USS Germantown Wraps Up CARAT 2015

From Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Will Gaskill, USS Germantown Public Affairs

SATTAHIP NAVAL BASE, Thailand (NNS) -- The amphibious dock landing ship USS Germantown (LSD 42) completed their third phase of Cooperation Afloat Readiness and Training (CARAT) exercise in Sattahip, Thailand on Sept. 2.

From July to September, Germantown traveled to Indonesia, Malaysia and Thailand to participate in CARAT exercises with embarked elements of 2nd Battalion, 3rd Marines (2/3 Marines), Coastal Riverine Squadron (CORIVRON) 3 and 4, Pacific Missile Range Facility (PMRF) Far East Detachment, Naval Beach Unit (NBU) 7, Explosive Ordnance Disposal Mobile Unit (EOD MU) 5 and elements of Destroyer Squadron (DESRON) 7.

"CARAT exercises allow our forces to continue enhancing our interoperability while addressing shared maritime security priorities," said Capt. H.B. Le, commodore, Destroyer Squadron 7. "The exercise demonstrates our commitment to our regional partnerships and stability and security in the Asia-Pacific."

Making their first appearance in the U.S. 7th Fleet area of responsibility (AOR) CORIVRON 3, from San Diego and CORIVRON 4, from Virginia Beach, participated in multiple patrol exercises during CARAT. Their participation in CARAT was unique, as their missions typically take them to the U.S. 5th Fleet AOR in support of special operations, high value asset escort and insertion/extraction in combat zones.

"This was all new to us and it was a logistical challenge because we had to carefully plan transport and joint training exercises with our partner nations," said Lt. Nathaniel McLaughlin, officer in charge of CORIVRON 4. "We have many capabilities, and we had to coordinate how to best exchange our subject matter experts' knowledge and provide training, as well as learn from our partner nations."

For a ship built around its amphibious well deck capabilities, this experience was a first for Germantown as well.

"Working with the riverine control boats (RCBs) was a new experience for everyone," said Cmdr. Gary Harrington, commanding officer of USS Germantown. "This was the first time they have been utilized on Germantown, as well as in the 7th Fleet AOR."

The Marines participated in numerous beach landing exercises and humanitarian assistance and disaster relief (HA/DR) training with each of the participant countries.

"The joint training we did with our partner forces really paid off, and this mission was a resounding success," said Lt. Col. Brian Coyne, commanding officer of the 2/3 Marines. "Our mission is to train to be able to fight tonight, and we can't do that without our partnership with the Navy."

Germantown's full amphibious capabilities were well utilized, having launched landing craft air cushion (LCAC) craft, amphibious assault vehicles (AAV), combat rubber raiding craft (CRRC) and RCBs throughout each CARAT. The ship also completed flight qualifications during the exercise, landing SH-60R Sea Hawk helicopters during touch-and-go operations.

As part of a different type of aerial demonstration, BQM-74E target drones were launched from Germantown's flight deck. These slender orange missiles were used during CARATs Indonesia and Thailand for those countries to test out their self-defense targeting systems. Leaving the deck at speeds approaching 300 knots, the drones flew a course simulating an inbound hostile missile, allowing other ships to target and fire upon them.

"I could not be more pleased with the performance during CARAT, not just on the U.S. side, but also with the armed forces of Indonesia, Malaysia and Thailand," said Harrington. "The credit goes to every Sailor involved in these events. Each individual plays a key role in safety and mission success."

In its 21st year, CARAT is an annual, bilateral exercise with the U.S. Navy, U.S. Marine Corps and the armed forces of nine partner nations including Bangladesh, Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand and Timor-Leste.

USS Germantown Builds Relationship with Thai School

By Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Raul Moreno Jr., Commander Amphibious Squadron 11 Public Affairs

LAEM CHABANG, Kingdom of Thailand (NNS) -- Sailors assigned to the forward-deployed amphibious dock landing ship USS Germantown (LSD 42) participated in a community service (COMSERV) project at a local school, Feb. 23, during a scheduled port visit to Laem Chabang.

Twenty Sailors visited Ban Ronghip School to interact with local children and deliver school supplies and sporting goods such as soccer balls, volleyballs, and badminton equipment.

