Whidbey Island-class amphibious dock landing ship USS Ashland (LSD 48), assigned to the Bonhomme Richard Amphibious Ready Group (BHR ARG), departed Fleet Activities Sasebo, Japan, March 3.

Ashland will work with several amphibious ships assigned to Amphibious Squadron (PHIBRON) 11, alongside with the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit to conduct a routine patrol in the Indo-Asia-Pacific region to serve as a forward capability for any type of contingency.

"It's great to be underway again and further continue our mission here overseas," said Cmdr. Steven Wasson, commanding officer of Ashland. "Our crew is ready for the tasks ahead and looks forward to training alongside our Marine Corps counterparts."

Ashland is capable of transporting Marines and their combat gear to any shore, and is able to launch and reinforce assault landing craft and helicopters during amphibious operations.

The BHR ARG consists of the flagship, amphibious assault ship USS Bonhomme Richard (LHD 6), amphibious transport dock USS Green Bay (LPD 20), and Ashland.

On patrol, PHIBRON 11 will conduct U.S. Navy-Marine Corps integration training and participate in bilateral training with regional counterparts in the U.S. 7th Fleet area of operations.

Ashland has been forward deployed to Sasebo since June 2013, in support of maritime security and stability in the western Pacific.

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