Showing posts with label AMPHIBIOUS TRANSPORT DOCK SHIP. Show all posts
Showing posts with label AMPHIBIOUS TRANSPORT DOCK SHIP. Show all posts

Sunday, July 8, 2012

MINE COUNTERMEASURE SHIP USS PONCE TRANSITS THE ARABIAN GULF





FROM:  U.S. NAVY
120704-N-WB378-249 ARABIAN GULF (July 4, 2012) Afloat Forward Staging Base (Interim) USS Ponce (AFSB-I) transits the Arabian Gulf. Ponce is deployed to support maritime security operations and mine countermeasure efforts in the U.S. 5th Fleet area of responsibility. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Blake Midnight/Released)
Ponce Arrives In Bahrain 
From U.S. Naval Forces Central Command Public Affairs
MINA SALMAN PIER, Bahrain (NNS) -- The U.S. Navy's first afloat forward staging base-interim, USS Ponce (AFSB-I), arrived in Bahrain for duty in the U.S. 5th Fleet area of responsibility (AOR), July 6.

Prior to arriving in theater, Ponce, formerly designated as an amphibious transport dock (LPD), was converted and reclassified as an AFSB(I) in April to fulfill a long-standing U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) request for an AFSB to be located in its AOR.

"Ponce's role as an AFSB provides us with an enhanced capability to conduct maritime security operations, and gives us greater flexibility to support a wide range of contingencies with our regional partners," said Vice Adm. John Miller, commander, U.S. Naval Forces Central Command (NAVCENT).

Ponce's primary mission is to support mine countermeasures (MCM) operations and other missions, such as the ability to provide repair service to other deployed units, including electrical, diesel engine, piping, and machinery repairs. Additionally, Ponce also has the capability to embark and launch small riverine craft.

Commanded by a U.S. Navy captain, Ponce will remain a U.S. Navy ship. The newly classed AFSB will be manned by a "hybrid" crew consisting of approximately 150 Military Sealift Command (MSC) civilian mariners and 55 U.S. Navy Sailors. Sailors will be primarily responsible for the ship operations. MSC personnel will man the engineering, deck and damage control departments.

"The versatility of Ponce, combined with the teamwork of its 'hybrid' crew, brings a unique capability to the region." said Capt. Jon Rodgers, commanding officer of Ponce. "As the first dedicated afloat forward staging base, we look forward to working closely with our coalition and regional partners to promote security and stability."

Ponce departed its homeport of Norfolk, Va., June 1. Previously scheduled to decommission, Ponce delayed its scheduled decommissioning to serve as an interim AFSB until a permanent solution can be identified.



Sunday, May 20, 2012

THE NEW AMPHIBIOUS TRANSPORT DOCK SHIP USS SAN DIEGO COMMISSIONING CEREMONY




FROM:  U.S. NAVY
Sailors and Marines man the rails of the newest San Antonio-class amphibious transport dock ship USS San Diego (LPD 22) during the commissioning ceremony. San Diego will provide improved war-fighting capabilities including an advanced command and control suite, increased lift capability, increased vehicle and cargo carrying capacity and advanced ship survivability features. San Diego will be home ported in its namesake city as a part of the U.S. 3rd Fleet. U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Shawnte Bryan (Released) 120519-N-YQ852-152

Friday, May 11, 2012

AT WORK ON THE AMPHIBIOUS TRANSPORT SHIP USS NEW YORK



The amphibious transport dock ship USS New York (LPD 21) performs simultaneous well deck and flight deck operations. New York is part of the Iwo Jima Amphibious Ready Group and has embarked elements of the 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit (24th MEU) and is deployed supporting maritime security operations and theater security cooperation efforts in the U.S. 6th Fleet area of responsibility. U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Ian Carver (Released) 120507-N-XK513-008

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