The forward deployed amphibious dock landing ship USS Germantown (LSD 42) departed Commander Fleet Activities Sasebo, Thursday, for a scheduled deployment in the U.S. 7th Fleet area of responsibility.

Germantown will deploy as part of the Peleliu Amphibious Ready Group (PEL ARG). During the patrol, the PEL ARG will participate in Amphibious Integration Training evolutions, a Certification Exercise and maritime training exercises designed to build relationships and enhance operational readiness with partner nation Armed Forces.

"The ship and her crew are more than ready for deployment," said Cmdr. Gary Harrington, Germantown's executive officer. "We just completed an arduous year of training and maintenance that was capped off with a highly successful inspection by the Board of Inspection and Survey. All the hard work by the crew has paid off. We are green across the board, certified in every warfare area and the material condition of the ship is outstanding."

Germantown will participate in numerous flight operations as well as landing-craft air cushion (LCAC) and combat rubber raiding craft operations while on patrol. In addition to conducting these demanding evolutions, USS Germantown will pull into various foreign ports to participate in partnership building events.

"This is my first deployment and I'm getting qualified as a boatswain's mate, so I'm really looking forward to all the LCAC qualifications and evolutions," said Seaman Apprentice Julieta Perez Hernandez. "While we are in port, I'm excited about getting familiar with a lot of new places and all of the new food."

The Peleliu ARG is comprised of Amphibious Squadron 11, USS Peleliu (LHA 5), USS Germantown (LSD 42), and the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit.

The ARG reports to Commander, Amphibious Force 7th fleet, Rear Adm. Hugh Wetherald, headquartered in White Beach, Okinawa, Japan.