Wasp-class amphibious assault ship USS Bonhomme Richard (LHD 6) with embarked 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) arrived in Singapore, Oct. 16, for a regularly scheduled port visit.

Bonhomme Richard, flagship of the Bonhomme Richard Expeditionary Strike Group, is operating in the U.S. 7th Fleet area of responsibility in support of security and stability in the Indo-Asia-Pacific region.

Sharing the pier with Bonhomme Richard was littoral combat ship USS Coronado (LCS 4), which relieved USS Fort Worth (LCS 3) to begin a rotational deployment to the Indo-Asia-Pacific region. Coronado is a fast and agile warship, tailor-made to patrol the region's littorals and work hull-to-hull with partner navies, providing the U.S. Navy with the flexible capabilities it needs now and in the future.

The port visit came after participation in the bilateral Philippine Amphibious Landing Exercise (PHIBLEX) 33 where Sailors and Marines built on longstanding relationships with members of the Armed Forces of the Philippines.

While in port, the crews had the opportunity to experience the captivating culture and warm hospitality of Singapore with the help of Morale, Welfare, and Recreation (MWR) sponsored events. Additionally, the region's retail and support services, along with the Terror Club, accommodated with extended service hours to ensure everyone enjoyed their visit.

"When a ship is going to pull into port here, we'll get in contact with them to ask what organized sports they want to play so we can plan and set it up for them," said Cletus Varghese, MWR Sports specialist for Navy Region Singapore. "This time they wanted basketball, soccer, and softball. We usually have a good turnout of both people who want to play and spectators to watch the games."

The ship received more than MWR-hosted events from the local Navy community. Navy Supply Systems Command (NAVSUP) Fleet Logisitics Center (FLC) Yokosuka, Site Singapore held an imperative role in assisting the flagship with deliveries, supplies, and transportation during their port visit to the island city.

"FLC is responsible for coordinating with husbanding agents, making sure that all the services that they require are already in place before they pull in -- for instance, CHT (collection, holding, and transfer) tanks, forklifts, pilots, tugs, fenders, cranes, vehicles for required transportation, and so on," said Petty Officer 2nd Class Myra Nortado, attached to FLC in Navy Region Singapore. "We also take care of loading and transporting mail, cargo, stores, materials, and provisions that they requested. We're basically the middle man between the ships and the service providers."

The ships of the Bonhomme Richard ESG departed their forward-deployed base of Sasebo, Japan, Aug. 10, as part of a regularly scheduled patrol in the Indo-Asia-Pacific region.

The U.S. Navy maintains a presence in the Indo-Asia-Pacific region to contribute to freedom of navigation and lawful use of the sea, while enhancing cooperation with partner nations to further operational training and exchanges of culture, skills, and tactical knowledge.

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