White Beach Naval Facility News

Mine countermeasure ship USS Patriot (MCM 7) departs White Beach Naval Facility to join up with USS Chief (MCM 14) as they prepare to conduct squadron level mine countermeasure training which includes mine hunting and mine sweeping. Patriot and Chief are assigned to Commander, Mine Countermeasures Squadron (MCMRON) 7 forward deployed to Sasebo, Japan in U.S. 7th Fleet area of operations supporting security and stability in the Indo-Asia-Pacific region.   (U.S. Navy photo by Lt. David Levy/Released)

Months of planning to create the Navy's most sophisticated at-sea communications platform went on-line Oct. 10 aboard amphibious flagship USS Blue Ridge (LCC 19) to provide Commander, 7th Fleet and his staff with increased command and control capabilities. According to Lt. Cmdr. Mark Baehr, the flagship's communications information systems officer, the estimated $3.5m project was necessary to upgrade the aging hardware and dated software to keep up with the ever changing world of technology.

The crew of USS Denver (LPD 9) celebrated the ship's 40th birthday Oct. 26 during the annual Amphibious Landing Exercise (PHIBLEX) off the coast of the Philippines. The entire crew gathered on the mess decks to celebrate the 40 years since Denver's commissioning as a U.S. Navy warship in 1968. Current USS Denver commanding officer, Capt. Kent D. Whalen offered some historical prospective. "There's a lot of history associated with the two previous hulls that carried the name Denver and with the current one we are on," said Whalen. "It is a great honor to be the commanding officer.

By Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class (SW) Joshua J. Visit, board, search and seizure (VBSS) team members from dock landing ship USS Harpers Ferry (LSD 49) renewed their boarding proficiency aboard Military Sealift Command fleet replenishment oilier USNS Pecos (T-AO 197), Feb. A newly combined VBSS team with 14 members began mock interaction patrols, utilizing rigid hull inflatable boats to pull alongside and climb Jacob's ladders up the port side of Pecos. Once aboard, the VBSS team began conducting security sweeps throughout the ship. "This is absolutely the best way to get hands-on training so when we are called upon for an actual boarding we will be ready to carry out the ships mission securing the seas," said Lt. j.g. Joshua C.

Amphibious assault ship USS Essex (LHD 2) is assisted by tugs as she gets underway. Essex is the only permanently forward-deployed amphibious assault ship and serves Task Force 76. Task Force 76 is headquartered at White Beach Naval Facility, Okinawa, Japan, with an operating detachment in Sasebo, Japan. U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Andrew Brantley (RELEASED)

By Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class (SW) Corey Truax, Commander, Amphibious Force, U.S. The multi-purpose amphibious assault ship USS Essex (LHD 2) successfully completed a three-day evaluation, Unit Level Training Assessment-Sustainment (ULTRA-S) July 22, while returning from the U.S and Australian-led Exercise Talisman Saber 2007. A team of inspectors from the Afloat Training Group Western Pacific (ATGWP) arrived, via helicopter from Guam, to evaluate 16 mission areas including engineering, damage control, seamanship, combat systems, amphibious warfare, medical, aviation and force protection/anti-terrorism. ATGWP also reviewed Essex's Maintenance Material Management (3M) program to ensure that material readiness standards and maintenance practices continued to meet standards.

Australian and U.S. Navy escort ships demonstrated combined fire support in defense of an expeditionary strike group and ground forces ashore during Talisman Saber 2007 (TS07), which was conducted from June 18 through July 3. Two U.S. Navy destroyers, a cruiser, and three Royal Australian Navy frigates completed anti-submarine, surface and air defense exercises followed by simulated fire-support when U.S. Marines and Australian soldiers launched from the ships to the training area to engage a simulated enemy. Talisman Saber 2007 is a joint and combined biennial exercise between Australia and the United States designed to prepare both nations in crisis action planning and the execution of contingency operations, thus improving interoperability and combat readiness.

By Mass Communications Specialist 1st Class Michael D. Kennedy, Fleet Public Affairs Center Det. In preparation for Talisman Saber 2007 (TS07), Sailors and embarked Marines aboard USS Juneau (LPD 10) are learning environmental protection measures to safely preserve Australia’s Great Barrier Reef. The main operating area for the exercise -- which will bring together nearly 32,000 U.S.-Australian forces for training -- is in Shoalwater Bay Training Area. The 1,000 square mile area near the Barrier Reef has a high environmental value. The area is administered by the Australian Army to ensure sound environmental practices are observed.

