Expeditionary Strike Group 5 Assumes Command of Amphibious Forces in 5th Fleet

Photo By Petty Officer 1st Class Keith Simmons | Rear Adm. Sinclair Harris gives his remarks during an assumption of command ceremony for the newly-established Expeditionary Strike Group 5, held today aboard the guided-missile destroyer USS Benfold. The strike group will serve as Commander, Task Force 51 in support of U.S. 5th Fleet and is responsible for all amphibious forces deployed to the region.  

MANAMA, BAHRAIN

11.09.2009

Courtesy Story

U.S. Naval Forces Central Command / U.S. 5th Fleet           

MANAMA, Bahrain - Rear Adm. Sinclair Harris assumed command of the newly-established Expeditionary Strike Group 5 during an assumption of command ceremony today aboard the guided-missile destroyer USS Benfold.

ESG 5 will assume command and relieve ESG 2, commanded by Rear Adm. Michelle Howard.

The strike group will serve as Commander, Task Force 51 and 59 in the U.S. 5th Fleet area of responsibility, responsible for all amphibious forces deployed to the region.

Harris promised those in attendance he will continue to provide them with the same leadership that helped ESG 2 succeed.

"I promise you that the great strides in the partnership building that has been put in place under the tremendous leadership of Admiral Howard will be built upon," he said. "Fifth Fleet is as challenging of an area of operations as any for the U.S. Navy and this goes double for expeditionary forces."

ESG 2 spent one year forward-deployed to Bahrain conducting intensive planning and exercises while leading CTF 51 and 59, as well as CTF 151, an international maritime coalition that conducts counter-piracy operations off the coast of Somalia.

During the ceremony, Howard took a few moments to praise the Sailors of ESG 2 for their commitment and hard work.

"It's important to remember the many accomplishments we've had as a blue-green Navy-Marine Corps team and the strides we've made toward making this region and the world as a whole a better and safer place through the efforts of all of our Sailors and Marines," she said. "From the deck plates to the front offices, from the most junior Sailor and Marine to the most senior, everyone plays a role and everyone performs a critical mission."

Vice Adm. Bill Gortney, commander, U.S. Naval Forces Central Command said Howard has done a tremendous job commanding ESG 2.

"She is an exemplary motivator and a true deck-plate leader. She isn't afraid to get her hands dirty no matter the mission," he said. "Through her leadership, she inspires all she comes in contact with and encourages people to excel in all they do. She is the definition of a good leader."

The 48 service men and women of ESG 2 will complete their regularly scheduled, one-year deployment to Naval Support Activity Bahrain and return to their homeport of Naval Amphibious Base Little Creek, Norfolk, Va., by January 2010.

Task Force 51 is responsible for the planning and execution of contingency response missions in the 5th Fleet Area of Operations. Task Force 59 plans and conducts maritime humanitarian aid and disaster relief operations. CTF 151 is a multinational task force conducting counter-piracy operations in and around the Gulf of Aden, Arabian Sea, Indian Ocean and Red Sea.

For further questions, please contact U.S. Naval Forces Central Command Public Affairs Office 011-973-1785-4027 or [e-mail]

• Date Taken: 11.09.2009
• Date Posted: 11.09.2009 01:44
• Story ID: 41282
• Location: MANAMA, BH