USS BATAAN LHD 5 |
The Bataan (LHD 5) is the U.S. Navy's first amphibious assault ship designed and built from the keel up with accommodations for female sailors. This "Women at Sea" modification provides it with living areas for nearly 450 female officers, chiefs, enlisted personnel and embarked troops. Overall, the ship has living areas for nearly 3,200 crew members and troops. USS Bataan was commissioned September 20, 1997. July 10, 1998 Capt. David C. Taylor relieved Capt. Craig W. Wilson as commanding officer of the Bataan. USS Bataan Amphibious Ready Group left homeport of Norfolk, Va., on September 15, 1999, on a six-month deployment a few days earlier in order to evade Hurricanes Floyd and Gert. After spending some time in the Atlantic Ocean doing hurricane evasion, the amphibious assault ship picked up the 22nd MEU at Onslow Bay off the coast of North Carolina. ARG ships, including USS Whidbey Island and USS Shreveport proceeded early to relieve the USS Kearsarge ARG in the Mediterranean Sea operational area. Throughout the deployment, three ships served as the Strategic Reserve Force for the Balkans and supported regional security through presence operations in the Adriatic Sea. February 21, 2000 The Bataan pulled into Valletta, Malta, for a liberty port visit. March 15, USS Bataan returned to Naval Station Norfolk after a six-month Mediterranean deployment. From April 27 through May 11, 2001, the Bataan ARG participated in PHIBRON/MEU Integration Training (PMINT). June 29, Capt. Martin R. Allard relieved Capt. John B. Strott as CO of the Bataan during a change-of-command ceremony aboard the ship in Norfolk. From July 10-20, USS Bataan ARG conducted Marine Expeditionary Unit Exercise (MEUEX). A Marine, from the 26th MEU, jumped overboard on July 17. He was recovered by the ship and MEDEVAC to a shore side hospital where pronounced dead a few days later. From July 30 through Aug. 20, the Amphibious Ready Group participated in Joint Forces Exercise (JTFEX), Supporting Arms Coordination Exercise (SACEX) and Special Operations Capability Exercise (SOCEX). September 11, In response to emergency sortie orders following the terrorist attack on New York and Washington, D.C., the Bataan recalled her crew and was underway 11 hours after receipt of the sortie orders with 80 percent of her crew and ready to participate in Operation Noble Eagle. Returned to homeport on Sept. 15. September 20, USS Bataan departed Naval Station Norfolk for a scheduled six-month deployment. After transiting Suez Canal Nov. 14, USS Bataan arrived on station in the North Arabian Sea, launched combat sorties into Afghanistan, in support of OEF, and sent troops to Kandahar in support of Combined Task Force 58. April 20, 2002 USS Bataan returned to homeport after a seven-month deployment in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. October 8, The Bataan completed the four-month Planned Maintenance Availability (PMA) at Norfolk Naval Shipyard (NNSY) in Portsmouth, Va. November 28, Capt. Earle S. Yerger relieved Capt. Martin R. Allard as CO of the LHD 5 during a change-of-command ceremony on board the ship at Naval Station Norfolk. January 12, 2003 USS Bataan deployed with Amphibious Task Force-East (ATF-E), with embarked North Carolina 2nd MEB, in support of Operation Enduring Freedom and Global War on Terrorism; Transited the Suez Canal southbound on Feb. 4. February 20, The Bataan offloaded Marines, their equipment and ammunition while anchored off Kuwait Naval Base, Feb. 16-20. From Feb. 3 through March 10 the ship supported Operation Enduring Freedom and from March 10-19, Operation Enduring Force. During Operation Iraqi Freedom, from March 20 through May 31, USS Bataan embarked 24 AV-8B aircraft from VMA-223 and VMA-542 plus two additional from USS Boxer (LHD 4), for a total of 26 AV-8Bs aircraft, making it the largest operational "Harrier Carrier" LHD. USS Bataan launched 797 combat sorties in Irak and Afghanistan and expended 122 tons of ammunition. June 6, The amphibious assault ship pulled into Lisbon, Portugal, for a six-day port visit. June 25, USS Bataan returned to Naval Station Norfolk after five-and-a-half month combat deployment. September 16, The amphibious assault ship departed Norfolk before hurricane "Isabel" arived. More than 40 ships left the Naval Station Norfolk to avoid any potential damage from high winds and seas generated by the hurricane. January 19, 2004 USS Bataan departed homeport for a surge deployment to the Central Command (CENTCOM) Area of Responsibility (AoR) in support of the Operation Iraqi Freedom 2 (OIF 2) force rotation. LHD 5 embarked a mixed complement of 39 USMC rotary aircraft plus two MH-60S SAR aircraft from HC-6. USS Bataan offloaded Marines, their equipment and ammunition into Kuwait from Feb. 20-22 for their scheduled seven-month tour of duty in Iraq in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. The Marines from 2nd Marine Expeditionary Force, headquartered at Camp Lejeune, N.C., are part of a 25,000 member air-and-ground task force that is contributing to the largest rotation of U.S. forces since World War II to help stabilize Iraq. The major II MEF units that offloaded from Bataan included 2nd Battalion, 2nd Marine Regiment and 8th Communications Battalion from Camp Lejeune and Marine Medium Helicopter Squadron (HMM) 261 and Marine Light Attack Helicopter Squadron (HMLA) 167 from Marine Corps Air Station, New River, N.C. February 22, Capt. Nora W. Tyson relieved Capt. Earle S. Yerger as CO of the Bataan. March 31, USS Bataan returned to homeport after a 72-day deployment. The ship also visited Valletta, Malta, from March 8-11, and Rota, Spain, from March 16-19. October 27, The Bataan departed for a two-day sea trials after five-and-a-half month Drydocking Phased Maintenance Availability (DPMA) at Norfolk Naval Shipyard. January 27, 2005 USS Bataan along with USS Trenton responde to assist in rescuing the eight members from a MH-53E, of the HM-14, that went down during a routine training mission in the Atlantic Ocean Jan. 25 approximately 28 miles off the coast of Virginia at 3 p.m. All eight have been rescued and are being transported by two MH-60S Knighthawk helicopters to Portsmouth Naval Medical Center. Their conditions are unknown. The U.S. Coast Guard also supported the rescue with two C-130 Hercules and one HH-60 Jayhawk by providing initial on scene rescue coordination. April 11, LHD 5 completed Final Evaluation Period (FEP) earlier than scheduled while underway off the coast of Virginia, from March 28 through April 1. Along with FEP, the amphibious assault ship had to complete the Command Assessment of Readiness and Training (CART II), Tailored Ship's Training Availability (TSTA I/II/III), and Specialty Training in order to complete the Basic