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CNO Sees New Operational Concept in Action, Thanks Service Members
Story Number: NNS041014-04
Release Date: 10/14/2004 1:52:00 PM
By Lt. Sonja L. Stone, Expeditionary Strike Group 3 Public Affairs
ABOARD USS ESSEX , Northern Arabian Gulf (NNS) -- Adm. Vern Clark, Chief of Naval Operations (CNO), visited USS Essex (LHD 2) Oct. 11, the flagship for Expeditionary Strike Group (ESG) 3 on station in the Northern Arabian Gulf (NAG).
During the visit, Marine Brig. Gen. Joseph V. Medina, commander, ESG 3/commander, Task Group 58 (CTF 58), and his staff briefed the CNO on current operations and accomplishments of ESG 3 throughout their deployment to the NAG.
“You are writing history on this deployment with the first Marine in this type of command,” Clark told Sailors and Marines aboard USS Essex (LHD 2). “We need to produce more joint and combined capabilities in the United States of America’s military, and need an even closer relationship with the Marine Corps, our number one joint partner.”
ESG 3 is responsible for maritime security operations, including protection of Al Basarah (ABOT) and Khawr Al Amaya (KAAOT) oil terminals, and maritime interception operations in the NAG. Although never tasked to plan specifically for oil terminal protection, much of the previous planning completed by the staff has contributed to the success of their deployment.
Clark praised the work of Medina and the ESG 3 team, saying it was a wonderful example of the integration that is taking place throughout the Navy/Marine Corps Team.
“The flag officer-led ESG staff provides a bridge between operational orders and tactical execution at the Task Group level,” explained Marine Lt. Col. Tim G. Callahan, ESG 3 future plans officer (N35).
“One of the primary means to provide this bridge is through the flag staff’s ability to conduct deliberate and time sensitive planning,” Callahan added. “The original six-month deployment timeline would have put ESG 3 in theater for approximately 95 days. The staff’s cross deck will extend our on-station time to approximately 150 days.”
ESG 3 Flag Staff extended on-station time in the NAG resulted from their early surge deployment from San Diego and subsequent cross-deck from USS Belleau Wood (LHA 3) to Essex in mid-September.
“Assuming a six-month deployment, you get more bang for the buck,” said Medina.
The CNO wrapped up his visit to the ESG 3 flagship by thanking service members for all they are doing to contribute to the global war on terrorism.
“It is the honor of my life to be the chief of this Navy,” Clark said. “Thank you for your service, and God bless each and every one of you.”
For related news, visit the Commander, U.S. Naval Forces Central Command/Commander, U.S. 5th Fleet Navy NewsStand page at www.news.navy.mil/local/cusnc.
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CNO, MCPON Praise Service Sailors in the Middle East - 10/12/2004
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