OKINAWA, Japan -- Flagship of Amphibious Squadron (PHIBRON) 11 and the Bonhomme Richard Amphibious Ready Group (BHR ARG), USS Bonhomme Richard (LHD 6), arrived at White Beach, Okinawa, March 4.

Bonhomme Richard is in port for the onload of the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) and other Marine Corps and Navy assets.

"Our Navy and Marine Corps team is the backbone of our amphibious naval force," said Capt. George Doyon, commander, PHIBRON 11. "It is of the utmost importance that we conduct regular training together to maintain our knowledge and proficiency so that we remain a viable force for use by the theater commander."

More than 1,200 Marines from the 31st MEU, Battalion Landing Team, 2nd Battalion, 5th Marines, Combat Logistics Battalion 31, Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 262 and Marine Attack Squadron 311 will embark Bonhomme Richard during the ships' port visit to the Pacific island.

The addition of Marines and other supporting elements will set the ships' complement of approximately 3,200 personnel aboard.

During this underway, ship's assigned to PHIBRON 11 will conduct joint amphibious intergration training and certification exercises, and will also work alongside regional partners and allies through bilateral engagements and operations.

Bonhomme Richard is on a routine patrol, operating in the Indo-Asia-Pacific region to serve as a forward capability for any type of contingency.