Bonhomme Richard Tests Emergency Response Capabilities

By Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Karen Blankenship, Amphibious Squadron 11 Public Affairs

USS BONHOMME RICHARD, At Sea (NNS) -- Sailors aboard the amphibious assault ship USS Bonhomme Richard (LHD 6) and Marines from the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) conducted a mass casualty drill to test emergency response capabilities, Sept. 3.

The drill was an all-hands effort designed to see how well medical personnel from Bonhomme Richard and the 31st MEU work together to respond to an emergency situation.

"When you talk about mass casualties, the idea is to see what level you're at to avoid becoming overwhelmed with the number of casualties," said Chief Hospital Corpsman Jacoby Flemming, who is attached to the 31st MEU. "It tests your capabilities so you know what you can do and what you can't in that type of situation."

The drill was conducted as a part of Amphibious Integration Training (AIT), which provides the initial opportunity for the Bonhomme Richard Amphibious Ready Group (ARG) to conduct operational maneuvering from sea to shore before supporting multilateral exercises, contingency operations, or humanitarian assistance and disaster relief missions.

The purpose of mass casualty training is to ensure that casualties are assessed, triaged and evacuated from the scene quickly and efficiently.

During the scenario there were between 30-60 casualties with varying degrees of injuries. Medical personnel quickly assessed the injured and evacuated them according to their triage category.

Triage categories range from red, which indicates the patient needs immediate medical care, to black, for those who will not likely survive. Medical personnel must decide quickly which patients to treat and how soon that treatment needs to be done.

"I think this drill is very important because in our minds we might know what to do but when we come together as a team, we have to make sure we are a well-oiled machine," said Cmdr. Roseanna Chandler, a nurse anesthetist. "We need to make sure that everybody is confident with performing their tasks."

The Navy's goal to maintain mission readiness includes training to ensure that Sailors and Marines are able to respond quickly and adapt to new situations.

"This drill helps train people so everyone is aware of what's going on especially since there are always new people coming in and out with the MEU and on the ship," said Flemming. "It gives them a chance to work together and communicate because we have so many different pieces to coordinate to accomplish the mission."

In addition to AIT, the ARG is also scheduled to participate in Certification Exercise and Amphibious Landing Exercise while on deployment on the Western Pacific.

Bonhomme Richard, commanded by Capt. Daniel Dusek, is the lead ship of the only forward-deployed ARG and is currently operating in the 7th Fleet Area of Operations.

PHIBRON 11 Deploys for Purposeful Forward Presence

By Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Karen Blankenship, Commander, U.S. 7th Fleet public affairs

SASEBO, Japan (NNS) -- Amphibious Squadron (PHIBRON) 11, which is permanently embarked aboard USS Bonhomme Richard (LHD 6) and is forward deployed to Sasebo, Japan, commenced a fall deployment of the 7th Fleet area of responsibility Aug. 10.

During this deployment, PHIBRON 11's staff includes over 120 Sailors from different commands around the world including Virginia, Hawaii, California, and Yokuska, Japan.

"I really think I pulled the right straw when I got to come to this command," said Operations Specialist Seaman Parker Morris, chart petty officer for PHIBRON 11. "This is my first deployment and I'm excited about it. PHIBRON is a great command for my first duty station."

More than 2,000 Marines from the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) are scheduled to join PHIBRON 11 aboard Bonhomme Richard, USS Tortuga (LSD 46) and USS Denver (LPD 9).

"We (PHIBRON11) are important to the mission because we manage all the ships in the Amphibious Ready Group (ARG) as far as the mission and exercises," said Morris.

The ARG is scheduled to participate in several exercises that will provide training to help enhance security, stability and prosperity in the Asia-Pacific region. The exercises include the Amphibious Landing Exercise (PHIBLEX), Amphibious Integration Exercise (AIT) and Certification Exercise (CERTEX).

PHIBLEX is an annual joint exercise conducted by the Navy and Marine Corps with the Republic of the Philippines navy and marine corps. AIT is a training exercise designed to strengthen the MEU's amphibious assault capabilities. CERTEX tests the Marines amphibious assault skills that they learned during AIT.

"We deploy in order to conduct bilateral exercises, execute standing plans and respond to contingencies, whether those be theater security, humanitarian assistance or disaster relief, all while working with our allies, partners and friends," said Lt. Cmdr. Frank Hinojosa, operations officer for PHIBRON 11.

Exercises like PHIBLEX and CERTEX helped prepare Sailors and Marines of PHIBRON 11 respond to core competencies like humanitarian assistance, disaster relief and counter-terrorism.

Marine Unit to Practice Disaster Preparedness

By Jim Garamone

American Forces Press Service

WASHINGTON, Aug. 29, 2011 – Fleet Week-San Francisco is more than just a chance for liberty in a world-class city, it’s also an opportunity for Marines to practice their disaster-response capabilities, said Marine Corps Maj. Gen. Melvin G. Spiese, the commander of the 1st Marine Expeditionary Brigade.

Spiese’s Camp Pendleton, Calif.,-based unit will practice providing disaster response and humanitarian aid as part of Fleet Week activities Oct. 6 to 11.

