Photos for August 2012

1200801-N-SO729-009 SASEBO, Japan (August 1, 2012) - Machinery Repairmen Fireman Randy Story lathes a piece of metal in the machinery repair shop aboard the forward-deployed amphibious assault ship USS Bonhomme Richard (LHD 6). Bonhomme Richard, commanded by Capt. Daniel Dusek, is the lead ship of the only forward-deployed amphibious ready group. (U. S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Adam Bennett/Released)

120801-N-BL607-039 SASEBO, Japan (August 01, 2012) - Hospitalman Robert Smith assist USS Bonhomme Richard (LHD 6) Dental Officer Lt. Brittany Kurzweg in performing dental work on a Sailor aboard the forward-deployed amphibious assault ship. Bonhomme Richard, commanded by Capt. Daniel Dusek, is the lead ship of the only forward-deployed amphibious ready group. (U. S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class William T. Jenkins/Released)

120801-O-ZZ999-002 SIHANOUKVILLE, Cambodia (Aug 1, 2012) -- Hospital Corpsman 3rd Class Priscilla Saintcyr blows bubbles for a Cambodian boy before surgery aboard the Military Sealift Command hospital ship USNS Mercy (T-AH 19) during Pacific Partnership 2012. Cambodia is the final mission port for Pacific Partnership 2012; previous mission ports included Indonesia, Philippines and Vietnam. Pacific Partnership, an annual U.S. Pacific Fleet humanitarian and civic assistance mission now in its seventh year, brings together U.S. military personnel, host and partner nations, non-government organizations and international agencies to build stronger relationships and develop disaster response capabilities throughout the Asia-Pacific region. (Photo by Kristopher Radder)

120802-O-ZZ999-021 SIHANOUKVILLE, Cambodia (Aug. 2, 2012) -- Civilian Mariner Tom Simonson helps a Cambodian woman board a ferry boat back to Sihanoukville during Pacific Partnership 2012 (PP12). Cambodia is the final of four mission ports that PP12 will visit for this year’s deployment. Pacific Partnership, an annual U.S. Pacific Fleet humanitarian and civic assistance mission now in its seventh year, brings together U.S. military personnel, host and partner nations, non-government organizations and international agencies to build stronger relationships and develop disaster response capabilities throughout the Asia-Pacific region. (Photo by Kristopher Radder)

120803-N-ZK112-001 SASEBO, Japan (August 3, 2012) LCDR Timothy Carter, Commanding Officer, USS GUARDIAN (MCM 5) holds an all-hands call and awards ceremony shortly after the ship?s return to Sasebo. During the ceremony, LCDR Carter expressed his pride in the crew's performance in the last underway, and also discussed his expectations for the upcoming weeks. USS GUARDIAN is a Mine Countermeasures Ship under U.S. Navy Mine Countermeasures Squadron SEVEN (MCMRON 7) , forward deployed to Sasebo, Japan in support of Amphibious Forces, U.S. SEVENTH Fleet. (U.S. Navy Photo by Petty Officer First Class Michael Fulcher)

120803-O-ZZ999-015 SIHANOUKVILLE, Cambodia (Aug. 3, 2012) Hospital Corpsman 1st Class Amy Johnson checks the body temperature of a Cambodian girl during a medical civic action project (MEDCAP) at Kandol Dom Primary School for Pacific Partnership 2012. MEDCAPs provide free medical, dental and optometry care to host nation patients as well to provide training and subject matter exchanges between the service members and civilians working on PP12 and the host nation medical personnel. Pacific Partnership, an annual U.S. Pacific Fleet humanitarian and civic assistance mission now in its seventh year, brings together U.S. military personnel, host and partner nations, non-government organizations and international agencies to build stronger relationships and develop disaster response capabilities throughout the Asia-Pacific region. (Photo by Kristopher Radder)

120803-O-ZZ999-024 SIHANOUKVILLE, Cambodia (Aug. 3, 2012) Lt. Christopher Chung watches as Kong Bunho, a member of the Royal Cambodian Air Force, performs a dental procedure during a medical civic action project (MEDCAP) at Kandol Dom Primary School for Pacific Partnership 2012. MEDCAPs provide free medical, dental and optometry care to host nation patients as well to provide training and subject matter exchanges between the service members and civilians working on PP12 and the host nation medical personnel. Pacific Partnership, an annual U.S. Pacific Fleet humanitarian and civic assistance mission now in its seventh year, brings together U.S. military personnel, host and partner nations, non-government organizations and international agencies to build stronger relationships and develop disaster response capabilities throughout the Asia-Pacific region. (Photo by Kristopher Radder)

