USS Bonhomme Richard (LHD 6), At Sea -- Marines and sailors with
the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit have departed Saipan after completing their
typhoon relief mission.
The MEU is
leaving after local and federal authorities have determined military
capabilities are no longer required to continue typhoon relief efforts in
Saipan.
During
their time supporting relief efforts, Marines and sailors of the 31st MEU, along
with the USS Ashland (LSD 48), purified and distributed potable water, cleared
debris and distributed relief supplies.
The 31st MEU was
conducting regularly scheduled training in the vicinity of the Mariana Islands
when they were redirected to support the relief efforts after Typhoon Soudelor
struck Saipan, Aug. 2-3.