Bonhomme Richard, other ships sail for 6-month deployment
SAN DIEGO – Four ships attached to the Bonhomme Richard Strike Group, along with about 6,000 sailors and Marines, left San Diego Tuesday on a six-month deployment in support of the war on terrorism.
http://www.signonsandiego.com/news/military/20070410-1309-shipsdeploy.html
April 10, 2007
“This strike group can provide humanitarian assistance if needed, all the way up to combat operations if required,” Cmdr. Mark Balmert told reporters.
The strike group is made up of the amphibious assault ship Bonhomme Richard, transport dock Denver, dock landing ship Rushmore and guided missile cruisers Chosin, Milius and Chung-Hoon.
Chosin and Chung-Hoon are based in Hawaii and will meet up with the rest of the strike group in the Pacific Ocean, according to the Navy.
Elements of the Bonhomme Richard Strike Group last deployed in 2005 to provide humanitarian aid following tsunami damage in Indonesia.