Amphibious transport dock ship USS Denver (LPD 9), along with the embarked 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) arrived in Brisbane, Australia July 29 for a scheduled port visit, prior to participation in joint and combined exercises in the region.
Sailors and Marines assigned to Denver and the 31st MEU will participate in various sporting events, as well as enjoy the sites, hospitality, and rich history and culture of Brisbane, where the U.S. 7th Fleet was founded 70 years ago.
“I lived in Australia for a year and I really enjoyed it,” said Lt. Cmdr. James R. Bird, executive officer of Denver. “The United States and Australia have been treaty allies since World War II, and [our operational] interactions help reinforce that relationship and help us to work well together.”
Denver is on patrol with the Bonhomme Richard Amphibious Ready Group (ARG) and, with the embarked 31st MEU, is currently conducting routine joint-force operations in the U.S. 7th Fleet Area of Responsibility.
The Bonhomme Richard ARG is commanded by Capt. Cathal O’Connor, commodore, Amphibious Squadron 11 and reports to the Commander, Amphibious Force 7th Fleet, Rear Adm. Jeffrey A. Harley, headquartered in White Beach, Okinawa, Japan.
[mappress] Press Release, July 30, 2013