amphibious assault ship USS Bonhomme Richard (LHD 6), flagship of the Bonhomme Richard Amphibious Ready Group (ARG), departed Sasebo, Japan June 13 for a regularly scheduled deployment in the U.S. 7th Fleet Area of Responsibility (AOR).
While deployed, the Bonhomme Richard ARG is scheduled to take part in a comprehensive, complex training evolution that combines the Navy and Marine Corps maritime and sea-to-shore capabilities and work with partners and allies in the Indo-Asia-Pacific region to improve combat readiness and interoperability.
“Exercises like the ones the Bonhomme Richard ARG will participate in are vital to ensuring a timely, effective response to any possible mission or emergency in the U.S. 7th Fleet Area of Responsibility,” said Capt. Cathal O’Connor, commander, Amphibious Squadron #PHIBRON# 11. “I completely expect the ARG to display our ability to be ready in times of crisis and to fully accomplish our war fighting mission.”
The Bonhomme Richard ARG is comprised of nearly 4,000 Sailors and Marines from more than six commands including Marines from the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) forward deployed to Okinawa, Japan, PHIBRON 11, Tactical Air Squadron (TACRON) 12, Navy Information Operations Command (NIOC), Navy Public Affairs Support Element (NPASE) and Naval Beach Unit (NBU) 7.
ARG ships include Bonhomme Richard, USS Germantown (LSD 42) and USS Denver (LPD 9), all forward deployed to Sasebo, Japan.
The Bonhomme Richard ARG will provide combatant commanders a versatile sea-based force that can be tailored to a variety of missions in order to provide peace, prosperity and security throughout the U.S. 7th Fleet AOR.
[mappress] Press Release, June 19, 2013