Military

Essex ARG Departs Sasebo for Western Pacific Patrol

Thursday, September 22, 2011

Tokyo- (PanOrient News) Ships of the forward-deployed Essex Amphibious Ready Group (ARG) departed Sasebo, Japan Sept. 21 to begin a patrol of the Western Pacific region, U.S. Navy said.

The Essex ARG consists of the forward-deployed amphibious assault ship USS Essex, the amphibious dock landing ship USS Germantown and the amphibious transport dock ship USS Denver.

During the patrol, Essex ARG will embark and work with elements of the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit to complete an amphibious integration training and certification exercise off the coast of Okinawa.

"This certification exercise allows Sailors from the amphibious ready group to train with their Marine counterparts, solidifying the importance of our blue-green team," said Capt. Bradley Lee, commodore, Amphibious Squadron 11.

The Navy said these types of exercises help maintain the ARG's readiness to effectively respond to unforeseen events in the region and keeps the skills of the Sailors and Marines sharp should their service be called upon.

Ships of the Essex ARG returned in April from assisting citizens of Japan after the nation was struck by an 8.9 earthquake and a tsunami. During the disaster relief operation, Operation Tomodachi, Sailors and Marines moved 80 tons of relief supplies ashore in one day and assisted in clearing debris from Oshima Island.

More recently, the Essex ARG returned in August from participation in Exercise Talisman Sabre, a bilateral exercise with Australian and U.S. forces. Talisman Sabre is a biennial, joint-sponsored exercise by the U.S. Pacific Command and Australian Defence Force Joint Operations Command.

The Essex ARG reports to Commander, Amphibious Force 7th Fleet, Rear Adm. J. Scott Jones, who is headquartered in Okinawa, Japan.

Photo: The Amphibious assault ship USS Essex.

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