Phase. April 25, USS Bataan arrived at Port Everglades, Fla., to kick-off "Fleet Week" 2005. May 1, The Bataan departed the South Florida region steaming back toward its homeport of Norfolk and will soon go back to sea for flight operations later this month. May 10, The amphibious assault ship is currently in the Atlantic Ocean conducting routine trainings. June 9, LHD 5 is currently at sea conducting operational testing of the Osprey tilt-rotor aircraft. July 3, USS Bataan is currently in Boston port to take part in Boston's annual Harborfest festivities. July 26, The Bataan is currently in Ingleside, Texas, loadind equipment in preparation for the exercise PANAMAX, a joint exercise between Panama, the U.S. and sixteen other countries on simulated terrorist threats to the Panama Canal. August 18, USS Bataan served as the flagship for PANAMAX 2005 while underway in the Caribbean Sea, in the U.S. Southern Command (SOUTHCOM) area of responsibility (AOR) August 4-16. As part of PANAMAX, she worked with HM-14 and HM-15 to conduct Mk 105 Minesweeping Sled mine warfare operations. The Mk 105 is a helicopter-towed, hydrofoil-mounted Airborne Mine Countermeasures (AMCM) System designed to provide a reliable and safe method of detonating magnetic influence mines. August 25, The amphibious assault ship departed the south-western Caribbean after wrapping up a successful liberty port visit in Curacao, Netherlands Antilles, from August 19-21. Curacao is the first foreign port call it has had since visited Rota, Spain, after it's participation in Operation Iraqi Freedom. August 31, USS Bataan is currently operating in the Gulf of Mexico approximately 100 miles South of New Orleans. The ship’s involvement in the humanitarian assistance operations is an effort led by the Department of Defense in conjunction with the Federal Emergency Management Agency. She has been tasked to be the Maritime Disaster Relief Coordinator for the Navy’s role in the relief efforts after Hurricane Katrina hit the Southern Gulf Coast States. September 5, LHD 5 completed its seventh day of Hurricane Katrina humanitarian relief efforts in the storm-ravaged Gulf Coast region. Four MH-53E Sea Dragon helicopters from Helicopter Mine Countermeasures Squadron (HM) 15, based out of Corpus Christi, Texas, five MH-60 Seahawks from Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron (HSC) 28, based out of Norfolk, Va., and Bataan’s air department have conducted flight operations almost around the clock to assist in Hurricane Katrina relief efforts. To date, the two squadrons have transported 1,613 displaced people and delivered more than 100,000 pounds of cargo. The amphibious assault ship also provided 8,000 gallons of fresh drinking water to the ravished Gulfport, Miss., area. September 20, LHD 5 will depart Mayport, Fla., today or Sept. 21 after resupplying and embarking four MH-60 Black Hawk and two MH-53 Pave Low helicopters, with the intent of following behind aproching Hurricane Rita. The hurricane near the Florida Keys strengthened to Category 2 today and is forecast to strengthen further as it moves westward into the warm waters of the Gulf of Mexico. Capt. David C. Hulse relieved Capt. Nora W. Tyson as commanding officer of USS Bataan during the ship’s change of command ceremony while pierside in Mayport Naval Station on Sept. 20. September 23, USS Bataan returned to Naval Station Norfolk after a 66-day underway period in support of exercise Fuerzas Aliadas (PANAMAX 2005) and 19 days in support of Joint Task Force Katrina search, rescue and relief efforts in the New Orleans and Gulfport and Biloxi, Miss., areas. January 13, 2006 The amphibious assault ship is currently underway off the Atlantic coast conducting damage control, engineering and combat systems exercises. February 10, The Bataan is currently working with the 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment (SOAR), stationed at Fort Campbell, Ky., to complete over water qualifications. It is on a regularly scheduled underway training and certification period in the Atlantic Ocean, in preparation for the upcoming deployment later this year. February 23, LHD 5 is off the coast of Onslow Beach conducting invasion exercises as part of the well deck certification. March 16, USS Bataan is currently underway in the Atlantic Ocean, preparing for an upcoming deployment. May 17, The Norfolk-based amphibious assault ship departed its homeport for the Dutch led Joint-Caribe Lion 2006 (J-CL06) exercise. Three U.S. Navy ships, including USS Taylor (FFG 50) and USS Fort McHenry (LSD 43), with nearly 2,000 Sailors will join France, Italy, Netherlands, Spain, United Kingdom, and Venezuela in the Caribbean Sea from mid-May to early June. June 6, The Bataan is currently off the coast of Curacao, Netherlands Antilles. June 14, USS Bataan pulled into Charlotte Amalie, St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands, for a liberty port call. The port visit is the first stop for ship since completing the Dutch-led exercise Joint-Caribe Lion 2006 (JCL 06). June 23, USS Bataan returned to its homeport after spending more than five weeks underway in support of the Dutch-led exercise, "Joint Caribbean Lion 2006." Before returning to homeport, the crew welcomed aboard family and friends during a Tiger Cruise which originated in Mayport, Fla., and a Family Day Cruise off the coast of Virginia. Bataan embarked more than 600 friends and family members, in addition to nearly 150 friends and family members the ship picked up in Mayport, June 20. July 14, Former Commander of Naval Surface Forces, U.S. Atlantic Fleet, Rear Adm. Michael P. Nowakowski, relieved Rear Adm. Curtis A. Kemp, as President of Board of Inspection and Survey, during a change-of-command ceremony held aboard the Bataan in Norfolk, Virginia. August 15, LHD 5 departed Naval Station Norfolk to conduct an Expeditionary Strike Group Integration (ESGINT) with USS Shreveport, USS Oak Hill, embarked elements of Amphibious Squadron (PHIBRON) Two and 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) in preparation for an upcoming regularly scheduled deployment. October 11, The amphibious assault ship is currently underway in the Atlantic Ocean conducting training in preparation for an upcoming deployment. October 27, USS Bataan Expeditionary Strike Group is currently underway conducting Composite Training Unit Exercise. ESG is comprised of embarked elements of Amphibious Squadron 2, the 26th MEU, USS Shreveport (LPD 12), USS Oak Hill (LSD 51), USS Underwood (FFG 36), USS Nitze (DDG 94), USS Vella Gulf (CG 72), and USS Scranton (SSN 756). Joining the LHD 5 ESG for COMPTUEX is the French ship, FS Degrasse (D612), providing invaluable coalition training, along with USS Hawes (FFG 53), USS Ashland (LSD 48) and USS Kaufman (FFG 59), who are deploying separately. November 30, The Bataan is currently underway for Certification Exercise (CERTEX) with the 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU). December 5, USS Bataan completed an ammunition transfer with the amphibious assault ships USS Kearsarge (LHD 3) and USS Iwo Jima (LHD 7) during a routine underway off the coast of Virginia on Dec. 2. January 4, 2007 USS Bataan ESG-2 departed Norfolk for a six-month deployment in support of the global war on terrorism. January 23, USS Bataan recently departed Palermo, Sicily, after a scheduled port visit; Transited the Suez Canal on Jan. 30. February 21, The amphibious assault ship is currently underway in the Arabian Sea conducting Maritime Security Operations (MSO). March 5, Six U.S. service members were safely rescued and evacuated to USS Bataan after their UH-1N Huey helicopter crashed near Manda Bay, Kenya, during a scheduled training exercise with Kenyan armed forces. The aircraft, from Marine Medium Helicopter Squadron (HMM) 264 (Reinforced), was participating in exercise Edged Mallet, a bilateral military training exercise with the Kenyan military. March 22, Capt. Richard P. Snyder relieved Capt. David Hulse as CO of USS Bataan, during a change of command ceremony held aboard the ship, in Jebel Ali, United Arab Emirates. April 25, The 26th MEU completed the off-load of personnel and equipment from the ships of the LHD 5 Expeditionary Strike Group into Kuwait on April 22 to begin two weeks of sustainment training at the Udairi Range complex. The Bataan is currently underway in the Arabian Gulf conducting Maritime Security Operations. June 1, USS Bataan ESG departed the U.S. Naval Forces Central Command/U.S. 5th Fleet area of operations (AOO), after transiting the Suez Canal. June 20, LHD 5 departed Rota, Spain, after a scheduled port visit. July 3, USS Bataan returned to Norfolk after a six-month deployment. August 14, The amphibious assault ship conducted ammunition offload Aug. 6-10, at Naval Weapons Station Earle, N.J. September 5, USS Bataan pulled to NNSY for a nine-month dry-dock phased maintenance availability. February 15, 2008 USS Bataan moved out of dry dock to her new berth at Norfolk Naval Shipyard Feb. 7 as part of her depot planned maintenance availability (DPMA) period. May 5, LHD 5 departed NNSY after an eight-month DPMA. Some major jobs completed aboard the Bataan were completion of a seawater compensated fuel system modification and upgrades to support the newest vertical/short take off and landing Marine Corps aircraft, the MV-22 Osprey. The main machinery rooms also received repairs and upgrades. The ship had four fuel oil manifolds removed; many fuel tanks were combined into four groups and are now compensated with sea water. June 5, The amphibious assault ship is currently in the Atlantic Ocean conducting flight deck certification. July 1, USS Bataan pulled to Boston, Mass., to celebrate the 4th of July and the 27th annual Harborfest. July 31, LHD 5 returned to homeport after a 10-day underway period to provide support for the Joint Task Force Exercise (JTFEX) 08-4 "Operation Brimstone," in preparation for the upcoming deployments of USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71) CSG and USS Iwo Jima (LHD 7) ESG. September 2, USS Bataan departed Naval Station Norfolk to participate in Hurricane Exercise 08-002. HURREX is a Commander, U.S. Second Fleet directed exercise designed to test the ship's ability to respond to humanitarian assistance and disaster relief needs during the 2008 hurricane season. September 11, The amphibious assault ship returned home after completing a four-day HURREX exercise and landing qualifications for VMA-542 and VMM-263 pilots. September 18, Capt. Samuel C. Howard relieved Capt. Richard P. Snyder as the 9th CO of USS Bataan during a change-of-command ceremony at Naval Station Norfolk's Pier 12. November 12, The Bataan departed New York City after completing a seven-day port visit, celebrating Veterans Day and supporting the reopening and re-christening of the Intrepid Sea, Air and Space Museum. November 23, LHD 5 returned to Naval Station Norfolk after completing a four-week Expeditionary Strike Group Integration (ESGINT) exercise with the 22nd MEU. February 3, 2009 USS Bataan ESG and embarked Marines from the 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit departed Norfolk to participate in a Composite Training Unit Exercise off the coast of Virginia and North Carolina. Also participating in COMPTUEX are the French ships Tonnerre (L 9014) and La Motte-Picquet (D 645); USNS Kanawha (T-AO 196), USS Carr (FFG 52), USS Simpson (FFG 56), USS Boise (SSN 764), USS Cole (DDG 67), USS Bulkeley (DDG 84), USS Hawes (FFG 53), USS Kauffman (FFG 59), USS Doyle (FFG 39), USS Carney (DDG 64), USS Nicholas (FFG 47). March 10, Elements of the Bataan Amphibious Readiness Group and the 22nd MEU, are currently off the Atlantic Coast for a Certification Exercise (CERTEX), the third and final certification before their deployment later this spring. May 5, USS Bataan departed for a one-day Friends and Family Day Cruise. May 13, USS Bataan Amphibious Ready Group (ARG) departed Norfolk for a scheduled Middle East deployment. May 30, The amphibious assault ship departed Palma de Mallorca, Spain, after a three-day port visit. June 20, LHD 5 transited the Suez Canal to conduct maritime security operations in the U.S. 5th Fleet AoR. The Bataan recently departed Souda Bay, Greece, after a routine port call. September 7, The Bataan recently pulled to Manama, Bahrain, for a routine pot visit after completing the mine countermeasure exercise with the U.S. and Royal Navy ships. September 29, USS Bataan recently departed Jebel Ali, United Arab Emirates, after a scheduled port call. October 7, The Bataan ARG entered the Mediterranean Sea after transiting the Suez Canal. October 14, The three ships are currently participating in a joint training exercise Bright Star 2009, off the coast of Egypt, from Oct. 10-20. October 22, Capt. Paul L. McElroy III relieved Capt. Jack L. Sotherland as Commander, Amphibious Squadron (PHIBRON) 2, during a change-of-command ceremony aboard the Bataan, while in port of Aqaba, Jordan. November 6, Ten MV-22B, from Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron (VMM) 263 (Reinforced), were launched in three waves from USS Bataan, off the coast of Pakistan, for a flight to Camp Bastion where they will be transferred to VMM-261 and used to support the 2nd Marine Expeditionary Brigade. This is the first time the Ospreys will be used in Afghanistan. November 16, The Bataan arrived in Izmir, Turkey, for a three-day port visit. December 8, USS Bataan returned to homeport after a seven-month deployment. January 14, 2010 USS Bataan departed Norfolk