Politics & Government

USS Bonhomme Richard Leaves Area for Japan

Meanwhile, the USS Essex will come to San Diego.

The amphibious assault ship USS Bonhomme Richard will depart San Diego early Tuesday morning for its new home base of Sasebo, Japan.

En route, the crew is scheduled to switch places with the USS Essex, a sister ship in which the sailors will return to Naval Station San Diego. The switch-out is called a "hull swap."

The Essex has been assigned to Japan since 2000.

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The Bonhomme Richard has been based in San Diego since its commissioning in 1998, according to Lt. Beth Teach of Expeditionary Strike Group Three. Its commanding officer, Capt. Charles Litchfield, said his vessel has just completed one year of maintenance and equipment upgrades.

The Essex will undergo similar work after it arrives in San Diego, he said.

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– City News Service


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