The U.S. Navy’s forward-deployed amphibious assault ship USS Bonhomme Richard (LHD 6), departed Fleet Activities Sasebo, Japan on January 18 for its patrol of the 7th Fleet Area of Responsibility.
Bonhomme Richard is the flagship of the Bonhomme Richard Amphibious Ready Group (ARG).
The Wasp-class amphibious assault ship is conducting routine maintenance and making preparations to embark the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) for amphibious integration training (AIT) and a certification exercise (CERTEX).
Captain Jeffrey Ward, Bonhomme Richard’s commanding officer, said: “This patrol will provide an opportunity for our Navy and Marine Corps team to showcase their abilities in areas ranging from amphibious operations to multinational interoperability. It is gratifying to be out to sea again and we are ready to integrate with the 31st MEU.”
The crew of Bonhomme Richard will work alongside the 31st MEU to complete their certifications and roll into upcoming exercises.
Bonhomme Richard is one of three ships from the Bonhomme Richard Amphibious Ready Group and will meet up with amphibious dock landing ship USS Ashland (LSD 48) and USS Germantown (LSD 42) at a later date.
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