The Bonhomme Richard Expeditionary Strike Group, with the 31st Marine Expeditionary Group, departed Okinawa for a patrol of the Asia-Pacific Wednesday.

Bonhomme Richard's group departed its home port of Sasebo, Japan, in late February and embarked the 31st MEU in Okinawa. The group is all set for training and certifications exercises and exercises with partner forces, according to a Navy release.

"It's good to have the Marines of the 31st MEU back aboard," said Capt. Jeffrey Ward, Bonhomme Richard's commanding officer. "Now that we have the LCACs (landing craft air cushion) in the well deck, the aircraft on the flight deck, and the Marines embarked, it feels like we have the whole team back together. I'm really looking forward to seeing the great things our Sailors and Marines will accomplish during this underway."

Also patrolling the Asia-Pacific is the Guam-based fast-attack submarine Oklahoma City, which pulled into the Royal Australian Navy's base in Stirling, near Perth in Western Australia.

The Oklahoma City is conducting sub exercises with the Aussies, the release said.

About David B. Larter

David B. Larter was the naval warfare reporter for Defense News.

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