Photo By Petty Officer 2nd Class Darcy Mcatee | 210908-N-YP246-1395 GULF OF THAILAND (Sept. 8, 2021) Sailors man the bridge aboard the...... read more read more
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SASEBO, Japan (Oct. 23) – The forward-deployed amphibious transport dock ship USS Green Bay (LPD 20) continues operations this fall in support of a free and open Indo-Pacific.
In recent months, Green Bay supported U.S. 7th Fleet tasking in the region including operations in the South China Sea, fisheries presence operations, naval integration and ship-to-shore operations with units from the 3rd Marine Expeditionary Force, and participation in the at-sea portion of Cooperation Readiness Afloat Training alongside the Royal Thai Navy.
“Protecting the rights, freedoms, and lawful uses of the sea and airspace guaranteed to all countries while setting a precedent that other ships may follow is our goal,” said Capt. James T. Robinson, Green Bay’s commanding officer. “We’re out here to safeguard security and stability in support of international maritime rules based order and ensure prosperity for all nations.”
Sailors aboard Green Bay conduct maintenance daily on the ships’ systems, from stern to bow, bilge to mast, to preserve operational capabilities and sustainability while underway. Whether a Sailor is an Engineman or a Food Service Attendant (FSA), they each take part in supporting the crew, the ship, and therefore the mission.
“No job is minimal on board, each rate or designator plays a role in readiness at sea,” said Lt. j.g. Erick Lozano. “Everyone plays a role, our operational specialist ensure our maritime picture remains up to date in combat and provide guidance to our topside watchstanders, while our supply department makes sure the crew has enough fuel and stores to remain at sea; it’s all about supporting the mission and we all have a responsibility to do that.”
Part of maintaining that whole is ensuring junior Sailors are getting properly trained and qualified, and on an amphibious platform there is plenty of opportunity to diversify their abilities and refine their maritime skills.
“I’m excited to be able to perform different aspects and roles of being a Sailor,” said Seaman Kyle Crowley, who is qualified as Helmsman on the ship. “Knowing that I have a hand in steering the ship, getting us to where we need to go, is an awesome feeling.”
Robinson shares the optimistic sentiments of his crew, recognizing the benefits of being underway and the importance of maintaining an operational presence to support economic stability.
“Just over the past few months the ship has become 90 percent Enlisted Surface Warfare Specialist qualified, and five junior officers have earned their Surface Warfare designator, which is an incredible feat,” said Robinson. “The hard work the crew invested during maintenance and basic phase led to our current operational readiness to execute any mission necessary.”
Green Bay, part of Amphibious Squadron 11, is operating in the U.S. 7th Fleet area of responsibility to enhance interoperability with allies and partners and serve as a ready response force to defend peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific region.
| Date Taken: | 10.23.2021 |
| Date Posted: | 10.28.2021 02:09 |
| Story ID: | 408175 |
| Location: | SASEBO, JP |
| Web Views: | 544 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
This work, USS Green Bay (LPD 20) conducts operations in South China Sea, throughout Indo-Pacific, by PO2 Darcy Mcatee, identified by DVIDS, must comply with the restrictions shown on https://www.dvidshub.net/about/copyright.
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