SASEBO, Japan -- USS Green Bay (LPD 20) departed its forward-deployed base of Sasebo, Japan on Jun 2, becoming the final ship in the Bonhomme Richard Amphibious Ready Group to set sail on a routine deployment in the Indo-Asia-Pacific.

The amphibious ships, together with the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, are scheduled to train alongside Australian counterparts in the biennial exercise Talisman Saber and serve as a ready-force for any type of contingency while on the multi-month deployment.

Talisman Saber, jointly sponsored by the U.S. Pacific Command and Australian Defence Force Headquarters Joint Operations Command, will incorporate U.S. Army, Navy, Marine Corps and Air Force and the Australian Defence Force as well as other government agencies from each country

“During this deployment we will enhance how we work with our partners and allies, improve Navy-Marine Corps response capability, and demonstrate U.S. commitment to the region,” said Capt. George Doyon, commander, Amphibious Squadron 11. “We will broaden the capabilities of the Blue-Green team and strengthen our bonds with our allies in the Pacific”

The ARG, which is set to transition to an expeditionary strike group after Expeditionary Strike Group 7 embarks, is comprised of flagship USS Bonhomme Richard (LHD 6), Green Bay, USS Ashland (LSD 42), and with potential for cruiser-destroyer assets to integrate when needed. More than 2,300 Marines and 2,100 Sailors will operate together as part of the ESG.

The amphibious ships are on a patrol in the Indo-Asia-Pacific region to enhance partnerships and be a ready-response force for any type of contingency.