Germantown Chaplain Lt. j.g. Robert Hecox said the project was a great way for Sailors to lend a helping hand, meet locals, and experience the culture.

"In a big way, our COMSERV helped communicate to the Thai people of this area our commitment to their recovery after the flooding that happened last year," said Hecox. "7th Fleet had committed that we would be back to give help and give resources, and this is just one element of keeping that promise."

The Sailors who participated in the event read books, played soccer, volleyball, and played singing games like "Ring Around the Rosie," and "London Bridge is Falling Down."

The Thai children and the Sailors equally shared in the enjoyment of the visit. Quartermaster Seaman Aldannuvia Domiguez left no doubt as to whether she would participate in another community service project.

"My personal experience at the COMSERV was just breathtaking," said Dominguez. "I absolutely loved it."

Dominguez worked at a children's hospital before joining the Navy, and the COMSERV reminded her of being home.

"To be able to bring joy to somebody just makes me feel really good, and when you do it purely and from the heart, they see it ten times more," said Dominguez.

Germantown, with embarked elements of the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, is currently underway after participating in exercise Cobra Gold 2012, an annual Thai-U.S. co-sponsored joint and multinational exercise designed to advance security throughout the Asia-Pacific region and enhance interoperability with participating nations.

Germantown, commanded by Cmdr. Carol McKenzie, was commissioned Feb. 8, 1986 and is capable of carrying more than 721 Sailors and Marines.

Japanese Artist Thanks USS Essex for its Role in Operation Tomodachi

By Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Terry Matlock, USS Essex Public Affairs

SASEBO, Japan (NNS) -- A Japanese painter expressed his appreciation of forward deployed amphibious assault ship USS Essex (LHD 2) and its role in Operation Tomodachi by presenting a painting to the command, Dec. 13.

Takashi Shima said he was inspired after taking a photo of Essex while he was on a tour of the JDS Kongo (DDG 173) and decided that he wanted to paint the ship as a way to express his gratitude. The water color painting shows Essex at sea during flight operations with several CH-53E Sea Stallions flying overhead.

"I think the Japanese people should thank the American military forces for all the help we received after the earthquake and disaster," said Shima. "Not all Japanese people are in a position to say thanks enough so I did the painting as my part."

During Operation Tomodachi, Essex joined USS Germantown (LSD 42) and USS Harpers Ferry (LSD 49) for three weeks in assisting Japan with humanitarian relief after a 9.0 earthquake and subsequent tsunami struck the northeastern part of the country March 11. The 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit embarked on board Essex distributed supplies by air and sea. There were 218 aircraft and landing craft in support of reconnaissance and relief distribution missions. Additionally, more than 166,000 pounds of supplies were delivered to the shore of Japan by the Essex Amphibious Ready Group.

Capt. David Fluker, USS Essex commanding officer, received the painting on behalf of the crew.

"It was a privilege to have Mr. Shima aboard Essex and a true honor to receive this wonderful painting on behalf of Essex crew," said Fluker. "Mr. Shima's gift of his beautiful artwork is another example of the mutual respect and natural bond between two great maritime nations. It is symbolic of our friendship with our Japanese partners and indicative of the maritime traditions that we share."

After being received by the commanding officer in his cabin, Mr. Shima toured the Essex and had a firsthand look at the ship that inspired him to create his piece of art. He stated he was impressed with the multiple capabilities of the Essex and he was pleased, after a closer look, that he represented Essex correctly in his painting.

White Beach Festival Brings Communities Together

Weekends in Okinawa are great~!  Read about the good times you never had in the best United States Navy books!

By Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Casey H. Kyhl, Amphibious Squadron 11 Public Affairs

WHITE BEACH NAVAL FACILITY, Okinawa (NNS) -- White Beach Naval Facility hosted a two-day festival for more than 10,000 people to promote friendship and foster mutual appreciation and understanding between the Okinawa community and U.S. service members, Nov. 12-13.

Visitors interacted with Sailors, enjoyed cultural performances and explored the facility.

"This festival is a way to open the base up to the people of Okinawa," said Capt. Rich Weathers, commander, Fleet Activities Okinawa. "It lets them see what we do here and that we are just as big of a part of the community as anything else they see outside the gates."

Festivities began at 11 a.m. and lasted until 10 p.m. both days.

