The amphibious assault ship USS Peleliu (LHA 5) pulled into Changi Naval Base for a scheduled port call following completion of Amphibious Landing Exercise (PHIBLEX) 2015.
Capt. Paul C. Spedero, Peleliu’s commanding officer said:
Peleliu and my crew are prepared for any operational tasking that we may be called upon to fulfill, as such, we are afforded the opportunity to take liberty in some of the most amazing locations in South-East Asia.
The Navy’s last Tarawa-class amphibious assault ship has spent the last four and a half months transiting the Pacific, participating in exercises in both the 3rd and 7th Fleet areas of responsibility. In June and July, Peleliu acted as the commander of the Amphibious Task Force for Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC) Exercise 2014 and in October, Peleliu was the flag ship for Expeditionary Strike Group 7, having embarked Rear Adm. Hugh Wetherald, Amphibious Squadron 11 and the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU). With those exercises complete, Singapore offers “Iron Nickel” Sailors and Marines a chance for liberty to experience the rich culture and history to help them refocus their energy before the final leg of Peleliu’s final deployment. The ship will be taken out of active duty service and will enter the Ready Reserve Force early next year.
Peleliu is on its’ final regularly scheduled Western Pacific deployment in the US. 7th Fleet area of responsibility, supporting security and stability in the Indo-Asia-Pacific region before decommissioning early next year.
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Press Release, Image: US Navy