USS Tarawa strike group visits Guam
SHIPS with the USS Tarawa Expeditionary Strike Group are on Guam for a port visit, the Navy announced yesterday.
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Monday November 26, 2007
By Gerardo R. Partido
Variety News Staff
According to the U.S. Naval Forces Marianas public affairs office, the dock landing ship USS Germantown, guided-missile frigate USS Ingraham, guided-missile cruiser USS Port Royal, and components of the 11th Marine Expeditionary Unit arrived on Guam yesterday.
While in port, approximately 1,400 members of the strike group will tour Guam, providing a boost to the island’s economy.
The visiting military personnel will also be participating in various community service projects, the Navy said.
The USS Tarawa Expeditionary Strike Group has the flexibility and power to conduct strike warfare and engage enemy forces in the air, on the sea and under it.
In addition, they provide support capabilities using landing craft, landing craft utility vehicles, CH-46s, CH-53s, AH-1, UH-1, SH-60 helicopters and AV-8B Harrier jet aircraft.
The expeditionary strike group is comprised of the amphibious assault ship Tarawa, Amphibious Squadron One, the transport dock ship USS Cleveland, the dock landing ship USS Germantown, the guided-missile cruiser USS Port Royal, the guided missile destroyer USS Hopper, and the guided-missile frigate USS Ingraham, as well as the 11th Marine Expeditionary Unit.
The 11the MEU, commanded by Col. John Bullard, is comprised of a command element, a ground combat element, an air combat element, and a combat logistical support element.
According to the Navy’s public affairs office, the strike group is headed west to provide support for U.S. and coalition forces operating in the U.S. 5th Fleet.
It will support Operations Enduring Freedom and Iraqi Freedom, be prepared to take part in Horn of Africa operations, and conduct maritime security operations.
The Navy said coalition forces conduct MSO under international maritime conventions to ensure security and safety in international waters so that all commercial shipping can operate freely while transiting the region.
Since the beginning of 2007, the USS Tarawa Expeditionary Strike Group has completed multiple training events, qualifications and inspections leading up to certification as a combat-ready strike group.