Naval Station to conduct humanitarian relief exercises in preparation for Haiti relief efforts after a magnitude-7.0 quake devastated the impoverished nation Tuesday afternoon. The amphibious assault ship will be joined by USS Fort McHenry (LSD 43), USS Carter Hall (LSD 50) and the 22nd MEU. January 18, The Bataan Amphibious Ready Group arrived off the coast of Port-au-Prince in support of Operation Unified Response. February 1, Detachments from the HSC-9, HSC-26 and HM-14 embarked USS Bataan after spending more than two weeks operating from USS Carl Vinson (CVN 70). February 19, Capt. Steve Koehler relieved Capt. Samuel C. Howard as CO of the Bataan during a change-of-command ceremony om the ship's flight deck. March 25, LHD 5 anchored off the coast of Naval Station Guantanamo Bay for an environmental wash down on the ship's equipment; Offload at Morehead City, N.C., on April 1. April 3, USS Bataan returned to Norfolk after two-and-a-half month underway period in support of OUR. April 12, The amphibious assault ship entered the BAE Systems Norfolk Ship Repair facility for a four-month Phased Maintenance Availability (PMA). August 18, USS Bataan returned to Naval Station Norfolk after a two-day sea trials. The ship will now begin a four-week continuous maintenance availability period where a series of additional upgrades and repairs will be completed before returns to sea to begin a certification cycle designed to prepare the crew for their next deployment. September 16, USS Bataan successfully completed an air certification, the final of a three-phase aviation qualification process, proving the ship's ability to safely launch and recover aircraft and support multiple air operations. The amphibious assault ship also passed an aviation readiness qualification (ARQ) and aviation certification (AVCERT). September 29, LHD 5 successfully completed its amphibious warfare certification (AMW) that will allow the ship to conduct amphibious operations for the next two years. October 22, The Bataan returned to Norfolk following a week of deck landing qualifications, with the Medium Tiltrotor Squadrons (VMM) 263 and 261; Heavy Helicopter Squadron (HMH) 464; Light Attack Helicopter Squadrons (HMLA) 169, 269 and 467; and a detachment from Helicopter Sea Squadron (HSC) 26. October 29, The amphibious assault ship returned home after a three-day underway period, completing the Unit Level Training Assessment for Certification (ULTRA-C). November 19, Capt. Steven J. Yoder relieved Capt. Thomas M. Negus as Commodore, Amphibious Squadron (PHIBRON) 6, during a change-of-command ceremony aboard the Bataan at Naval Station Norfolk. January 21, 2011 USS Bataan successfully completed the onload of nearly 1,000 pallets of ordnance during the four-day evolution at Naval Weapons Station Earle. February 11, LHD 5 is currently conducting routine training in the Atlantic Ocean. March 23, USS Bataan ARG departed Norfolk for a surge deployment in the U.S. 6th and 5th Fleet AoR. April 12, The Bataan Amphibious Ready Group and 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) completed the three-week pre-deployment emergent integrated training (PDEIT), off the coast of North Carolina, with Special Operations Training Group, II Marine Expeditionary Force (MEF), and Commander, Strike Force Training Atlantic (SFTL). April 27, USS Bataan ARG arrived on station off the coast of Libya to relieve USS Kearsarge (LHD 3) ARG. May 27, The amphibious assault ship pulled into Palermo, Italy, for a four-day port call. June 29, The Bataan ARG completed a nine-day bilateral Spanish Amphibious Landing Exercise (PHIBLEX) 2011, off the coast of Spain. July 3, LHD 5 pulled into Palma de Mallorca, Spain, for a four-day port visit. July 24, USS Bataan arrived in Naval Support Activity Souda Bay, Greece, for a scheduled port call. August 1, Capt. Erik M. Ross relieved Capt. Steve Koehler as the 11th CO of the Bataan during a change-of-command ceremony on board the ship in Souda Bay. August 13, USS Bataan Amphibious Ready Group (ARG) relieved USS Boxer (LHD 4) ARG in the U.S. Central Command AoO. October 22, The Bataan recently pulled into Jebel Ali, United Arab Emirates, for a port visit to Dubai. December 7, A helicopter rescue crew, assigned to Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron (HSC) 28 Detachment 2, aided distressed mariners in the Gulf of Aden, pulling from the water nearly two dozen people including women and children. December 19, USS Bataan recently moored in the Port of Salalah for a routine visit to Oman. January 4, 2012 The Bataan recently arrived at Aqaba Naval Base, Jordan, for a routine port call to conduct agricultural counter-measure washdowns of all embarked equipment. January 10, The Amphibious Ready Group transited Suez Canal after concluding its operations in the 5th Fleet AoR. January 16, USS Bataan pulled into Naval Station Rota, Spain, for a routine port call. January 20, LHD 5 arrived in Lisbon, Portugal, for a five-day port visit. February 7, USS Bataan returned to Naval Station Norfolk after a two-day Tiger Cruise from Morehead City, N.C., completing the longest deployment, by U.S. Navy ship, since record 327 days set by USS Midway (CV 41) in 1972/73. March 19, The Bataan returned to homeport after offloading ammuniton at Naval Weapons Station Earle, N.J. June 8, The amphibious assault ship is currently undergoing a Planned Maintenance Availability (PMA) while moored at Berth 5, Pier 7 on Naval Station Norfolk; Underway for sea trials in September; Moored at Berth 6, Pier 12 after underway for local operations on Oct. 16; Underway again on Oct. 22. November 2, USS Bataan moored at Wharf F in Naval Station Mayport, Fla., in preparation for the Navy-Marine Corps Classic basketball game, between the University of Florida Gators and the Georgetown University Hoyas, that will be played on board the ship on Nov. 9; Returned home on Nov. 15. December 11, USS Bataan departed Norfolk for a week-long underway to conduct Group Sail operations with the USS San Antonio (LPD 17) and USS Carter Hall (LSD 50). January 11, 2013 LHD 5 is currently underway for routine training and certifications with the 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment (SOAR). February 11, Capt. George J. Vassilakis relieved Capt. Erik M. Ross as CO of the Bataan during a change-of-command ceremony aboard the ship at Naval Station Norfolk. April 8, USS Bataan recently departed homeport for routine training and certifications. May 2, The Bataan participated in a multinational synthetic naval amphibious exercise Bold Alligator 2013, while pierside at Naval Station Norfolk, from April 22- May 2. BA 2013 is designed to train staffs primarily from 2nd Marine Expeditionary Brigade (MEB) and Expeditionary Strike Group (ESG) 2 in an