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SASEBO, Japan
– The forward-deployed amphibious dock landing ship USS Germantown (LSD 42) returned to Sasebo after participating in Cobra Gold 2012 (CG12), March 5.
Germantown departed Sasebo Jan. 30 to
onload Marines from the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) in
White Beach, Okinawa, on Feb. 1 prior to beginning CG12, an exercise
designed to promote regional peace and security. Nations involved in
the exercise include the United States, Thailand, Singapore, Japan,
Indonesia, and the Republic of Korea and representatives from more
than 20 countries. CG 12 promotes ties between nations and strong
military working relationships.
During the exercise, the 31st MEU conducted amphibious raids,
amphibious assaults, helicopter assaults, small boat raids and
humanitarian disaster relief operations, and a mock non-combatant
evacuation exercise. Lt. Col. Brian C. Hawkins, operations officer
of the 31st MEU, said he felt the MEU performed exceptionally well
during CG12.
“The 31st MEU was extremely successful during this exercise,” he
said. “Marines that participated (had) an opportunity to see
different tactics and techniques that the other nations employ. By
becoming more integrated and learning each other’s tactics and
procedures we can operate better in any type of situation, whether
it is a contingency mission or humanitarian aid and disaster
relief.”
After participating in CG12, the ship made a port visit to Laem
Chabang, Kingdom of Thailand, where Sailors and Marines had the
opportunity to participate in a community service (COMSERV) project
at Ban Ronghip School. There, Sailors and Marines delivered school
supplies and sporting goods such as soccer balls, volleyballs, and
badminton equipment. Volunteers also read books, played soccer,
volleyball, and played singing games with the children. This COMSERV
was another chance for U.S. Sailors to continue their commitment to
help one of their closest allies as they recover from the natural
disaster that struck the country last year.
“In a big way, our COMSERV helped communicate to the Thai people of
this area our commitment to their recovery after the flooding that
happened last year,” said Germantown Chaplain Lt. j. g. Robert Hecox.
“7th Fleet had committed that we would be back to give help and give
resources, and this is just one element of keeping that promise.”
Sailors also had the chance to experience the Thai culture through
various Morale, Welfare and Recreation tours.
“I rode some elephants, mingled with the locals, and enjoyed the
Thai culture,” said Yeoman 3rd Class Joel Hallas. “I had a great
time.”
Prior to arriving in Sasebo, the ship made another stop in Okinawa,
where the 31st MEU offloaded the Marines, their vehicles and
equipment. Germantown’s Command Master Chief Jesus Galura said the
deployment was a success.
“The crew did an outstanding job for a short-notice deployment,” he
said. “They supported the embarked Marines throughout Cobra Gold and
displayed outstanding behavior during the port visit.”
With the ship’s return to Sasebo, her crew will perform maintenance
on some of the equipment before heading out for her next mission.
“The main goal is to pick-up landing craft air cushions for Iwo-to
and complete needed maintenance,” said Galura. “The can-do crew will
continue to perform on the highest level!”
Germantown, commanded by Cmdr. Carol McKenzie, was commissioned Feb.
8, 1986, is capable of carrying more than 721 Sailors and Marines,
and reports to Commander, Amphibious Force 7th Fleet, Rear Adm. J.
Scott Jones. |
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