Keywords: US Navy 060608-N-5055G-047 USS Cole (DDG 67), left, and USS Bulkeley (DDG 84) depart Norfolk today as part of the Iwo Jima Expeditionary Strike Group (ESG).jpg en Norfolk Va June 8 2006 - USS Cole DDG 67 left and USS Bulkeley DDG 84 depart Norfolk today as part of the Iwo Jima Expeditionary Strike Group ESG The ships deployed as part of the Iwo Jima Expeditionary Strike Group ESG The ESG consists of the amphibious assault ship USS Iwo Jima LHD 7 the amphibious transport ship USS Nashville LPD 13 the guided missile destroyers USS Cole DDG 67 and USS Bulkeley DDG 84 - all home ported in Norfolk Va ; the guided missile cruiser USS Philippine Sea CG 58 - homeported at Naval Station Mayport Fla ; the attack submarine USS Albuquerque SSN 706 - home ported at Naval Station Groton Conn ; and the dock landing ship USS Whidbey Island LSD 41 - home ported in Naval Amphibious Base Little Creek Va The 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit MEU is comprised of its command element 1st Battalion 8th Marines; Marine Medium Helicopter Squadron 365 and the MEU Service Support Group 24 all homeported at Camp Lejeune N C The Iwo Jima ESG has deployed for six months to conduct maritime security operations in support of the Global War on Terrorism U S Navy photo by Journalist 2nd Class Joshua Glassburn RELEASED 2006-06-08 060608-N-5055G-047 Navy http //www navy mil/view_image asp id 35566 U S Navy photo by Journalist 2nd Class Joshua Glassburn PD-USGov-Military-Navy Naval Station Norfolk USS Whidbey Island LSD-41 Moran Towing Tugboats of the United States |