effort to continue revitalizing and improving their ability to integrate and execute large-scale operations from the sea. May 16, USS Bataan departed Naval Station Norfolk for a week-long underway to participate in the hurricane preparedness exercise Citadel Gale 2013. June 4, The amphibious assault ship is currently underway for routine training and qualifications. Returned home on June 5; Underway again from July 1-3. July 22, Four Sailors from USS Bataan and three civilian instructors from the Center for Security Forces were injured aboard a rigid hull inflatable boat when it collided with USNS Big Horn (T-AO 198) during a small boat training exercise, near Thimble Shoals Channel, off the coast of Hampton Roads, Va., while the LHD 5 was underway for a Board of Inspection and Survey (INSURV) assessment. All injuries are considered non-life threatening. September 8, USS Bataan moored at Leonardo Pier in Naval Weapons Station Earle, New Jersey, for ammo onload afer a two-day transit from Naval Station Norfolk. September 20, The Bataan departed homeport for a two-week underway to conduct Amphibious Squadron (PHIBRON) 6/Marine Expeditionary Unit Integration Training (PMINT), with the 22nd MEU; Underway for COMPTUEX from Oct. 21- Nov. 13; Underway for CERTEX from Dec. 3-18. February 8, 2014 USS Bataan departed Norfolk for a scheduled deployment; Anchored in Onslow Bay, N.C., for onload from Feb. 9-10. February 22, The Bataan ARG anchored off the coast of Sierra del Retin, Spain, to participate in Spanish Amphibious Landing Exercise (PHIBLEX) from Feb. 24-26; Inport Naval Station Rota from Feb. 25-27. February 27, USS Bataan moored at Santa Apolonia Passenger Terminal in Lisbon, Portugal, for a three-day port visit; Transited the Strait of Messina southbound on March 6. March 8, An MH-60S, assigned to Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron (HSC) 22 Detachment, rescued two mariners from a Turkish-flagged container vessel Yusuf Cepnioglu, that run aground Friday afternoon, off the northern coast of Mykonos, Greece. They were transferred later to the Hellenic Coast Guard. From March 8-10, the Marines from 1st Bn, 6th Regiment and Aviation Combat Elements (ACE) from the 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU), embarked aboard the Bataan, participated in a bilateral training exercise with the Hellenic Army, at the Glafyra Range near Stefanovikio, Magnesia Prefecture, Greece. March 13, USS Bataan Amphibious Ready Group (ARG) entered the Red Sea after transiting Suez Canal; Transited the Bab el-Mandeb Strait southbound on March 16. March 23, The Bataan commenced offload of Marines and equipment at Arta Beach, Djibouti, for sustainment training exercises with the French military; Backload from April 6-7; Completed backload off the coast of Djibouti on April 28. May 22, LHD 5 anchored off Aqaba, Jordan, to offload Marines and equipment for participation in annual multinational exercise Eager Lion 2014, from May 24 through June 8; Moored at Aqaba Naval Base from May 23-26. May 27, USS Bataan transited the Suez Canal northbound for any possible evacuation of American personnel from Libya if needed. June 6, USS Bataan, along with the USS Elrod (FFG 55), rescued 282 people in distress and provided them with food, water, medical attention, and temporary shelter, after receiving a report that an Italian military marine patrol aircraft sighted six small vessels, one of which was sinking, in the central Mediterranean Sea. June 29, The Bataan transited Suez Canal southbound en route to Arabian Gulf; Transited the Strait of Hormuz northbound on July 7. July 15, USS Bataan moored at Khalifa Bin Salman Port (KBSP) in Hidd, Bahrain, for a 10-day upkeep. August 12, Three MV-22B Ospreys, assigned to Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron (VMM) 263 (Reinforced), landed at Erbil International Airport in northern Iraq for humanitarian assessment mission in support of displaced Kurdish civilians trapped on Sinjar Mountain by the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL) militants. From August 15-16, the Bataan was anchored off Kuwait Naval Base to offload vechiles for agricultural counter-measure washdowns; Conducted backload from Aug. 22-24. August 26, USS Bataan pulled into Jebel Ali, U.A.E., for a four-day liberty port visit to Dubai. September 8, AV-8B Harriers, assigned to Marine Attack Squadron (VMA) 223 Detachment, conducted its first air strikes on ISIL militants near the Haditha Dam in northern Iraq. Until Monday, the Harriers have been conducting only Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR) missions in support of the Iraqi government. September 22, LHD 5, escorted by USS Roosevelt (DDG 80), transited the Strait of Hormuz southbound after concluding its operations in the Arabian Gulf; Transited the Suez Canal northbound on Oct. 2. October 4, USS Bataan moored at Cruise Terminal in Kusadasi, Turkey, for a three-day port visit. October 10, The Bataan moored at Pontile Vittorio Emanuele II Wharf East in Port of Naples, Italy, for a four-day port call; Transited the Strait of Gibraltar on Oct. 16; Inport Rota, Spain, from Oct. 16-18. October 27, The Bataan ARG recently arrived in Onslow Bay, North Carolina, for offload and to embark friends and family members for a Tiger Cruise. October 31, USS Bataan returned to homeport after an extended nine-month deployment in the U.S. 5th and 6th Fleet Areas of Responsibility (AoR). November 5, Capt. John A. Carter relieved Capt. George J. Vassilakis as the 13th CO of Bataan during a change-of-command ceremony aboard the ship. December 10, BAE Systems Norfolk Ship Repair was awarded an $115 million undefinitized contract action as a modification to a previously awarded contract (N00024-11-C-4407) for the Bataan's Drydocking Phased Maintenance Availability (DPMA). Work is expected to be completed by November 2015. December 14, The amphibious assault ship departed Pier 3 at Naval Weapons Station Earle, N.J., after a six-day ammo offload; Returned to Norfolk after a 10-day underway on Dec. 15. January 26, 2015 USS Bataan entered the Titan Dry Dock at the BAE Systems Norfolk Ship Repair for a ten-month DPMA; Undocked and moored at BAE Systems shipyard's Pier 1 on Sept. 30; Moved "dead-stick" to Berth 5, Pier 11 in Naval Station Norfolk on Dec. 14. January 28, 2016 The Bataan departed Norfolk for a four-day underway to conduct sea trials off the coast of Virginia. February 26, LHD 5 moored at Berth 1, Pier 7 on Naval Station Norfolk after a four-day underway for flight deck certification. March 25, USS Bataan moored at Berth 5, Pier 11 on Naval Station Norfolk after a week-long underway for well deck certification and deck landing qualifications with the 8th Special Operations Squadron (SOS); Underway for local