THE TENSION: Combat Camera: Aboard USS Peleliu; June 1, 2008

SOUTH CHINA SEA (May 30, 2008) The Tarawa-class amphibious assault ship USS Peleliu (LHA 5) steams through the South China Sea. Peleliu is the flaghsip of the Peleliu Expeditionary Strike Group and is on a scheduled deployment. U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Scott Webb (Released)

SOUTH CHINA SEA (May 30, 2008) An AV-8B Harrier assigned to Marine Attack Squadron (VMA) 311 lands aboard the Tarawa-class amphibious assault ship USS Peleliu (LHA 5) as it steams through the South China Sea. Peleliu is the flaghsip of the Peleliu Expeditionary Strike Group and is on a scheduled deployment. U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Scott Webb (Released)

PACIFIC OCEAN (May 26, 2008) Chief Information Systems Technician Joseph Fernandez, Chief Damage Controlman Raymond Craig, Lance Cpl. Alwin Sorenson and Operations Specialist 2nd Class Bradford Kubojiri perform the Samoan war dance and chant "Haka" during an Asian Pacific Heritage Month ceremony aboard the amphibious assault ship USS Peleliu (LHA 5). Peleliu is conducting exercises in the western Pacific Ocean on a scheduled deployment. U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Matthew A. Hepburn (Released)

PACIFIC OCEAN (May 28, 2008) Recently promoted petty officers stand at attention during a frocking ceremony aboard the amphibious assault ship USS Peleliu (LHA 5). U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Michelle Rhonehouse (Released)

PACIFIC OCEAN (May 27, 2008) Maj. Anthony Porter, assigned to Marine Medium Helicopter Squadron (HMM) 165 takes a break on the flight deck of the amphibious assault ship USS Peleliu (LHA 5). Peleliu is conducting exercises in the western Pacific Ocean on a scheduled deployment. U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Matthew A. Hepburn (Released)

PACIFIC OCEAN (May 21, 2008) The view from the bridge of the guided-missile destroyer USS Halsey (DDG 97) in lifeguard station while the Military Sealift Command fleet replenishment oiler USNS Tippecanoe (T-AO- 199) performs replenishment at sea with the amphibious assault ship USS Peleliu (LHA 5) and the amphibious transport dock ship USS Dubuque (LPD 8). The ships, aircraft and Marines of Peleliu ESG are deployed to the western Pacific. U.S. Navy photo by Interior Communications Specialist 2nd Class Justin S. Fifer (Released)

PACIFIC OCEAN (May 22, 2008) Master Chief Storekeeper Efren Cudal, assigned to the amphibious assault ship USS Peleliu (LHA 5), supervises his crew in the hangar bay during a vertical replenishment. U.S. Navy Photo by Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Sarah E. Bitter (Released)

Peleliu Expeditionary Strike Group Rescues Six Mariners from Sinking Vessel

STRAIT OF BALABAC, Phillipines, June 1, 2008 -- Six local mariners from the Philippines were rescued from a sinking vessel May 30 by U.S. Navy personnel as ships from the Peleliu Expeditionary Strike Group (PELESG) transited the Strait of Balabac.

During the transit, Seaman Jonathan D. Dirst, a lookout on board USS Pearl Harbor (LSD 52), reported a small semi-submerged vessel off the starboard beam. Pearl Harbor then notified other ships in the Peleliu Expeditionary Strike Group. Initial reports indicated one person in the boat waving clothing with several additional people in the water surrounding the vessel.

The nearby USS Dubuque (LPD 8) launched a rigid hull inflatable boat (RHIB) under the direction of Ensign Thomas Knapp and Boatswain's Mate 3rd Class Chad Nevis, with a search and rescue swimmer and a local dialect translator on board. Five people were recovered immediately, followed by a sixth individual who was located in the water a short time later.

All six individuals were taken aboard Dubuque following the rescue and were given water, food and a change of clothing. The mariners were in good condition with no reported injuries and were later transported to Balabac Island.

It's believed the vessel originated from Lumbucan Isalnd and was enroute to nearby Balabac Island before it began taking on water and capsized.

Lt. j.g. David Rubin was the battle watch captain in Peleliu's Joint Operations Center during the rescue.

"It was exciting to apply our training to a real world scenario. The collaboration that took place was excellent," Rubin said. "I think we all take pride in knowing that we assisted those in need and left a good name for the U. S. Navy."

"Today's event demonstrates that the Peleliu Strike Group has the flexibility under the U.S. Maritime Strategy to respond to whatever need or emergency arises," said Capt. Jon Padfield, Commander, Amphibious Squadron (COMPHIBRON) 3. "It also shows the commitment that our Sailors and Marines have for being compassionate world neighbors."

The PELESG is led by COMPHIBRON 3 and includes the flag ship, USS Peleliu (LHA 5), amphibious ships Dubuque and Pearl Harbor, the guided-missile cruiser USS Cape St. George (CG 71) and the guided-missile destroyers USS Halsey (DDG 97) and USS Benfold (DDG 65).

(Story by Chief Mass Communication Specialist (SW/AW) Donnie W. Ryan, Peleliu Expeditionary Strike Group Public Affairs.)