4,500 miles from home, sailors of HMS Lancaster celebrate Father’s Day 2.5 weeks into her 6 month deployment to the North Atlantic and Caribbean. With many sailors missing their fathers at home, it was the turn for the fathers on board to open their cards.
One of the Royal Navy’s Type 23 frigates HMS Lancaster is currently in Key West, Florida on her second visit of her 6 month deployment.
As well as providing reassurance and security for British overseas territories Lancaster’s deployment will also see her undertake a range of other tasks across the Caribbean in support of British interests.
These include the provision of humanitarian aid and disaster relief during the core hurricane season and counter narcotic operations with partner nations.
HMS Lancaster’s Commanding Officer, Commander Steve Moorhouse, said:

“Although away from home, working hard and undertaking a job we all love, Royal Navy personnel across the globe are always acutely aware of the family they have left behind.
“Whether a father, son or daughter, Father’s Day reminds us of home and I know I speak for everyone on board HMS Lancaster when I assure our loved ones that we are thinking of them and thank them for their continued love and support.”

Press Release, June 18, 2013; Image: Royal Navy

Forward-deployed Whidbey Island-class dock landing ship USS Germantown (LSD 42), sailing as part of the Bonhomme Richard Amphibious Ready Group (ARG), departed June 17 for a patrol in the 7th Fleet Area of Responsibility (AOR).
Germantown will embark the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU), forward deployed in Okinawa, Japan, before it plans to take part in a comprehensive, complex training evolution that combines the Navy and Marine Corps maritime and sea-to-shore capabilities, and work with partners and allies in the Indo-Asia-Pacific region to improve combat readiness and interoperability.
In addition to the Navy and Marine Corps exercises, the crew will have the opportunity to work with the local port communities by way of community service programs.

“One of my favorite aspects of any cruise is working with the local population when we port,” said Lt. Robert Hecox, the ship’s Chaplain. “It’s really rewarding to see all the good we can do when we work together.”

While the patrol will serve as the first underway for a variety of new Sailors, it offers the opportunity for veteran Sailors to gain extra qualifications (quals) or even take college courses.

“There are some quals I want to get,” said Hospital Corpsman Seaman Andrew Carpio. “There’s also a sociology class that they’re offering on board, I’m excited to be able to take that.”

Germantown is the second of three ships from the ARG to get underway. USS Bonhomme Richard (LHD 6) departed June 14 and USS Denver (LPD 9) will depart at a later date.
Bonhomme Richard ARG is currently operating in the 7th Fleet AOR and reports to the Commander, Amphibious Force 7th Fleet, Rear Adm. Jeffrey A. Harley, headquartered in White Beach, Okinawa, Japan.

Press Release, June 18, 2013; Image: Wikimedia

Exercise SEA LION 2013 got underway on June 10 as HMAS Choules slipped out to sea with a complement of more than 400 Army and Navy personnel onboard, and various pieces of equipment firmly secured on the vehicle deck.
EX SEA LION 13, which is the first major joint amphibious exercise for the year, is being conducted between Townsville and the Cowley Beach Training Area, and is part of the ADF’s enhanced amphibious capability development.
Commander of the Australian Amphibious Task Group Captain Ray Leggatt said the experience gained by personnel in Exercise SEA LION would prove invaluable in developing the skills necessary for the complex and demanding amphibious environment.

“This exercise will hone our amphibious procedures and systems as we head towards a comprehensive expeditionary capability which will be based around the 27,000 ton LHDs,” he said.
“To achieve this, it is important that Navy and Army can work well together to achieve any task that is given to an amphibious force; and this is were Exercise SEA LION 2013 comes in.”
The exercise also gave members of Navy’s 808 Squadron the chance to hone their skills behind the controls of the new MRH90 helicopter.

The MRH90 is a multi use aircraft that replaced Navy’s Sea King helicopters, and is set to take the place of the Army’s Black Hawk helicopters.
Navy pilot LCDR Steve Brown said Navy will mainly use the MRH90 to conduct maritime support for ships, including boarding party support, medical evacuations and search and rescue operations.

“The MRH90 is a very versatile aircraft that allows the crew to carry out a number of tasks that may be assigned to them,” he said.
“This exercise gives members of 808 Squadron the chance to conduct individual and collective training with the MRH90 in a realistic environment.”

The dual service use of the MRH90 is another indication of how Navy and Army can work together in an amphibious environment.
Exercise SEA LION 2013, which forms Block Two of a three-block amphibious serial, runs until June 28 2013, and is followed by Exercise TALISMAN SABRE 2013.
As well as HMAS Choules, HMA Ships Tarakan and Labuan are also participating in Exercise SEA LION 13.

Press Release, June 17, 2013; Image: Australian Navy