Kearsarge (LHD 3) - Naval Cruise Book

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fr-11 -4'1 3 'f Jxyf' -f 4'r: 7 Y -in A I , - ., V W I I m 0 ge an 6 r . Few fl 20 O 3 xl 1 R .l , S' 1. ' . O N- Af ' 4 I ' 'X o- ' U 5 , 4 501 'g x as . While the crew watched the news every day, there were conflicting reports as to how great o a problem there was in Liberia. On June 18 word came down that KEARSARGE and the 2D MEB were free to head for home. Although homecoming was L, ' ' ' originally slated for 26 fx June, the cost of the trip g .sf gk, south only cost the ship Ar'-1 four days. Homecoming fy? f. -ff was announced as 30 1- ,T . June. I Preparations began '- ' immediately for the final off load of the 2D MEB, the liger Cruise ithat needed to be re-announcedl and homecoming. The intensity of planning on the ship seemed to envelop everyone. For many, focus turned from at-sea operations to figuring out what the routine was going to be when we returned. Leave 1 I plans had to be re-worked and the term INSURV I - started to be talked about A with vigor. U AP v On 22 June the ship had I its final Steel Beach Picnic. ' ,- Just days away from the - - North Carolina coast, the l - ,if entire crew was u beat 4 P and ready to off-load the 2D MEB. ll ' l x ' it: 3 -2 A' I 1 0 ' J U n e HINI IH

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fpf' asus.. .: f V -' ... - --9+ I . f.,,t:t i'LlL N 1 '..'A.'--':': f K .'K,f3 ' '- 'S 'A ' 'r fi N .-...- -------l---Q-if 'f-' af rf 5 , Y A A M? ai J s I 'Vw is Q ti I I.. .nr l a 4- , ,rr ' -fr cfs.. The off-load was one of the .best orchestrated ever. Taking just over 30 hours, It dldn't take lon to . g get every Marine and every pai-ce of equipment off the s I The most remarkable fact about KEAFiSAFlGE's ability to move the Marines off and on and off the ship during the deployment was that despite the complexity, not one Sailor or Marine was hurt. Given the enormous task, that is a true testament to the professionalism of every crew member. As the Marines began their homecoming, KEARSARGE made last- minute preparations to bring almost 500 ligers aboard for a unique opportunity to ride the ship from Onslow Bay, N.C. to Norfolk. Bus assignments, rack assignments, entertainment, safety and eating arrangements were all finalized. Everyone was looking forward to the final leg of the journey that had begun almost six months ago. U06