"We were expecting rain throughout the weekend but everything really turned out well for the festival," said Jeff Short, White Beach Naval Facility's complex manager. "We had a lot of static displays and games to keep the kids entertained, offered different types of great food and put on a few very successful musical performances."

The U.S. 7th Fleet and III Marine Expeditionary Force (MEF) bands each performed twice during the festival, playing both traditional and contemporary music.

"It was pleasure to come out and play for such an enthusiastic crowd," said Lance Cpl. Jeshua Sosa, a percussionist in the III MEF Band.

For a few hours each day forward-deployed amphibious dock landing ship USS Germantown (LSD 42) and Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force Hyuga-class helicopter destroyer JS Ise (DDH 182) were open to the public for guided tours. Each ship had more than 1,000 visitors.

"It's hard to believe how big these ships are," said Lisa Agowa, a tour participant on Germantown. "The tour helped me understand a little of what Sailors go through during all those days at sea."

Dragon boat racing has been a popular event in parts of Asia for thousands of years and has recently gained support all over the world. The White Beach Festival gave 14 11-person teams the chance to prove that they were the best in Okinawa.

"I think the dragon boat races were the biggest draw this year," said Weathers. "We haven't included dragon boat races in the White Beach Festival in 21 years and everyone was excited to have them back. This type of racing is very important to the people of Okinawa so this is a great way of encouraging them to come visit this part of their community."

Germantown Works to Gain Amphibious Warfare Certification

By Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Spencer Mickler, Amphibious Squadron 11 Public Affairs

SASEBO, Japan (NNS) -- Sailors aboard forward-deployed amphibious dock landing ship USS Germantown (LSD 42) worked toward amphibious warfare (AMW) certification Sept. 23.

Germantown must gain certification to perform amphibious operations, and is being tested by inspectors from Naval Beach Group 1.

"The amphibious warfare mission is our primary mission. Without that ability we can't be an asset to the U.S. Navy", said Cmdr. Jason Leach, Germantown executive officer. "That's the whole reason we are out here".

The certification process will take several days, in which inspectors will observe and test the crew in operationally critical areas.

"We're out here to check the preparedness of our forward-deployed assets," said Boatswain's Mate 1st Class Robert Saenz, of Naval Beach Group 1. "We assess the readiness and training of the crew in any area that involves the well deck operations including cranes, material conditions as well as small boat operations."

"So far they are doing great from top to bottom; this is what we see if the ship has good leadership and training," said Saenz.

Many of the crew members attribute their success during the certification thus far to the things they do on a daily basis.

"Train, train, train, even when we don't have any vehicles aboard we'll use a make-shift dummy so that we can keep training for an actual incident," said Damage Controlman Fireman Bryce Griffin. "That's why our team is getting the job done for this AMW certification".

"We deploy and operate a lot, and whenever we train we always go back to the basics," said Leach. "We always review and follow the instruction that way our Sailors know what to do."

Crew members aboard Germantown and inspectors will continue the certification process while embarking elements of the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit in Okinawa.

Germantown is part of the Essex Amphibious Ready Group, which reports to Commander, Amphibious Force 7th Fleet, Rear Adm. J. Scott Jones, who is headquartered in Okinawa, Japan.

Ceremony Welcomes USS Germantown Sailors to Townsville, Australia

By Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Johnie Hickmon

TOWNSVILLE, Australia (NNS) -- The city of Townsville welcomed the forward-deployed amphibious dock landing ship USS Germantown (LSD 42) Sailors and embarked Marines with the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) to the city during an official ceremony held at the Army Museum North Queensland July 8.

Germantown is in Townsville, Australia, for a port visit to participate in Talisman Sabre 2011 (TS11), a bilateral command post and field training exercise designed to maintain a high level of interoperability between U.S. and Australian forces.

Approximately 23 Sailors and Marines attended the event with other distinguished guests.

"As mayor of Townsville, I am very pleased to officially welcome the USS Germantown, along with Cmdr. Hull and the ship's naval personnel and Marines to our wonderful city," Councilor Les Tyrell said. "We have a long tradition of extending a hand of friendship and hospitality to visiting U.S. personnel. We are delighted to again be a port of call for the Germantown before your participation in TS11."

