USS Cleveland Returns From Deployment

Navy NewsStand ^ | Feb 22, 2006 | Journalist 1st Class Paul Cage

[SandRat]

SAN DIEGO (NNS) -- The amphibious transport dock USS Cleveland (LPD 7) returned to San Diego Feb. 20, after completing a seven-month deployment in support of the global war on terrorism.

Cleveland, along with the rest of Expeditionary Strike Group (ESG) 1, conducted Maritime Security Operations, participated in Exercise Bright Star in Egypt, and served as an afloat staging base in the North Persian Gulf, training with the Iraqi Navy and protecting Iraqi oil terminals.

“Cleveland was a major contributor in the coalition effort for anti-piracy operations,” said Lt. Cmdr. Mike Dickson, Cleveland's commanding officer. “During these operations, visit, board, search, and seizure teams boarded multiple vessels, contributing invaluable information in the multinational hunt for pirates.”

In October, Cleveland transported several tons of heavy equipment, food, tents, and other relief supplies from international relief organizations to the government of Pakistan after an earthquake in the country’s Kashmir region killed more than 80,000 people.

“It was extremely rewarding for the crew to have an opportunity to lend a helping hand,” said Dickson. “We all watched and read the news on how bad the situation was. When the crew found out they were to be a part of the relief effort, they were thrilled to know they were going to aid the Pakistani people.”

Cleveland Sailors and their families are also proud of the humanitarian assistance they provided.

“It feels really good to know that I helped in a small way to save lives over there,” said Storekeeper 3rd Class Reynold Dorman, who returned home to his wife and their 9-month old daughter.

ESG 1 was comprised of the general-purpose amphibious assault ship USS Tarawa (LHA 1), Cleveland, and the dock landing ship USS Pearl Harbor (LSD 52), along with the embarked Marines of the 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit.

[SandRat]

Pearl Harbor, Hawaii (Feb. 10, 2006) - The amphibious transport dock ship USS Cleveland (LPD 7) prepares to moor at Pearl Harbor for a brief port visit on its return from a seven-month deployment in support of the global war on terrorism. Cleveland is part of Expeditionary Strike Group One (ESG-1) deployed to support Operation Iraqi Freedom (OIF), humanitarian operations in Pakistan and the Philippines as well as maritime security operations in the Persian Gulf. U.S. Navy photo by Journalist 2nd Class Ryan C. McGinley (RELEASED)

[SandRat]

WOO-HOO!!!!

[MilesVeritatis]

Awesome ship and sailors!

Cleveland, however, is not invincible. Cleveland still can't beat the WORLD CHAMPION PITTSBURGH STEELERS!!!!! <-- that's five exclamation points. (I'm still celebrating.)

[sneakers]

Now that's a beautiful ship!

God bless our sailors and welcome home!

Go Navy!

[BenLurkin]

Bump!

[E.G.C.]

BTTT