Amphibious transport dock ship USS Denver (LPD 9), with the embarked 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU), departed Darwin, Australia, Sept. 12, following a two-day port visit.
Denver’s departure signifies the end of Exercise Koolendong with the 31st MEU at the Bradshaw Field Training Area (BFTA) in Australia’s Northern Territory.
“We returned to Darwin in order to execute the backload of 31st MEU assets following their exercise in the Bradshaw Field Training Area,” said Marine Chief Warrant Officer Dustin R. Heffel, combat cargo officer. “The priority during our time in port was to recover our Marines and their equipment so that we can continue operating at the tip of the spear and represent America where we are needed the most.”
Denver is on patrol with the Bonhomme Richard Amphibious Ready Group, commanded by Amphibious Squadron (PHIBRON) 11, and is currently conducting routine joint-force operations in the U.S. 7th Fleet Area of Responsibility.
[mappress] Press Release, September 13, 2013