He went on to explain the strong ties the two countries share with each other during times of peace and war. "The friendship between our two nations is unshakeable," he said. "Indeed, Townsville has forged a long camaraderie with U.S. personnel visiting our port both in times of war and peace."

Also during opening remarks, Grace Smallwood, a representative of indigenous Australians, welcomed the crew to Townsville and thanked them for services provided during past wars.

"On behalf of my people, the Bindal people, our elders, indigenous veterans and community and traditional owners, welcome," she said. "As indigenous people from this community, we strongly wanted today's ceremony to take place, not only to welcome you to our country, but to pay tribute to the close ties between our forces, ties that have been forged in both peace and war. On behalf of my people and all here, I wish you every success with exercise TS11."

Germantown Commanding Officer Cmdr. A. D. Hull took to the podium and expressed his appreciation for welcoming the ship and her crew to the city.

"Thank you very much for welcoming our Sailors and Marines to your warm city," he said. "The U.S. and Australia have been close allies. TS11 is one of those exercises that help us to work together. We are honored to be here today and look forward to working with you."

Afterwards, gifts were exchanged between Hull and the city representatives. Light snacks were then served as the guests mingled and exchanged conversation, and a tour of the museum was then offered for the guests.

Yeoman 1st Class (SW) Sheena Hunt said she enjoyed the event and found the people of Townsville to be extremely friendly. "I enjoyed the visit," she said. "It allowed us to interact with the Australians and learn more about their culture."

Germantown departed Sasebo, Japan June 24 for TS11. Germantown was commissioned Feb. 8, 1986 and is capable of carrying more than 721 Sailors and Marines. It is 610 feet long and can travel at speeds up to 20 knots.

USS Germantown Arrives In Australia, Begins Talisman Sabre 2011

By Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Johnie Hickmon, USS Germantown Public Affairs

TOWNSVILLE, Australia (NNS) -- USS Germantown (LSD 42) and embarked Marines with the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) arrived in Townsville, Australia, for a port visit July 7.

The visit also marks the beginning of Talisman Sabre 2011 (TS11), a bilateral command post and field training exercise designed to maintain a high level of interoperability between U.S. and Australian forces.

During the port visit, the crew will have the opportunity to not only shop and participate in several Morale, Welfare and Recreation activities, but lend a helping hand to the local community. The ship's first class petty officer association will sponsor a community relations project at the Cancer Institute and Endeavor, where Sailors and Marines will do yard maintenance and interact with individuals there.

For many Sailors and Marines, this will be their first visit to Australia. Pfc. Christopher Dutzer said he has always wanted to visit Australia and is excited about the visit.

"I'm looking forward to enjoying the sites," he said. "I've had friends who have visited Townsville, and they told me the people are very friendly. I think this will be a unique experience."

For others, this will the first time they've visited Australia in a few years. Culinary Specialist 2nd Class(SW) Caesar Ulsano said he last visited Australia four years ago and is looking forward to the friendly hospitality provided by the locals.

"I had a real good time the last time I visited," he said. "I'm looking forward to making new friends and enjoying the country."

In addition to the 31st MEU, units from Air Craft Unit 5 are embarked aboard Germantown for the exercise. They offer three landing craft air cushions, 15 amphibious assault vehicles, three 7-ton vehicles and several Humvees to support the mission.

Germantown departed Sasebo, Japan, June 24 for TS11. The ship was commissioned Feb. 8, 1986, and is capable of carrying more than 721 Sailors and Marines. It is 610 feet long and can travel at speeds up to 20 knots.

Essex ARG Embarks 31st MEU for Talisman Sabre 2011

By Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class (SW) Eva-Marie Ramsaran, USS Essex Public Affairs

OKINAWA, Japan (NNS) -- Ships of the Essex Amphibious Ready Group (ARG) embarked more than 2,000 Marines of the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) at White Beach Naval Facility in Okinawa, Japan, June 27, for exercise Talisman Sabre 2011.

Talisman Sabre 2011 is a biennial activity for Australia and the United States to improve and validate their readiness and interoperability as a combined joint task force.