The U.S. Navy's Expeditionary Strike Group 7 ships left Brisbane, Australia, on June 10, while amphibious ships of Royal Australian Navy began the embarkation of Australian soldiers in northern neighbor Townsville, launching the force integration training (FIT) phase of Talisman Saber 2007 (TS07). TS07 is a joint and combined exercise demonstrating and improving on the U.S.-Australian military alliance that will feature crisis action planning and the execution of contingency response operations in land, sea and air maneuvers. More than 20,000 U.S. and 12,000 Australian personnel will participate in the military training exercise set to enhance interoperability and regional stability.

Thirty Japanese contractors serving under Ship Repair Facility (SRF) Detachment Sasebo were recognized May 25 for providing speedy maintenance and repairs to USS Juneau (LPD 10) and USS Tortuga (LSD 46) to get them underway in order to meet operational commitments. The repair facility workers fixed Tortuga’s 20-ton boom and Juneau’s refrigeration system in a compressed time frame. Deputy Commander, Amphibious Force, 7th Fleet, Capt. Brian T. Smith, presented each with a command coin and thanked them for their efforts. “Once again, Ship Repair Facility Detachment Sasebo met the challenges of keeping our ships operationally ready,” said Smith. “You quickly restored these vital systems, which allowed these two ships to sail on time.

By Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class (SW) Adam R. From middle-of-the night physical training to airfield security tactics to underwater detonations or planning for a humanitarian assistance/disaster relief mission; training milestones were achieved in a multitude of missions areas for the United States, Royal Thai and Republic of Singapore combined Naval forces (CNAVFOR) during Cobra Gold 2007, which officially concluded May 18. Most of the field training exercises in diving, mobile security and mine countermeasures concluded one day prior to the final ceremony with a culminating training session. "When I look at this year's exercise, I see incredible engagement taking place, both within the particular training scenarios and outside of it," said Commander, Task Force 76, Rear Adm.

Amphibious assault ship USS Bonhomme Richard (LHD 6) leads a formation of ships during a photo exercise near Guam. Bonhomme Richard Expeditionary Strike Group consists of Amphibious Squadron 7, USS Bonhomme Richard, amphibious transport dock USS Denver (LPD 9), dock landing ship USS Rushmore (LSD 47), guided missile destroyer USS Milius (DDG 69), guided missile destroyer USS Chung-Hoon (DDG 93), guided missile cruiser USS Chosin (CG 65), and 2,200 combat ready Marines of the 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit. U.S. USS Bonhomme Richard (LHD 6) (BHR), USS Denver (LPD 9), and USS Rushmore (LSD 47) departed Singapore on May 12 after a three-day port visit.

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.

Essex Amphibious Ready Group (ESXARG) ships USS Essex (LHD 2) and USS Juneau (LPD 10) arrived in Busan and USS Tortuga (LSD 46) pulled into Chinhae on April 4 for scheduled port visits following the conclusion of Foal Eagle (FE) 2007. Sailors of the ESXARG and embarked Marines and Sailors of the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) will have the opportunity to tour the Republic of Korea (ROK) and to participate in a community service project along with a variety of joint activities with the Essex's sister ship, the ROK Navy’s Yang Man Chun. “The Sailors and Marines of the ARG-MEU team have worked extremely hard in completing the mission of FE,” said Capt. Anthony J. Pachuta, Amphibious Squadron (PHIBRON) 11 commodore and ESXARG task group commander.

- Mine countermeasures ship USS Patriot (MCM 7) pulls into port at Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni, becoming the first U.S. Navy ship to utilize the air base’s recently built port and harbor facility. While in Iwakuni, crew members of the Sasebo, Japan-based ship will have an opportunity to interact with the local population and Iwakuni-based Japanese Self Defense Force personnel. U.S. Navy Photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Adam R. Sasebo, Japan-based minesweepers USS Guardian (MCM 5) and USS Patriot (MCM 7) successfully completed mine sweeping operations with the Republic of Korea Navy (ROKN) as part of Foal Eagle 2007 on March 30.

U.S. Sailors and Marines expressed heartfelt good-byes to their Republic of Korea (ROK) counterparts who disembarked ships of the Sasebo, Japan-based Essex Amphibious Ready Group (ESXARG) on April 1. The ARG-wide off-load came at the conclusion of Foal Eagle '07, the annual joint/combined exercise meant to improve interoperability and combat readiness between U.S. and ROK forces and build on the long-standing alliance between the United States and the Republic of Korea. The exercise culminated in a combined amphibious landing March 29, which was a testament to the two forces' interoperability in the Foal Eagle Amphibious Task Force (FE-ATF). The landing displayed the flexibility of the 7th Fleet's amphibious ships USS Essex (LHD 2), USS Tortuga (LSD 46) and USS Juneau (LPD 10).