operations on April 9. April 14, The Bataan anchored off the coast of Camp Lejeune, N.C., for amphibious training with the Bravo Company, 1st Battalion, 2nd Marine Regiment; Conducted deck landing qualifications off the coast of North Carolina from April 15-17; Returned home on April 22; Underway again on April 28; Onload off Camp Lejeune on April 29. May 2, USS Bataan moored at Berth 19/20 in Port Everglades, Fla., for a week-long port visit to participate in the 26th Broward County Navy Days Ft. Lauderdale. From May 10-11, the Bataan was underway in the Jacksonville Op. Area; Underway off the coast of North Carolina from May 12-14; Anchored at Lynnhaven Anchorage "A" for a brief stop to conduct exercise with two MK VI patrol boats, from the Coastal Riverine Squadron (CRS) 4, on May 15; Moored at Berth 5, Pier 11 on May 16; Underway again on May 23. May 25, USS Bataan moored at Manhattan's Pier 88S in New York City, N.Y., for a six-day port visit to participate in annual Fleet Week celebration; Returned home on June 2. June 10, Capt. Eric S. Pfister relieved Capt. John A. Carter as CO of the Bataan during a change-of-command ceremony aboard the ship at Berth 1, Pier 7. July 8, USS Bataan departed Naval Station Norfolk en route to Naval Weapons Station Earle, New Jersey; Conducted deck landing qualifications with two U.S. Air Force's CV-22 Osprey, assigned to the 8th Special Operations Squadron (SOS), on July 9. July 10, The Bataan moored at Berth A2/A4, Pier 3 on NWS Earle for a five-day ammo onload; Moored at Berth 6, Pier 11 on July 18; Underway for DLQ and in support of Career Orientation Training for Midshipmen (CORTRAMID) program from July 22-29. From August 15-26, the Bataan participated in a synthetic, scenario-based simulation exercise Bold Alligator 2016, with the Expeditionary Strike Group (ESG) 2 and 2nd MEB, while moored at Pier 11 in Naval Station Norfolk. October 6, USS Bataan moored at Berth 5, Pier 10 on Naval Station Norfolk after a 23-day underway for Amphibious Squadron (PHIBRON) 8/Marine Expeditionary Unit Integration Training (PMINT), with the 24th MEU, and routine training off the coast of Virginia. December 18, The Bataan moored at Berth 5, Pier 11 on Naval Station Norfolk after a 19-day underway for ARG/MEUEX. January 29, 2017 LHD 5 moored at Berth 2, Pier 10 on Naval Station Norfolk after a 19-day underway for Composite Training Unit Exercise (COMPTUEX); Underway for a Missile Exercise (MISSILEX) on Feb. 20; Moored at Pier 14S on Feb. 21. March 1, USS Bataan departed Norfolk for a scheduled Middle East deployment after a one-day delay due to "minor engineering issue." From March 2-3, the amphibious assault ship was anchored in Onslow Bay, N.C., to onload Marines and vehicles. March 12, USS Bataan anchored off the coast of Rota, Spain, to conduct offload in preparation for Spanish Amphibious Landing Exercise (PHIBLEX) 2017 at Sierra del Retin; Moored at Berth 3, Pier 1 on Naval Station Rota from March 12-13; Anchored off Rota for backload from March 14-15; Transited the Strait of Gibraltar on March 15. March 17, The Bataan moored at Cruise Quay 2 in Port of Valencia, Spain, for a two-day liberty visit; Transited the Strait of Sicily eastbound on March 21; Transited the Suez Canal on March 24. April 5, USS Bataan, along with the USS Carter Hall (LSD 50) and USS Ponce (AFSB(I) 15), commenced a two-week multilateral amphibious exercise Alligator Dagger, off the coast of Arta Beach, Djibouti, as part of the sustainment training with the French 5th Marine Regiment. May 7, USS Bataan moored at Aqaba Naval Base, Jordan, for a three-day port call to conduct offload in support of the annual multinational exercise Eager Lion; Moored at Aqaba Naval Base for backload from May 16-17.? June 5, USS Bataan moored at Berth 58, Quay 9 in Port of Jebel Ali, United Arab Emirates, for an eight-day upkeep; Transited the Strait of Hormuz southbound on June 13. August 28, LHD 5 moored at Aqaba Naval Base, Jordan, for a four-day port call to conduct agricultural counter-measure washdowns of all embarked equipment; Transited the Suez Canal northbound on Sept. 3. September 4, Four AV-8B Harriers, assigned to the Marine Attack Squadron (VMA) 223 Detachment, landed at Chania International Airport, Crete, for a two-day bilateral training exercise with the Hellenic Air Force's 115 Combat Wing. September 7, BAE Systems Norfolk Ship Repair Inc. was awarded a $13,5 million for delivery order N0002417F138 under a previously awarded contract (N00024-16-D-4411) for the execution of USS Bataan's Phased Maintenance Availability (PMA). This contract includes options which, if exercised, would bring the cumulative value of this contract to $45,8 million. Work is expected to be completed by July 2018. September 8, USS Bataan moored at Berth 28, Poniente Pier in Palma de Mallorca, Spain, for a four-day liberty port visit; Transited the Strait of Gibraltar on Sept. 14; Conducted ammo offload with the USNS Robert E. Peary (T-AKE 9) from Sept. 18-19. September 23, USS Bataan moored at Berth 5, Pier 10 on Naval Station Norfolk following a seven-month deployment. November 6, The Bataan moved "dead-stick" from Naval Station Norfolk to Pier 1 on BAE Systems shipyard. November 10, Capt. Bradley W. Busch relieved Capt. Eric S. Pfister as the 15th CO of Bataan during a change-of-command ceremony aboard the ship. October 30, 2018 USS Bataan moved "dead-stick" from BAE Systems shipyard to Berth 3, Pier 9 on Naval Station Norfolk. February 28, 2019 Capt. Gregory J. Leland relieved Capt. Bradley W. Busch as CO of the Bataan during a change-of-command ceremony aboard the ship, while underway off the coast of Virginia. March 17, USS Bataan moored at Berth 3, Pier 12 on Naval Station Norfolk for emergent repairs after a 25-day underway for sea trials, well deck and flight deck certifications; Underway again on March 19; Moored at Berth 4, Pier 10 on March 22; Underway for a Board of Inspection and Survey (INSURV) preparations from May 26-27; Underway for INSURV assessment from May 28-29; Underway for deck landing qualifications from June 1-3; Underway again on June 4. June 6, The Bataan moored at Berth A2/A4, Pier 3 on Naval Weapons Station Earle, N.J., for a three-day ammo onload; Returned home on June 10. July 19, USS Bataan moored at Berth 4, Pier 10 on Naval Station Norfolk after an 11-day underway for Amphibious Squadron (PHIBRON) 8/Marine Expeditionary Unit Integration Training (PMINT), with the 26th MEU, in the Cherry Point Op. Area. July 23, Rear Adm. Erik M. Ross relieved Rear Adm. John B. Skillman as Commander, Expeditionary Strike Group (ESG) 2 during a change-of-command ceremony aboard the Bataan. August 1, USS Bataan moored at Berth 4, Pier 10 on Naval Station Norfolk after a four-day underway, off the coast of Virginia, for