Amphibious assault ship USS Bonhomme Richard (LHD 6) departs Naval Base San Diego, for a six-month deployment. Bonhomme Richard is part of Expeditionary Strike Group Five (ESG-5). U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Shannon K. The Bonhomme Richard Expeditionary Strike Group (BHRESG) entered the U.S. 7th Fleet area of responsibility (AOR) April 23, while enroute to the Persian Gulf in support of the global war on terrorism. BHRESG is a rapid response strike group available for humanitarian or non-combatant evacuation operations. While operating in the 7th Fleet AOR, the BHRESG will conduct drills and exercises to prepare for operations in the Persian Gulf.