US Navy sailors and marines aboard the USS Bonhomme Richard (LHD 6) arrived in Melbourne, Australia, for a port visit on August 28.
The visit of the amphibious assault ship is also the first visit of a US Navy vessel to Melbourne since 2008.
During their time in Australia, US Navy sailors will experience Australian culture and take part in organized community relations events.
The 31st MEU partners with the Navy’s Amphibious Squadron 11 to form the amphibious component of the BHR ESG, which spent the past month in the Shoalwater Bay area taking part in the multi-national Exercise Talisman Saber 17, and the 31st MEU’s and BHR ESG’s Amphibious Integration Training and Certification Exercise.
After departing Melbourne, the 31st MEU will continue its regularly scheduled patrol, providing security and maintaining stability within the Indo-Asia-Pacific region.