Bonhomme Richard Visits White Beach, Embarks Marines

18 August 2016

From USS Bonhomme Richard Public Affairs

OKINAWA, Japan -- Amphibious assault ship USS Bonhomme Richard (LHD 6) made a port visit to White Beach, Okinawa, Aug. 17

During the visit, Marines from the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) will join the Bonhomme Richard (BHR) crew for a scheduled deployment.

BHR is conducting a fall deployment in the 7th Fleet area of operations to enhance partnerships, maintain forward presence, and increase Navy-Marine Corps integration for amphibious operations.

Sailors and Marines from the 31st MEU attached to BHR, flagship of the Bonhomme Richard Expeditionary Strike Group (BHR ESG), will focus on amphibious assault and humanitarian assistance capabilities, disaster relief operations and non-combatant evacuation missions.

"The Marines are a vital element of our 'blue-green' team aboard BHR and a key part of our mission," said Capt. Jeffrey Ward, BHR commanding officer. "It's going to be great to have them back, and we look forward to accomplishing valuable training with our Sailors, Marines and allies in the Pacific."

The BHR ESG and 31st MEU will conduct a series of theater security cooperation engagements designed to strengthen ties and increase interoperability with allies and partners in the region. Sailors and Marines are scheduled to conduct exchanges with allies and partners across a range of mission sets.

The BHR ESG consists of Bonhomme Richard, amphibious transport dock USS Green Bay (LPD 20), and amphibious dock landing ship USS Germantown (LSD 42).

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