120804-N-FR813-001 SASEBO, Japan (August 04, 2012) USS PATRIOT (MCM 7) Sailors keep cool in the pool during the Sasebo Seaside Festival. Patriot is forward deployed out of Sasebo, Japan. PATRIOT is forward deployed to Sasebo, Japan and undergoing a Selected Restricted Availability. (U.S. Navy photo by Mineman 2nd Class Brian E. Neal)

120803-O-ZZ999-013 SIHANOUKVILLE, Cambodia (Aug. 4, 2012) -- Hospital Corpsman 2nd Class Cortney Loveless prepares a Cambodian boy for a Computerized Tomography (CT) Scan aboard the Military Sealift Command hospital ship USNS Mercy (T-AH 19) during Pacific Partnership 2012. Pacific Partnership, an annual U.S. Pacific Fleet humanitarian and civic assistance mission now in its seventh year, brings together U.S. military personnel, host and partner nations, non-government organizations and international agencies to build stronger relationships and develop disaster response capabilities throughout the Asia-Pacific region. (Photo by Kristopher Radder)

120806-N-CS800-001 Sasebo, Japan (August 6, 2012) - Enginemen aboard USS AVENGER (MCM 1) conduct routine maintenance on the ship's air conditioning units. AVENGER is a Mine Countermeasures Ship under U.S. Navy Mine Countermeasures Squadron SEVEN (MCMRON 7) , forward deployed to Sasebo, Japan in support of Amphibious Forces, U.S. SEVENTH Fleet. (U.S. Navy Photo by Ensign Anthony Newvall)

120806-N-GL340-098 SIHANOUKVILLE, Cambodia (Aug. 6, 2012) Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Laurie Dexter plays with a Cambodian boy during a community service (COMSERV) event at M’lop Tapang School in Sihanoukville, Cambodia Aug. 6 as part of Pacific Partnership 2012 (PP12). The COMSERV event gave PP12 participants a chance to interact with local children while painting at the school. Now in its seventh year, Pacific Partnership is an annual U.S. Pacific Fleet humanitarian and civic assistance mission U.S. military, host and partner nations, non-governmental organizations and international agencies designed to build stronger relationships and disaster response capabilities in the Asia-Pacific region. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Michael Feddersen/RELEASED)

120807-N-GW695-018 SIHANOUKVILLE, Cambodia (Aug. 7, 2012) Service members participate in a volleyball game with Cambodian locals during a community service (COMSERV) engagement Aug. 7 as part of Pacific Partnership 2012 (PP12). The COMSERV event was used to build lasting relationships between the people of Cambodia and the service members deployed with the PP12 team. Now in its seventh year, Pacific Partnership is an annual Pacific Fleet humanitarian and civic assistance mission U.S. military, host and partner nations, non-governmental organizations and international agencies designed to build stronger relationships and disaster response capabilities in the Asia-Pacific region. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Stephen M. Votaw/RELEASED)

120808-N-VA915-005 SASEBO, Japan (August 08, 2012) - Aviation Boatswain's Mate Handling Airman Ethan Wiberg removes a flight deck nozzle, aboard the forward-deployed amphibious assault ship USS Bonhomme Richard (LHD 6). Bonhomme Richard, commanded by Capt. Daniel Dusek, is the lead ship of the only forward-deployed amphibious ready group. (U. S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Jerome D. Johnson/Released)

120808-O-ZZ999-003 SIHANOUKVILLE, Cambodia (Aug. 8, 2012) HOPE Worldwide volunteer Dr. Cornelia Haner (left) and Capt. William Brunner (right) perform surgery together as a informational exchange aboard the Military Sealift Command hospital ship USNS Mercy (T-AH 19) during Pacific Partnership 2012. Pacific Partnership, an annual U.S. Pacific Fleet humanitarian and civic assistance mission now in its seventh year, brings together U.S. military personnel, host and partner nations, non-government organizations and international agencies to build stronger relationships and develop disaster response capabilities throughout the Asia-Pacific region. (Photo by Kristopher Radder)

120809-N-GL340-123 SIHANOUKVILLE, Cambodia (Aug. 9, 2012) Hospital Corpsman 3rd Class Nicholas Valente dances and plays with Cambodian children at a community service (COMSERV) engagement at an orphanage in Cambodia Aug. 9 during PP12. COMSERV events give PP12 volunteers and local residents and children a chance to interact at a more personal level to better promote interoperability in the case of a natural disaster in the Asia-Pacific region. Now in its seventh year, Pacific Partnership is a U.S. Pacific Fleet humanitarian and civic assistance mission comprised of U.S. military, host and partner nations, non-governmental organizations and international agencies designed to build stronger relationships and disaster response capabilities in the Asia-Pacific region. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Michael Feddersen/RELEASED)