Mine warfare ship USS Patriot (MCM 7) is anchored in the waters just off of Hong Kong island as the crew makes a scheduled port visit. Patriot Sailors and embarked Explosive Ordnance Disposal Mobile Unit Five (EODMU-5), are visiting Hong Kong after several relationship enhancing visits and interoperability-focused exercises throughout Southeast Asia. U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Adam R. By Chief Electricians Mate (SW) Noel B. CHINHAE, Republic of Korea (NNS) -- The crew of USS Patriot (MCM 7) arrived in Chinhae, Republic of Korea, March 21 in preparation for the upcoming bilateral exercises Reception, Staging, Onward Movement and Integration (RSOI) and Foal Eagle (FE) 07.

USS Safeguard (ARS 50) conducted a towing exercise March 15 in the Sea of Japan, working with the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF) Ship JS Amakusa (AMS 4303). The two ships conducted the operations to increase proficiency in towing, and build stronger ties with one another through joint training. “The Safeguard and Amakusa share towing as one of their primary missions, so the opportunity to go out and train [together] strengthens us both,” said Safeguard Commanding Officer, Lt. Cmdr. Doyle K. Hodges. While towing, the lead ship would conduct maneuvering exercises giving each ship the opportunity to learn about the challenges involved in towing and being towed. Universal communication methods were used to complete the evolutions.

USS Harpers Ferry (LSD 49) completed Transport Exercise (TRANSPORTEX) 2007 with the Japanese Ship (JS) Ohsumi (LST 4001) off the coast of Japan on March 7. TRANSPORTEX was a training exercise designed to enhance the maritime transport proficiency and interoperability of the U.S. Navy and the Japan Maritime Self Defense Force (JMSDF) in support of humanitarian relief missions. “In the past 15 years, amphibious forces have been the first responders in numerous humanitarian crises, disaster relief missions, noncombatant evacuation operations, troop withdrawals, and defense of strategic assets such as oil platforms and seaports,” said Harpers Ferry’s Commanding Officer Cmdr. David L. Bossert. “TRANSPORTEX allowed U.S.

Essex Amphibious Ready Group and embarked elements of the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit arrived in the Republic of Korea (ROK) on March 5 to conduct Reception Staging Onward-Movement and Integration and Foal Eagle 2007 (RSOI/FE 07), an exercise which will run through the end of March. RSOI/FE is one of two annual command post exercises held by U.S. Forces Korea and conducted with the ROK armed forces. RSOI/FE 07 is designed to demonstrate U.S. resolve to support the ROK while improving overall readiness. RSOI focuses on initial operational flow of deployed forces to Korean Theater of Operations: receiving military units in Korea (reception)…

USS Juneau (LPD 10), the amphibious transport dock ship of the USS Essex (LHD 2) Expeditionary Strike Group, completed the initial workup process with the Marines of the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) Oct. During the workups, which began when Juneau departed White Beach Naval Facility Sept. 29 after onloading Marines and their equipment, the ship and its crew have recovered landing craft, air cushions (LCACs), embarked a landing craft utility (LCU), certified Marine pilots for deck landings (DLQs), and launched and recovered combat rubber raiding crafts (CRRCs). The successful workups come after the ship recently exited a three-month ship’s restricted availability (SRA) period, in which Juneau underwent an overhaul with much of its systems and overall material condition.

USS Tortuga (LSD 46) arrived on March 31 after completing an 11,000-mile voyage across two oceans and transiting the Panama Canal for a scheduled hull swap with USS Fort McHenry (LSD 43). Tortuga is the sixth Whidbey Island-class ship and will join Commander, Task Force (CTF) 76, serving as an integral part of the Navy’s Forward Deployed Expeditionary Strike Group (FD-ESG) and Forward Deployed Amphibious Ready Group (ARG). “We are very excited to be here in Sasebo. For many of us, this is our first time in Japan,” said Cmdr. Mark H. Scovill, Tortuga’s commanding officer. Hull swap, or ship rotation, is part of the Navy’s long-range plan to routinely replace older ships assigned to the Navy’s Forward Deployed Naval Force (FDNF) with newer or more capable ships.