HONG KONG (NNS) -- Amphibious assault ship USS Bonhomme Richard (LHD 6) and amphibious transport dock USS Green Bay (LPD 20, both with embarked Marines of the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, arrived in Hong Kong for a port visit, Sept. 29.

The visit affords Sailors and Marines of both ships the opportunity to enjoy the culture and history of Hong Kong, and to build positive relationships with members of the Hong Kong community.

Bonhomme Richard and Green Bay, both of the Bonhomme Richard Expeditionary Strike Group, are making the visit following participation in the U.S. military joint training exercise Valiant Shield.

"The Sailors and Marines of the Bonhomme Richard, Green Bay, and the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit look forward to exploring the many facets of this diverse and vibrant city and interacting with the people of Hong Kong," said Rear Adm. Marc H. Dalton, commander, Expeditionary Strike Group 7. "We are grateful for the hospitality of the people of Hong Kong in welcoming us here."

Sailors and Marines are scheduled visit several local schools for a cultural exchange. Sailors also are scheduled to play basketball with students from an international school.

The ships' Morale, Welfare, and Recreation (MWR) committees are offering tours to experience the island of Hong Kong, local aquariums, and the culture and heritage of the city as well.

The ships of the Bonhomme Richard Expeditionary Strike Group (ESG) departed their forward-deployed base of Sasebo, Japan, Aug. 10 as part of a regularly scheduled patrol in the Indo-Asia-Pacific region.

While on patrol, the Bonhomme Richard ESG is supporting various exercises and exchanges with regional partners across a wide range of mission sets.

ESG 7 units include flagship Bonhomme Richard, Green Bay, amphibious dock landing ship USS Germantown (LSD 42), Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron 25, and the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit. The 31st MEU consists of Battalion Landing Team (BLT) 2/4, Combat Logistics Battalion (CLB) 31, and Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron (VMM) 262 Reinforced.