The amphibious assault ship USS Peleliu (LHA 5), in coordination with Naval Munitions Command Detachment Sasebo, conducted a three-day ammunition onload while anchored near Command Fleet Activities Sasebo, Aug. 27-29.
While anchored, Peleliu safely took on more than 1,200 pallets of conventional ordnance in support of its mission with the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU), based in Okinawa, Japan.
In keeping with Peleliu’s excellent safety record, Skelton pointed out what it takes to conduct such a large evolution, both, efficiently and safely.
“Quality Assurance Safety Observers (QASO) were present at every movement point, whether it was below decks in the cargo holds or in the hangar and vehicle decks, ensuring everyone is following safety precautions,” said Skelton. “If there was not a QASO present, ammunition did not move, period.”
Once the ammunition was onboard, aviation ordnancemen assigned to Peleliu were tasked with the staging, handling and stowage of more than 900 tons of ordnance.
The teamwork and coordination between Peleliu’s many departments over the course of three days resulted in a successful and safe evolution that moved more than 1.8 million pounds of ordnance to support sustained operations during Peleliu’s deployment.
Peleliu is on its final regularly scheduled Western Pacific deployment in the U.S. 7th Fleet area of responsibility supporting security and stability in the Indo-Asia-Pacific region before decommissioning early next year.