Commander ESG 3 Visits Essex to Talk Hull Swap

By Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Linda S. Swearingen
7th Fleet

SASEBO, Japan –  Rear Adm. Gerard P. Hueber, commander, Expeditionary Strike Group 3, visited the forward-deployed amphibious assault ship USS Essex (LHD 2) Jan. 23, to discuss the upcoming hull swap with USS Bonhomme Richard (LHD 6).

During Hueber’s visit, he met with Rear Adm. J. Scott Jones, commander, Amphibious Force 7th Fleet, Capt. David Fluker, Essex commanding officer and Capt. Bradley Lee, commander of Amphibious Squadron Eleven to discuss Essex’ plan of action and preparation for the change.

"Essex has been planning for the hull swap for well over a year now and we have been coordinating with Bonhomme Richard to ensure everything goes smoothly and according to plan." said Fluker. "The Admiral’s visit was a great chance to demonstrate Essex’ plans to date for this complex evolution. Our Sailors have been working diligently to prepare the Essex for her new home and crew."

During the ship's 11-year assignment to the 7th Fleet, Essex provided humanitarian assistance and disaster relief to several countries in the region and has maintained strong relationships with partner navies in the Pacific.

After the hull swap Essex will be returning to its home port in San Diego and Bonhomme Richard will remain in Sasebo and become the Navy’s only forward-deployed amphibious assault ship.

Essex is part of the Essex Amphibious Ready Group and reports to Commander, Amphibious Force 7th Fleet Rear Adm. J. Scott Jones, who is headquartered in Okinawa, Japan.

This article was originally published at: http://www.c7f.navy.mil/news/2012/01-January/023.htm

-PACOM: (posted January 24, 2012)-
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