120809-N-RU841-031 SASEBO, Japan (August 09, 2012) - An MH60S Seahawk helicopter, assigned to Sea Combat Helicopter Squadron Twenty-Five (HSC-25), lands on the flight deck of the forward-deployed amphibious assault ship USS Bonhomme Richard (LHD 6). Bonhomme Richard, commanded by Capt. Daniel Dusek, is the lead ship in the only forward-deployed amphibious ready group. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Mark R. Alvarez/Released)

120809-N-RU841-084 SASEBO, Japan (August 09, 2012) - An MH60S Seahawk helicopter, assigned to Sea Combat Helicopter Squadron Twenty-Five (HSC-25), lands on the flight deck of the forward-deployed amphibious assault ship USS Bonhomme Richard (LHD 6). Bonhomme Richard, commanded by Capt. Daniel Dusek, is the lead ship in the only forward-deployed amphibious ready group. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Mark R. Alvarez/Released)

120813-N-FR813-001 SASEBO, Japan (August 21, 2012) Lt. Cmdr. Jonathan A. Hopkins, Commanding Officer, congratulates Electronics Technician Second Class Robert L. Schelle on earning his Enlisted Surface Warfare Qualification in front of USS PATRIOT (MCM 7). PATRIOT is forward deployed to Sasebo, Japan and undergoing a Selected Restricted Availability. (U.S. Navy photo by Mineman Seaman James R. Hipp)

120814-N-SO729-001 PACIFIC OCEAN (August 14, 2012) Chief Aerographer's Mate Fredrick Baker (right) adjusts ribbons on Aerogapher's Mate 3rd Class Bryan Owens in the meteorology and oceanography office aboard the forward-deployed amphibious assault ship USS Bonhomme Richard (LHD 6) in preparation for a personnel inspection. Bonhomme Richard, commanded by Capt. Daniel Dusek, is the lead ship of the only forward-deployed amphibious ready group. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communications Specialist 2nd Class Adam M. Bennett/Released)

120815-N-KM175-012 EAST CHINA SEA (August 15, 2012) Sailors aboard the forward-deployed amphibious assault ship USS Bonhomme Richard (LHD 6) perform a foreign object detection walk down of the flight deck in preparation for flight operations. Bonhomme Richard, commanded by Capt. Daniel Dusek, is the lead ship in the only forward-deployed amphibious ready group. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist Terry Matlock/Released)

120815-N-LM312-076 EAST CHINA SEA (August 15,2012) - Seaman Robert Whitaker mans the big eyes while standing the forward lookout watch aboard the forward-deployed amphibious assault ship USS Bonhomme Richard (LHD 6). Bonhomme Richard, commanded by Capt. Daniel Dusek, is the lead ship of the only forward deployed amphibious ready group. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Adam D. Wainwright/Released)

120816-N-SO729-160 AT SEA (August 16, 2012) The forward-deployed amphibious assault ship USS Bonhomme Richard (LHD 6) anchors in Sasebo, Harbor to load ammunition in preparation for patrol. Bonhomme Richard, commanded by Capt. Daniel Dusek, is the lead ship of the only forward-deployed amphibious ready group. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Adam M. Bennett/Released)

120816-N-SO729-667 AT SEA (August 16, 2012) Sailors assigned to the forward-deployed amphibious assault ship USS Bonhomme Richard (LHD 6) wait on the stern gate of the well deck for a landing craft utility to moor. Bonhomme Richard, commanded by Capt. Daniel Dusek, is the lead ship of the only forward-deployed amphibious ready group. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Adam M. Bennett/Released)

120817-N-KW566-003 PHILIPPINE SEA (Aug, 17, 2012) Crew members aboard Military Sealift Command hospital ship USNS Mercy (T AH-19) enjoy a "Steel Beach Picnic"? Aug. 17 as Mercy nears the completion of its nearly five-month deployment throughout the Asia Pacific region. Pacific Partnership, an annual U.S. Pacific Fleet sponsored humanitarian and civic assistance mission now in its seventh year, brings together U.S. military personnel, host and partner nations, non-government organizations and international agencies to build stronger relationships and develop disaster response capabilities. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Roadell Hickman/Released)

