Free Republic

Story Number: NNS040304-03 Release Date: 3/4/2004 10:10:00 AM From Expeditionary Strike Group 1 Public Affairs SAN DIEGO (NNS) -- The seven ships attached to Expeditionary Strike Group One (ESG 1) are returning home this week following a six and a half month deployment in support of the global war on terrorism. USS Greeneville (SSN 772) returned to its Pearl Harbor homeport Feb. 27. USS Port Royal (CG 73), also from Pearl Harbor, is scheduled to arrive home March 10. The remaining ships of ESG 1, USS Peleliu (LHA 5), USS Ogden (LPD 5), USS Decatur (DDG 73), USS Jarrett (FFG...

Story Number: NNS040304-09 Release Date: 3/4/2004 11:43:00 AM By Journalist 1st Class Jim Williams, Commander, Navy Region Hawaii Public Affairs PEARL HARBOR, Hawaii (NNS) -- Secretary of the Navy (SECNAV) Gordon R. England visited with the Sailors and Marines of Expeditionary Strike Group (ESG) 1 aboard USS Peleliu (LHA 5) at Pearl Harbor Feb. 27. The stop aboard the ship was just one of many during a busy day in which he traveled around the harbor, visiting with Sailors and Marines and conducting meetings with local military leadership. "Hawaii is one of the most important places in the Pacific in...

<p>SAN DIEGO (AP) -- Seven heavily armed warships departing from here Friday combine troops, ships and weaponry in a new-look Navy and Marine Corps strike force that military officers say will be more powerful and versatile than traditional arrangements.</p> <p>The Expeditionary Strike Group One is the first of its kind and is being called a part of the military's larger effort to emphasize flexibility along with intimidating firepower and cooperation between various branches. Similar groups are planned for both Pacific and Atlantic fleets.</p>