Surface Warfare Advanced Tactical Training (SWATT) exercise; Underway for ARG/MEUEX on Aug. 22. September 8, The Bataan ARG recently arrived off the east coast of Great Abaco Island, The Bahamas, for possible Humanitarian Assistance/Disaster Response (HA/DR) operations, in the wake of Hurricane Dorian; Conducted a replenishment-at-sea with the USNS Leroy Grumman (T-AO 195) on Sept. 9; Conducted offload in Onslow Bay, N.C., from Sept. 14-15; Arrived off the coast of Virginia Beach on Sept. 16. September 17, USS Bataan moored at Berth 4, Pier 14 on Naval Station Norfolk; Underway for a Composite Training Unit Exercise (COMPTUEX) on Oct. 9; Moored at Berth 3, Pier 10 on Nov. 7. December 13, USS Bataan departed Norfolk for a scheduled Middle East deployment. December 31, The Bataan conducted a replenishment-at-sea with the USNS William McLean (T-AKE 12), while underway in the eastern Atlantic; Transited the Strait of Gibraltar eastbound on late Friday evening; Conducted a replenishment-at-sea with the USNS Kanawha (T-AO 196), while underway southwest of Crete, on Jan. 8. January 11, 2020 USS Bataan Amphibious Ready Group (ARG) transited the Suez Canal southbound; Moored at Aqaba Naval Base, Jordan, from Jan. 19-22; Conducted a replenishment-at-sea with the USNS William McLean on Jan. 23; Transited the Bab el-Mandeb Strait southbound, escorted by USS Farragut (DDG 99), on Jan. 26. January 23, The Bataan ARG conducted a replenishment-at-sea with the USNS Wally Schirra (T-AKE 8), while underway in the Gulf of Aden; Conducted a replenishment-at-sea again on Jan. 31; Conducted a replenishment-at-sea with the USNS William McLean, while underway in the North Arabian Sea, on Feb. 10; Transited the Strait of Hormuz northbound, escorted by USS Carney (DDG 64), on Feb. 12; Conducted a replenishment-at-sea with the USNS Walter S. Diehl (T-AO 193) on Feb. 13. February 14, USS Bataan moored at Berth 6, Khalifa Bin Salman Port (KBSP) in Hidd, Bahrain, for a four-day liberty visit to Manama; Conducted a replenishment-at-sea with the USNS William McLean on Feb. 26; Transited the Strait of Hormuz southbound on Feb. 27. March 4, The Bataan ARG conducted a replenishment-at-sea with the USNS William McLean, while underway in the North Arabian Sea; Transited the Bab el-Mandeb Strait northbound, escorted by USS Truxtun (DDG 103), on March 14. March 19, An MV-22B Osprey, assigned to Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron (VMM) 365 Reinforced, evacuated Amer Fakhoury from the U.S. Embassy in Beirut and transported him to Naval Support Activity Souda Bay, Crete, while the USS Bataan was underway in the northern Red Sea. The "Butcher of Khiam," a faithful supporter of U.S. President Trump, was arrested while visiting his native Lebanon in September on charges that he had tortured prisoners while fighting with an Israeli-backed armed group during the 1990s. March 24, The Bataan conducted a replenishment-at-sea with the USNS William McLean, while underway in the Red Sea; Transited the Bab el-Mandeb Strait southbound on March 28; Participated in a photo exercise (PHOTOEX) with the USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN 69), while underway in the North Arabian Sea, on April 2; Transited the Strait of Hormuz northbound on April 3; Conducted a replenishment-at-sea with the USNS Walter S. Diehl on April 5. April 8, The Bataan conducted a replenishment-at-sea with the USNS William McLean, while underway in the Arabian Gulf; Conducted a replenishment-at-sea again on April 17; Conducted a replenishment-at-sea with the USNS Robert E. Peary (T-AKE 5) on April 25. May 16, USS Bataan, along with the USS New York (LPD 21), conducted a replenishment-at-sea with the USNS Robert E. Peary?, while underway in the southern Arabian Gulf; Transited the Strait of Hormuz southbound, escorted by USS Stout (DDG 55), on May 31; Transited the Bab el-Mandeb Strait northbound, escorted by USS James E. Williams (DDG 95), on June 9; Conducted a replenishment-at-sea with the USNS William McLean on June 11; Transited the Suez Canal on June 15. June 16, Capt. Bryan K. Carmichael relieved Capt. Gregory J. Leland as CO of the Bataan during a change-of-command ceremony on board the ship. June 23, USS Bataan conducted a replenishment-at-sea with the USNS William McLean, while underway in the central Mediterranean Sea; Participated in a maritime training exercise with the FS Mistral (L9013), FS Guepratte (F714) and ITS San Giorgio (L9892) on June 24; Transited the Strait of Gibraltar westbound on June 27; Conducted a replenishment-at-sea again on July 2; Conducted ammo offload with the USNS William McLean from July 8-9. July 12, Capt. Jason E. Rimmer relieved Capt. Lance L. Lesher as Commander, Amphibious Squadron (PHIBRON) 8 during a change-of-command ceremony aboard the Bataan, while underway in the western Atlantic. From July 13-14, the Bataan conducted offload of Marines and vehicles, assigned to the 26th MEU, off the coast of Camp Lejeune, North Carolina. July 18, USS Bataan moored at Berth 5, Pier 9 on Naval Station Norfolk following a seven-month deployment. August 5, General Dynamics National Steel and Shipbuilding Co. (NASSCO) was awarded a $106,9 million contract for the USS Bataan's Selected Restricted Availability (SRA). Work is expected to be completed by December 2021. October 27, The Bataan moved "dead-stick" from Naval Station Norfolk to Berth 2E on NASSCO shipyard. October 7, 2021 Capt. Joseph W. Murphy relieved Capt. Bryan K. Carmichael as the 18th CO of Bataan during a change-of-command ceremony aboard the ship. October 26, USS Bataan moved "dead-stick" from NASSCO shipyard to Berth 3, Pier 10 on Naval Station Norfolk; Underway for sea trials from Jan. 18-20, 2022; Underway again from March 1-3. May 7, The Bataan moored at Berth 4, Pier 10 on Naval Station Norfolk after a 17-day underway for flight deck and well deck certifications, in the Virginia Capes Op. Area; Underway again on May 23. May 25, USS Bataan moored at Manhattan's Pier 88S in New York City, N.Y., for a six-day port visit to participate in annual Fleet Week celebration. June 4, The Bataan conducted deck landing qualifications with the U.S. Army's MH-47 Chinook, assigned to the 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment (SOAR), while underway in the Virginia Capes Op. Area; Moored at Berth 6, Pier 11 on June 10. June 24, Rear Adm. Thomas R. Williams, II relieved Rear Adm. John V. Menoni as Commander, Expeditionary Strike Group (ESG) 2 during a change-of-command ceremony aboard the LHD 5. July 22, Capt. Matthew C. Riethmiller relieved Capt. Gordon E. Meek, III as Commander, Naval Facilities Engineering Systems Command (NAVFAC) Mid-Atlantic during a change-of-command ceremony aboard the Bataan. July 28, USS Bataan moored at Berth 1, Pier 