Posted on 08/17/2006 5:56:03 PM PDT by SandRat
SAN DIEGO (NNS) -- Nearly 3,500 Sailors and Marines of Expeditionary Strike Group (ESG) 3 returned to San Diego Aug. 16 following a six-month deployment to the western Pacific and the Persian Gulf.
ESG 3 participated in maritime security operations, protected Iraqi oil platforms in the Persian Gulf and participated in various multinational exercises.
Numerous family members, friends and other supporters eagerly gathered at the base for the group’s long-awaited come back.
“I can’t wait to see my husband,” said Anita Elevado, as she held their four-month-old son while waiting for Boatswain’s Mate 3rd Class Francis Mark Elevado assigned to USS Peleliu (LHA 5). “I’m afraid when I see him I’ll just go running up to him [out of excitement].”
The returning ships included amphibious assault ship Peleliu, transport dock ship USS Ogden (LPD 5), and dock landing ship USS Germantown (LSD 42).
The strike group also assisted fellow mariners out of a dire situation on their return to Pearl Harbor. Peleliu and the guided-missile cruiser USS Port Royal (CG 73) changed course Aug. 4 to sail 105 nautical miles to assist the 110-ft. Pacific Laurel, which was heavily damaged and taking on water.
“We got the Peleliu and Port Royal over there because they were the closest and most capable assets," said Capt. Peter W. D. Morford, ESG 3 commodore. "In the middle of the night, Peleliu sent helicopters from HSC (Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron) 21 and rescued the sailors from very high seas and high winds. To me, that was a good example of how good the strike group is and how well they can be under the gun, under no notice, under pressure and still get the job done.”
As for the ESG 3 crew, seeing loved ones after half a year at sea is the greatest payoff to a job well done.
“It’s wonderful to be back to see my son again,” said Culinary Specialist 2nd Class (SW) Daniel Williams of Peleliu. “It’s a wonderful experience to be able to ride home and see everybody again.”
ESG 3 also included the guided-missile frigate USS Reuben James (FFG 57), guided-missile cruiser Port Royal, Amphibious Squadron 3, the 11th Marine Expeditionary Unit (Special Operations Capable), Tactical Air Control Squadron (TACRON) 11, and the "Black Jacks" of Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron (HSC) 21.
San Diego, Calif. (Aug. 16, 2006) - Seaman Chris Helms assigned to the amphibious assault ship USS Peleliu (LHA 5) holds his newborn child for the first time, returning from deployment. Peleliu and Expeditionary Strike Group Three (ESG-3) are returning from a six-month deployment to the Persian Gulf in support of the global war on terrorism.
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