In September, the brigade will board the ships of the Expeditionary Strike Group 3 to take part in Exercise Dawn Blitz. “It will be a largely amphibious and conventional war scenario, where we’ll be working landing plans and projecting power ashore,” Spiese said in a recent interview.

“We will transition from that into San Francisco Fleet Week,” he said. “The 1st MEB’s flag will sail north and we will be the headquarters running all the Marines who are participating in Fleet Week.”

The city has been using Fleet Week to exercise military support to civil authority in the event of a national disaster.

San Francisco is on a peninsula right along the San Andreas Fault. The entire area is earthquake country.

“I think a significant earthquake in San Francisco could be catastrophic,” Spiese said. “The road networks could become easily problematic as well as significant infrastructure problems. The ability to pull people out is going to be difficult.”

Getting help downtown will be a problem -- a problem the Marines could help with using their amphibious capabilities. “We’re unique in that we can bring capabilities in to the disaster to help bring relief, but without bringing a significant footprint adding to the problems,” Spiese said.

This year, the Marines are demonstrating a medical surge. “We’re going to be moving north our surgical companies and our shock-trauma platoons,” the general said. “Not only will they be part of the table-top exercise, but we will be putting them on display during Fleet Week at Mission Green near the piers in San Francisco.”

Fleet Week also will highlight the medical capabilities aboard the amphibious ships. The USS Bonhomme Richard will be on display.

In the past, San Francisco was laced with active duty bases, which closed as part of the base realignment and closure process. Today, local officials don’t really consider the help active duty forces could bring to a situation, Spiese said. Active duty forces have been used countless times in support of natural disasters inside the United States.

The exercise allows authorities “to understand what they can leverage and access out of the active duty force -- in particular, the Navy and Marine Corps team in Southern California,” he said. “In the event of a disaster, they know quickly what they can start looking for and planning on, as well as the process by which they gain access to those federal resources.”

The Marine Expeditionary Brigade, Spiese said, is primarily a warfighting organization. The Fleet Week humanitarian aid and disaster response exercise is focused mainly on combat service support and logistics.

“It’s going to force us to think through the problem differently,” the general said. “It will force us to exercise a different part of the military brain.”

Surface Line Week 2011 Concludes

From Naval Surface Force, U.S. Pacific Fleet, Public Affairs

SAN DIEGO (NNS) -- Surface Line Week 2011 (SLW) concluded with an awards ceremony and picnic on board Naval Base San Diego, Aug. 19.

SLW is a 10-day contest sponsored by, Naval Surface Force, U.S. Pacific Fleet (SURFPAC) that features a series of activities dedicated to friendly competition in a variety of seamanship and sporting events.

"We had nearly 2,500 participants in 33 different events and the Sailors did a great job," said Commander, Naval Surface Force, U.S. Pacific Fleet, Vice Adm. Richard Hunt. "We have been celebrating SLW for 30 years. SLW gives us the opportunity to come together as a community, enjoy camaraderie, and participate in friendly competition."

Commands were categorized according to size, and trophies were awarded for first, second, and third place in each category. In the large command category, USS Peleliu (LHA 5) took home the top prize and USS Bonhomme Richard (LHD 6) took second place. In the medium command category, USS Lake Champlain (CG 57) came in first place, USS Stockdale (DDG 106) second, and USS Benfold (DDG 65) third. For the small command category, USS Warrior (MCM 10) placed first, Littoral Combat Ship Squadron was second, and Explosive Ordnance Disposal Expeditionary Support Unit placed third. Individual winners in their respective categories were also announced and awarded.

"Peleliu's Sailors have been very enthusiastic about participating in all the events for Surface Line Week," said Peleliu Commanding Officer Capt. James Cox. "I'm very proud of them and they've done a great job. They dove into the competition full of enthusiasm, did very well, and we were able to take home the first place trophy. This is just a continuation of what the Sailors have done and will continue to do."

This year, participants competed in events, including perennial favorites such as basketball, softball and golf, along with damage control, ship handling and marksmanship.

"SLW overall was a great success this year. There was a lot of participation and the Sailors brought their best game to each event," said Lt. Jasmine Gough, coordinator for SLW. "The Sailors were competitive, but they never lost sight of being a good shipmate, and they supported one another even if they were not on the same team."

"This is the first time I've participated in Surface Line Week," said Yeoman Seaman Nick Jones. "It was cool to see everyone competing against each other. Next year I'm going to sign up for more events."

Richard Certified 'Operational' Following Maintenance Period

By Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class (SW) Kurt Riggs, USS Bonhomme Richard Public Affairs

Read about the adventures of the Bonhomme Richard during the War of Independence

PACIFIC OCEAN (NNS) -- USS Bonhomme Richard (LHD 6) passed its latest round of operational tests July 29, becoming certified in both amphibious operations and aircraft operations, accomplishing both within two weeks of leaving an extended maintenance period in its homeport of San Diego.

Bonhomme Richard Commanding Officer Capt. Jonathan Harnden credits the crew's hard work and dedication in accomplishing this nearly unprecedented achievement.