"The purpose of the MEU embarking aboard Essex is to bring all the assets required to conduct amphibious raids, assaults, humanitarian assistance, noncombatant evacuation operations and tactical exercises during the deployment," said Gunnery Sgt. Enrique Perez, Amphibious Squadron 11 combat cargo assistant. "We come prepared with more than just what is needed for the U.S.-Australian exercise; we plan for real world contingencies as well."

The combat cargo departments of USS Essex (LHD 2) and USS Germantown (LSD 42) moved more than 110 vehicles and 320 pieces of cargo aboard the ships. Additionally, they helped load elements of the battalion landing team, ground combat element, aviation combat element and combat logistics battalion.

The MEU has also been making preparations since last year for an Australian government quarantine inspection on all of its aircraft, vehicles and equipment.

The Australian Quarantine and Inspection Service (AQIS) is responsible for enforcing Australian quarantine laws. The Essex ARG and 31st MEU will coordinate with AQIS to ensure the safety of all ARG and MEU assets, Australian exercise participants and Australian citizens.

Lt. Col. William Arick, commanding officer of Combat Logistics Battalion 31, said the inspection is the Australian government's way of ensuring the country is not contaminated with a plant or animal that is not native and does not have any natural predators.

"To ensure we were able to clean and prepare our equipment to stringent agricultural standards for Australia, Marines across the MEU had to disassemble our vehicles and equipment," said Arick. "We cleaned every piece individually and spent countless hours pressure washing the vehicles from top to bottom. We worked hand-in-hand with Australian inspectors to ensure every item was clean and without any dirt or other contaminants."

Talisman Sabre 2011 will give the Essex ARG Sailors and 31st MEU Marines the opportunity to integrate during operations in a combined and joint environment, working alongside their Australian counterparts.

For many of the Sailors aboard Essex, it is their first ship deployment and their first time working with Marines.

"This is my fourth deployment where we have had to integrate with Marines in our shop," said Intelligence Specialist 2nd Class (SW) Katherine Zehner, Amphibious Squadron 11 fleet intelligence watch officer. "We get along really well in our shop, and we our coordinating together on certain missions for Talisman Sabre."

The Essex ARG includes forward-deployed amphibious assault ship USS Essex and amphibious dock landing ship USS Germantown. With the embarked 31st MEU, the Essex ARG will join 11,000 U.S. and 9,000 Australian personnel for participation in Talisman Sabre 2011.

Commanders of USS Harpers Ferry and USS Germantown Exchange Command

By Task Force 76 Public Affairs

SASEBO, Japan (NNS) -- USS Harpers Ferry (LSD 49) and USS Germantown (LSD 42) swapped commanding officers and crew during an exchange of command ceremony April 21, at Fleet Activities Sasebo.

Cmdr. Mike Crary took command of Harpers Ferry and, after a short period of training and crew acclimation, will return to San Diego and fill rotational force assignments for Commander, U.S. Third Fleet.

Cmdr. Antonio Hull and his crew will remain in Sasebo with the newly-upgraded Germantown, adding new capabilities to a crew experienced with operating around Japan and the Western Pacific region, to support U.S. 7th Fleet, and Amphibious Force Seventh Fleet tasking.

"Having newly-modernized ships forward deployed is essential to improving the capabilities of our amphibious force and reinforces our long-standing commitment to allies and regional partners," said Commander, Amphibious Force Seventh Fleet, Rear Adm. J. Scott Jones,

Germantown is the third, and most recent, landing dock ship to complete her mid-life upgrade maintenance, upgrading systems such as diesel engines, engineering control systems, compressed air systems, and all electric steam systems. Hull swaps such as these are part of Surface Forces Pacific's plan to update forward deployed Naval forces in Japan, and to keep our most capable assets forward deployed.

U.S. Troops Continue Relief Efforts in Japan

Compiled from U.S. 7th Fleet News Releases

WASHINGTON, March 19, 2011 – U.S. troops continue to lend a helping hand to Japan today, committing dozens aircraft along with thousands of Marines and sailors to Operation Tomodachi in the past 48 hours, military officials reported.

About 17,000 U.S. military members and more than 100 aircraft are involved or prepared to assist in relief operations in Japan, Defense Department officials said, and 14 ships from the U.S. 7th Fleet are supporting relief efforts.

