Rear Adm. Marc H. Dalton, commander, Expeditionary Strike Group 7, visited ships of the Bonhomme Richard Expeditionary Strike Group (BHRESG) over a two-day period while the ships conducted onload of the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU), Aug. 18-19.

Dalton, who assumed command Aug. 3 aboard amphibious assault ship USS Bonhomme Richard (LHD 6) in Sasebo, Japan, had the opportunity to observe Landing Craft Air Cushion (LCAC) operations and visit Bonhomme Richard, amphibious transport dock USS Green Bay (LPD 20), and amphibious dock landing ship USS Germantown (LSD 42).

"I'm impressed with the condition of the ships and the professionalism of our Sailors; the teamwork demonstrated with each other and with our 31st MEU Marines in a successful embark was especially impressive," said Dalton. "The integration of Marine forces to form the 'blue-green' team is what makes us such a dynamic and capable amphibious force."

Bonhomme Richard and other ships of the ESG departed Sasebo, Japan in early August as part of a scheduled patrol in the Indo-Asia-Pacific region.

The ESG ships will collectively embark 2,200 MEU personnel, aircraft, amphibious landing craft, artillery, and other components that make up the Marine Air-Ground Task Force.

The BHRESG consists of Bonhomme Richard, Green Bay, and Germantown.

While on patrol, the BHRESG will sail throughout the Indo-Asia-Pacific theater, taking part in various exercises and exchanges with regional partners and allies across a wide range of mission sets.

For more information, visit www.navy.mil, www.facebook.com/usnavy, or www.twitter.com/usnavy.

For more news from Commander, Amphibious Force, U.S. 7th Fleet, visit www.navy.mil/.