USS Ashland starts 7th Fleet area of operations patrol

U.S. Navy’s Whidbey Island Class dock landing ship USS Ashland (LSD 48), forward-deployed to Sasebo, Japan, currently assigned to the Bonhomme Richard Amphibious Ready Group (ARG), departed the Sasebo Naval Base for a routine patrol of the U.S. 7th Fleet area of operations.

During her patrol, Ashland will embark Marines from the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU).

Commander Daniel P. Duhan, commanding officer of Ashland, said: “My crew, from the most veteran sailor down to the newest sailor, is ready and excited to get out to sea and integrate with the 31st MEU. The blue-green team will emerge from the patrol as a more cohesive unit, well versed in amphibious operations.”

Ashland’s crew spent the last few months preparing for their routine patrol and they are eager to begin training with the Marines.

Elizabeth Hornbeck, Electronics Technician 3rd Class Petty Officer aboard USS Ashland, said: “I am excited to be a part of Ashland’s crew for my first underway. The Navy has prepared me to adapt to many things and I can’t wait to work alongside the Marines.”

USS Ashland is one of three ships that comprise the Bonhomme Richard ARG and is scheduled to meet up with amphibious assault ship USS Bonhomme Richard (LHD 6) and amphibious dock landing ship USS Germantown (LSD 42) at a later date.

[mappress mapid=”17646″]