About 4,000 Marines and sailors with the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit and Amphibious Squadron 11 arrived off the coast of western Japan yesterday. The troops are capable of delivering relief supplies by ground and air, providing medical assistance, transportation assets and engineering equipment.

More than a dozen aircraft relocated yesterday to Naval Air Facility Misawa in northern Japan from Naval Air Facility Atsugi and Kadena Air Base in southern Japan. A total of 13 helicopters and about 500 sailors are repositioned to Misawa, nearly doubling the base’s Navy population.

Ships from the USS Essex Amphibious Ready Group arrived off the coast of western Japan yesterday with more than 150 amphibious vehicles and 25 aircraft. The ships are providing fresh water, medical support, search-and-rescue support, heavy lift capabilities and amphibious aircraft.

The USS Tortuga delivered 93 vehicles and 273 Japanese soldiers ashore by landing craft March 17 near Ominato in northern Japan. The ship is distributing 5,000 bottles of water and 5,000 meals to Misawa for further distribution.

The amphibious dock landing ship USS Germantown in the Sea of Japan received 85 pallets of food and fuel March 17 from various relief organizations.

Essex Amphibious Ready Group Arrives in Thailand

By Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class (SW) Eva-Marie Ramsaran

PATTAYA, Thailand (NNS) -- Ships of the forward-deployed Essex Amphibious Ready Group (ARG) and the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit arrived in Pattaya, Kingdom of Thailand, for a scheduled port visit Feb. 21 after completing the multinational exercise Cobra Gold 2011.

Cobra Gold is a United States-Thai co-sponsored exercise that was designed to advance military-to-military relationships between pacific partner nations and build relationships between militaries and local communities. It demonstrated the ability of the involved militaries to rapidly deploy a joint task force to conduct combined operations at sea and ashore.

"Whether full participants, augmentation planners, or observer nations – all contributed to the overall success of the exercise; their involvement highlights the very best in regional cooperation," said Capt. Bradley Lee, commander, Amphibious Squadron 11.

During the visit, Sailors and Marines will participate in multiple community service projects and experience Thai customs through tours offered by the ship's morale, welfare and recreation (MWR) department.

"I think the Sailors will get great interaction with the local people in Thailand," said Lt. Jason Dart, an Essex chaplain who helped coordinate the community service projects. "People will see the goodwill toward Thailand and experience first hand the unity between two nations in a personal, meaningful way."

On Feb. 22, volunteers from USS Essex (LHD 2) will deliver games, school supplies and interact with 300 Nohong Charg Ngaw Elementary School children.

"The kids will teach us some of their activities or songs and we will trade our games with them," said Dart. "The kids there will have new supplies, games and a lasting memory of Essex Sailors."

Sailors and Marines will also get to experience Thailand through a variety of MWR tours, including a trip to Bangkok to see the Grand Palace, the floating market, the Golden Buddha Temple and Hellfire Pass. Many Sailors on the ship expressed their excitement to visit Thailand and are ready to experience everything the country has to offer.

"I plan on going on an elephant-riding tour," said Aviation Ordnanceman Airman Apprentice Vanessa Roberts, who will be visiting Pattaya for the first time. "I'm looking forward to checking out the culture and sightseeing."

The elephant-riding tour is just one of many tours MWR offers that should make it easier for Essex Sailors and Marines to experience the local culture, said Matthew Olszyk, Essex afloat recreation specialist.

"These tours give Sailors the opportunity to engage in historical opportunities in Thailand," said Olszyk. "It's a place with huge tourism in their economy and famous for their nightlife."

Others, such as Ship's Serviceman 1st Class (SW) Herman Dickens, who has visited Pattaya on five other occasions, said he would take the opportunity to unwind after the hectic schedule of exercise Cobra Gold 2011. "I plan on getting a hotel to relax and going shopping for the family," said Dickens.

The Essex Amphibious Ready Group is comprised of the amphibious assault ship USS Essex (LHD 2), amphibious transport dock ship USS Denver (LPD 9),amphibious dock landing ship USS Germantown (LSD 42) and guided missile destroyer USS Stockdale (DDG 106).

The Essex ARG reports to Commander, Amphibious Force Seventh Fleet, Rear Adm. Richard Landolt, who is headquartered in Okinawa, Japan.

This article was sponsored by Military Books.