120819-N-WX580-044 PHILIPPINE SEA (August 19, 2012) Seaman Oscar Mejia looks through a pair of binoculars while standing aft-lookout watch aboard the forward-deployed amphibious assault ship USS Bonhomme Richard (LHD 6). Bonhomme Richard, commanded by Daniel Dusek, is the lead ship of the only forward-deployed amphibious ready group. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Lacordrick Wilson/Released)

120820-N-AZ679-008 OKINAWA, Japan (Aug, 20, 2012) Amphibious assault ship USS Bonhomme Richard (LHD 6) and Amphibious dock landing ship USS Tortuga (LSD 46) onload Marines of the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit at White Beach Naval Installation. Bonhomme Richard and Tortuga are ships of the only forward-deployed amphibious ready group and support Amphibious Forces, U.S. SEVENTH Fleet. (U.S. Navy photo by Lt. Cmdr. Steven Waggoner)

120820-N-KW566-001 GUAM (Aug, 20, 2012) Master At-Arms First Class Michael Cowan is hugged by his wife Senior Chief Master At-Arms Shannon Cowan pier-side in Guam after being deployed on a four and a half month humanitarian mission in Southeast Asia onboard USNS MERCY (T-AH 19). He and his security team assisted in providing security during port visits.USNS Mercy is the mission ship this year for Pacific Partnership, the largest annual humanitarian and civic action (HCA) mission in the Asian-Pacific region. Military and civilian professionals from 10 other nations and 14 international and local non-government organizations (NGO) have partnered to execute tailored HCA projects and subject matter expert exchanges. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist Second Class Roadell Hickman/Released)

120822-N-XY604-083 OKINAWA, Japan (August 22, 2012) - Culinary Specialist 3rd Class Jackie Prindle mixes icing for cakes in the bake shop aboard amphibious assault ship USS Bonhomme Richard (LHD 6). Bonhomme Richard, commanded by Capt. Daniel Dusek, is the lead ship of the only forward-deployed amphibious ready group. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Karen Blankenship/Released)

120822-N-CS800-002 SASEBO, Japan (August 22, 2012) - USS AVENGER (MCM 1) Deck Department brings the Rigid Hull Inflatable Boat back onboard after conducting training. AVENGER is a Mine Countermeasures Ship under U.S. Navy Mine Countermeasures Squadron SEVEN(MCMRON 7), forward deployed to Sasebo, Japan in support of Commander, Amphibious Forces, U.S. SEVENTH Fleet. (U.S. Navy photo by Ensign Anthony Newvall)

120823-N-ZK112-001 SASEBO, Japan (August 23, 2012) - Electricians Mate Seaman Grayson Gurney conducts a Maintenance and Material Management (3M) spot check with his Division Officer and the Commanding Officer. Spot checks are conducted on a regular basis to ensure that the personnel completing routine maintenance aboard the ship are competent and capable of doing it correctly. USS GUARDIAN (MCM 5) is a Mine Countermeasures Ship under U.S. Navy Mine Countermeasures Squadron SEVEN(MCMRON 7), forward deployed to Sasebo, Japan in support of Commander, Amphibious Forces, U.S. SEVENTH Fleet. (U.S. Navy Photo by Yeoman First Class Michael Fulcher)

120823-N-SO729-108 PHILIPPINE SEA (August 23,2012) - Sailors and Marines assigned to Naval Beach Unit 7 and the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit unload landing craft air cushions in the well deck of the forward-deployed amphibious assault ship USS Bonhomme Richard (LHD 6). Bonhomme Richard, commanded by Capt. Daniel Dusek, is the lead ship of the only forward-deployed amphibious ready group. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Adam M. Bennett/Released)

120824-N-KM175-074 EAST CHINA SEA (August 24, 2012) - An Aviation Boatswain's Mate (handler) signals a CH-46 Sea Knight of Marine Medium Helicopter Squadron 262 for landing during flight operations aboard the forward-deployed amphibious assault ship USS Bonhomme Richard (LHD 6). Bonhomme Richard, commanded by Capt. Daniel Dusek, is the lead ship in the only forward-deployed amphibious ready group. ( U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Terry Matlock/Released)

120831-N-SO729-011 OKINAWA, Japan (August 31,2012) Aviation Boatswain's Mate (handling) Airman Cori Crowl disconnects life lines from the flight deck of the forward-deployed amphibious assault ship USS Bonhomme Richard (LHD 6) in preparation for getting underway. Bonhomme Richard, commanded by Capt. Daniel Dusek, is the lead ship of the only forward-deployed amphibious ready group. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Adam M. Bennett/Released)