"It's never been done this well - and this quickly, that I know of," Harnden said. "Really, the crew deserves all the credit. They're the ones who've just been teeing off on these assessments and drills. It's been a lot of hard work, but the pride, professionalism and preparation is all paying off now. The crew is on fire, and I love being a part of it."

Aviation Boatswain's Mate (Handling) 1st Class (AW/SW) Cherry Pizzarelle, air department leading petty officer, said she is very happy with the accomplishments of her team.

"We're pretty happy to get the assessments out of the way, so now business can return to normal," she said of the crew achieving their certification on the first try. "It sure is nice to know we've got that kind of skill level on board."

Bonhomme Richard is currently underway en route to the Seattle Seafair, an annual maritime-themed festival aimed at displaying naval pride and the resources of the city through several community relations events including ship tours open to the public.

With their operational assessments complete, following a $140 million maintenance and dry dock period, Bonhomme Richard is scheduled to return to its homeport of San Diego following Seattle Seafair.

USS Bonhomme Richard Sailors Participant in San Diego Padres' Opening Game Ceremony

By Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Tiffany Sivels

SAN DIEGO (NNS) -- Sailors from the amphibious assault ship USS Bonhomme Richard (LHD 6) participated in the San Diego Padres' Opening Game Ceremony at PETCO Park, April 5.

The Padres requested the Sailors of Bonhomme Richard to unfurl the Holiday Bowl American flag and to parade the colors before a sold-out crowd.

Among the Sailors of Bonhomme Richard who volunteered was Aviation Boatswain's Mate (Fuel) Airman Edrina White.

"It was a thrill and an honor to participate in an event of that magnitude," said White. "The ceremony was like nothing I've ever seen or done before."

The Holiday Bowl American flag is 100 by 50 yards and weighs approximately 800 pounds and takes more than 250 Sailors to unfurl.

The Sailors of Bonhomme Richard practiced the unfurling of the flag just hours before the ceremony.

"Unfurling a flag of that size was awesome," said White. "I was underneath during the ceremony and I was amazed at how well each Sailor was able to perform."

After the ceremony many of the Sailors stayed to cheer on the Padres in their 3-1 victory over the San Francisco Giants.

"I could not be prouder of these Sailors and how they represented Bonhomme Richard and the Navy during today's ceremony," said Capt. Jonathan L. Harnden, commanding officer USS Bonhomme Richard. "The Sailors were very professional and they did an excellent job, just like they do every day. I am honored to serve with them."

Grammy Award-winning, multi-platinum celebrity recording artist, and San Diego native Jason Mraz sang the national anthem accompanied by an F-18/E jet flyover by VFA-137 Kestrels Super Hornet Squadron from Lemoore, Calif.

USS Bonhomme Richard Earns Battle "E"

By Mass Communications Specialist 1st Class (SW) Kurt Riggs

SAN DIEGO (NNS) -- USS Bonhomme Richard (LHD 6) earned the Battle "E" award for its performance demonstrating the highest state of battle readiness in 2010.

The award recognizes sustained superior performance in an operational environment as a command and several significant achievements for excellence such as maritime warfare, engineering/survivability, command and control and logistics management. The command must then be nominated by their immediate superior in command.

"It's a significant achievement," said Capt. Charles Litchfield, Bonhomme Richard's executive officer. "The crew put in a lot of hard work in order to earn this honor and they should be recognized. This award validates what Bonhomme Richard sailors have known for a long time that this ship and her crew are top-notch in every regard."

Sixteen different areas are considered in the competition such as a ship's performance during training exercises, weapons inspections and tactical readiness. The evaluation in a year-long process and demands demonstrated excellence and superior achievement during certifications and qualifications throughout the year.

Commands earning the achievement may display a white "E" with a black shadow in a prominent position, as well as uniform ribbons noting the achievement.

Bonhomme Richard, Best of Class for Pacific Fleet 2010

By Mass Communications Specialist 3rd Class Katherine K. Barkley, USS Bonhomme Richard (LHD 6) Public Affairs

SAN DIEGO (NNS) -- USS Bonhomme Richard (LHD 6) Supply Division received the Best of Class award for Pacific Fleet Wasp Class Ships for fiscal year (FY) 2010, announced by Naval Supply Systems Command (NAVSUP) and Navy Exchange Service Command (NEXCOM), Feb.15.

Bonhomme Richard's supply department earned eligibility for the award by receiving a Ships Store Retail and Service Excellence Award for FY 2010. This is the second consecutive year the ship has won the prestigious honor, "best of class" for the Pacific fleet.

"It takes a lot of effort and hard work to win this award, putting in long hours and working late to make sure we get everything accomplished," said Ship's Serviceman 1st Class William Norman.

The Best of Class award represents a superiority of service and excellence provided by the ship's vending, retail and service departments. Each of the awardees is rigorously examined by a board of type commanders and NEXCOM experts from ships that have already earned the recognition of winning a Ships Store Retail and Service Excellence Award.

"I think our team did an outstanding job," said Norman, "I think they stepped their game up this last year and truly performed to the best of their abilities. I am very proud of them."