9 on Naval Station Norfolk after a one-day underway for a Board of Inspection and Survey (INSURV) preparations, off the coast of Virginia; Underway for deck landing qualifications on Aug. 2; Moored at Berth 3, Pier 9 on Aug. 5. August 9, The Bataan moored at Berth 1, Pier 9 on Naval Station Norfolk after a one-day underway for INSURV assessment; Underway in the Virginia Capes Op. Area from Aug. 22- Sept. 2, Sept. 8-15 and Nov. 8-10. December 2, Capt. Paul R. Burkhart relieved Capt. Joseph W. Murphy as CO of the Bataan during a change-of-command ceremony aboard the ship. December 15, USS Bataan moored at Berth 3, Pier 9 on Naval Station Norfolk after an 11-day underway for Surface Warfare Advanced Tactical Training (SWATT) exercise, in the Cherry Point and Virginia Capes Op. Areas; Underway for Amphibious Squadron (PHIBRON) 8/Marine Expeditionary Unit Integration Training (PMINT), with the 26th MEU, on Jan. 23. February 6, 2023 The Bataan moored at Berth A2/A4, Pier 3 on Naval Weapons Station Earle, N.J., for a four-day ammo onload; Returned home on Feb. 12; Underway for ARG/MEUEX, in the Cherry Point and Charleston Op. Areas, on April 12; Moored at Berth A2/A4, Pier 3 on Naval Weapons Station Earle for ammo onload from May ?-5. May 7, USS Bataan moored at Berth 1, Pier 10 on Naval Station Norfolk; Underway for Composite Training Unit Exercise (COMPTUEX), in the Cherry Point, Charleston, Jacksonville and Port Canaveral Op. Areas, from May 16- June 13. July 10, USS Bataan departed Norfolk for a scheduled deployment. July 13, The Bataan conducted a replenishment-at-sea with the USNS John Lenthall (T-AO 189), while underway off the coast of North Carolina; Conducted a replenishment-at-sea with the USNS William McLean (T-AKE 12) on July 14; Transited the Strait of Gibraltar eastbound, just after midnight, on July 26.? July 28, The Bataan conducted a replenishment-at-sea with the USNS Medgar Evers (T-AKE 13), while underway in the Ionian Sea; Moored at Berth K10, East Refueling Wharf in Souda Bay, Crete, from Aug. 2-3; Conducted a replenishment-at-sea again on Aug. 4; Brief stop off the coast of Port Said, Egypt, on Friday evening; Arrived off Port Said again on Saturday evening; Completed the Suez Canal transit, just after midnight, on Aug. 7; Transited the Bab el-Mandeb Strait southbound on Aug. 9. August 17, USS Bataan transited the Strait of Hormuz northbound, escorted by USS Thomas Hudner (DDG 116); Conducted a replenishment-at-sea with the USNS Amelia Earhart (T-AKE 6) on Aug. 21 and 25th; Conducted a replenishment-at-sea with the USNS Alan Shepard (T-AKE 3) on Sept. 15; Moored at Khalifa Bin Salman Port (KBSP) in Hidd, Bahrain, from Sept. 20-24; Transited the Strait of Hormuz southbound on Sept. 25. September 26, The Bataan conducted a replenishment-at-sea with the USNS Amelia Earhart, while underway in the Gulf of Oman; Transited the Strait of Hormuz northbound on Sept. 27. October 9, The Bataan recently commenced offload of Marines and equipment, while anchored off Kuwait Naval Base, for a sustainment training at the Udairi Range complex; Conducted a replenishment-at-sea with the USNS Alan Shepard on Oct. 12; Transited the Strait of Hormuz southbound on Oct. 15; Entered the Gulf of Aden on Oct. 18; Transited the Bab el-Mandeb Strait northbound, escorted by USS Thomas Hudner, on Oct. 27. November ?, USS Bataan conducted a replenishment-at-sea with the USNS Amelia Earhart, while underway in the northern Red Sea; Conducted a replenishment-at-sea again on Nov. 12, 19, 25, Dec. 1, 6 and 15th; Transited the Suez Canal northbound on Dec. 28; Conducted a replenishment-at-sea with the USNS Laramie (T-AO 203) on Dec. 29. December 31, The Bataan ARG participated in a photo exercise (PHOTOEX) with the USS Gerald R. Ford (CVN 78) CSG, while underway off the south coast of Crete; Conducted a replenishment-at-sea with the USNS Laramie on Jan. 6. January 8, 2024 LHD 5 recently commenced offload of Marines and equipment in the Thermaic Gulf, off the coast of Mount Olympus, in support of exercise Odyssey Encore; Anchored in Phaleron Bay, approximately 1 n.m. off the coast of Piraeus, Greece, from Jan. 11-14; Moored at Berth K14 in Souda Bay for upkeep from Jan. 20- Feb. 1. February 6, USS Bataan participated in a passing exercise (PASSEX) with the USS Carter Hall (LSD 50), TCG Gaziantep (F 490) and TCG Gemlik (F 492), while underway southeast of Rhodes; Moored at South Quay in Port of Larnaca, Cyprus, from Feb. 11-15; Brief stop in Souda Bay on Feb. 17; Conducted operations off the north coast of Crete from Feb. 17-21; Conducted operations off the south coast of Crete from Feb. 22-24. February 24, USS Bataan ARG participated in a NATO's "Transfer of Authority" exercise with the USS Arleigh Burke (DDG 51) and RFA Argus (A135), while underway off the south coast of Crete; Participated in a PHOTOEX on Feb. 25. February 26, The Bataan ARG participated in a PHOTOEX with the USS Arleigh Burke, TCG Gelibolu (F 493), TCG Goksu (F 497) and RFA Argus, while underway southeast of Rhodes; Conducted a replenishment-at-sea with the USNS Patuxent (T-AO 201) on Feb. 27; Moored at Berth K10 in Souda Bay from Feb. 28- March 2; Transited the Strait of Gibraltar westbound on March 6. March 10, The Bataan conducted a replenishment-at-sea with the USNS Robert E. Peary (T-AKE 5), while underway approx. 800 n.m. southwest of Azores; Conducted ammo offload on March 11; Arrived in Onslow Bay to offload Marines and vehicles on March 17. March 21, USS Bataan moored at Berth 3, Pier 10 on Naval Station Norfolk following an extended eight-and-a-half month deployment in the U.S. 5th and 6th Fleet AoR. March 26, General Dynamics NASSCO-Norfolk was awarded a $311,2 million contract for the USS Bataan's Drydocking Selected Restricted Availability (DSRA). This contract includes options which, if exercised, would bring the cumulative value to $343,7 million and the work is expected to be completed by May 2026. May 2, USS Bataan departed homeport en route to Miami, Fla., to participate in the inaugural Fleet Week celebration; Moored at Wharf C2 in Naval Station Mayport for a brief stop to embark guests on May 4; Moored at Cruise Terminal B in Port of Miami from May 5-13; Moored at Wharf C2 in Naval Station Mayport for a brief stop on May 14; Moored at Berth 1, Pier 10 on May 16; Underway again on May 20. May 22, USS Bataan moored at Manhattan's Pier 88S in New York City, N.Y., for a six-day port visit to participate in annual Fleet Week celebration; Returned home on May 31. June 14, Capt. Albert B. Head relieved Capt. Paul R. Burkhart as the 20th CO of Bataan during a change-of-command ceremony aboard the ship. July 8, USS Bataan moved "dead-stick" from Naval Station Norfolk to Berth 2E on NASSCO shipyard; Entered the Speede Dry Dock on Nov. 18. |