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USS Bonhomme Richard (LHD 6)

USS BONHOMME RICHARD was the sixth ship in the WASP - class and the last amphibious assault ship in the Navy commissioned in the 20^th century. She was the third ship to bear the name. On November 30, 2020, the Navy announced that the BONHOMME RICHARD would be decommissioned and scrapped following the 5-day fire in July 2020 which massively damaged the ship. The BONHOMME RICHARD held a decommissioning ceremony at Naval Base San Diego, Calif., on April 14, 2021. The following day, the ship was officially decommissioned and left San Diego under tow bound for Brownsville, Tx., to be scrapped.

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Crew List:

This section contains the names of sailors who served aboard USS BONHOMME RICHARD. It is no official listing but contains the names of sailors who submitted their information.

• Click here to view the list.

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• Click here to see which USS BONHOMME RICHARD memorabilia are currently for sale on ebay.

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USS BONHOMME RICHARD Cruise Books:

• Operation Iraqi Freedom Cruise Book 2003
• WestPac Cruise Book 2007
• WestPac Cruise Book 2009-10
• WestPac Cruise Book 2017-18

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Accidents aboard USS BONHOMME RICHARD:

Date	Where	Events
March 1998	Ingalls Shipbuilding, Pascagoula, Miss.	BONHOMME RICHARD's tanks 7 and 8 ruptured when Ingalls' floating drydock broke loose in 42-knot winds. Damage was $200,000.
August 8, 2005	Strait of Juan de Fuca	The 34-foot Canadian sailboat MAREEKA II collided with the BONHOMME RICHARD. There were no casualties or injuries reported as a result of the collision.
January 26, 2007	off San Clemente Island, Pacific Ocean	A MH-60S helicopter operating from USS BONHOMME RICHARD crashes during a routine training mission killing all 4 crewmembers aboard. The helicopter was assigned to HSC-23.
July 12, 2020	San Diego, Calif.	An explosion occurs and fire breaks out at approx. 8:30 a.m. in the lower parking decks aboard USS BONHOMME RICHARD. At the time, the ship is berthed at Naval Base San Diego's Pier 2 undergoing maintenance. By the end of the first day, at least 17 sailors and 4 civilian workers were taken to local hospitals with minor injuries. The next morning, this number had increased to 57 personnel who were treated for minor injuries including heat exhaustion and smoke inhalation. At approx 1:30 a.m. on July 13, the Navy also started aerial firefighting operations via helicopter water bucket with two helicopters from Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron 3. It finally took until July 16 to extinguish all fires. 63 personnel, 40 US Navy sailors and 23 civilians, were treated for minor injuries.

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USS BONHOMME RICHARD History:

USS BONHOMME RICHARD was the sixth Wasp-class multipurpose amphibious assault ship built for the United States Navy and the third U.S. Navy ship to bear the name. She was ordered on December 11, 1992, and constructed by Ingalls Shipbuilding at Pascagoula, Mississippi, where her keel was laid on April 18, 1995. The ship was launched on March 14, 1997, and christened on May 17, 1997, by Joyce Murtha, wife of Congressman John P. Murtha. Following fitting out, equipment installation and builder's trials, BONHOMME RICHARD was delivered to the Navy on May 12, 1998.

During March 1998, while the ship was still under construction, a floating drydock at Ingalls Shipbuilding broke loose during strong winds and caused damage to two tanks aboard BONHOMME RICHARD. The incident resulted in approximately $200,000 in damage, which was repaired before the ship entered service. After completing preparations for commissioning, BONHOMME RICHARD departed Pascagoula on August 8, 1998, and proceeded to Pensacola, Florida. She was commissioned at Naval Air Station Pensacola on August 15, 1998, with Captain Douglas W. Keith in command. Secretary of the Navy John H. Dalton formally placed the ship in commission during the ceremony.

Following commissioning, BONHOMME RICHARD proceeded to her assigned homeport of San Diego, California, and began a period of shakedown training, equipment evaluations and amphibious exercises. These activities included aviation operations with helicopters and AV-8B Harrier II aircraft, landing craft operations, engineering trials and the integration of shipboard command facilities with embarked Marine Corps units. During 1999, the ship continued training and certification exercises in preparation for her first overseas deployment, including the development of procedures for operating as flagship of an Amphibious Ready Group.

On January 24, 2000, BONHOMME RICHARD departed San Diego on her maiden Western Pacific deployment with the 15th Marine Expeditionary Unit (Special Operations Capable) embarked. The Amphibious Ready Group included USS OGDEN (LPD 5), USS DENVER (LPD 9) and USS PEARL HARBOR (LSD 52). The deployment took the ships through the Western Pacific and Indian Ocean into the Arabian Gulf, where the group supported Operation Southern Watch and conducted amphibious training and regional security operations.

BONHOMME RICHARD visited Pearl Harbor, Hawaii, from January 31 to February 3, before proceeding westward. On February 7, the ship entered the Seventh Fleet area of operations and subsequently anchored off Dili, East Timor, from February 21 to 24. The visit took place during the international effort to restore security and stability following East Timor's 1999 independence referendum. BONHOMME RICHARD supported humanitarian assistance activities associated with Operation Stabilise before continuing to Darwin, Australia, from February 26 to 28, and Singapore from March 5 to 9. The ship then visited Phuket, Thailand, from March 12 to 15.

After entering the Fifth Fleet area of operations on March 22, BONHOMME RICHARD proceeded toward Kuwait and participated in Exercise Eager Mace during April. On April 24, Captain Richard J. Connelly relieved Captain Douglas W. Keith as commanding officer during a ceremony aboard the ship. BONHOMME RICHARD visited Bahrain from April 26 to 28 before taking part in Exercise Eastern Maverick near Qatar from April 30 to May 19. These activities involved amphibious operations and training with regional military forces while the ship maintained a sea-based contingency-response capability.

BONHOMME RICHARD subsequently visited Jebel Ali, United Arab Emirates, from May 21 to 24, and participated in Operation Sea Soldier from May 28 to June 4. During operations in the Arabian Gulf, the ship worked with the USS JOHN C. STENNIS (CVN 74) Carrier Battle Group. The two formations conducted combined command-and-control and maritime security training while supporting U.S. military operations in the region.

On June 8, BONHOMME RICHARD returned to the Seventh Fleet area and visited Phuket, Thailand, from June 14 to 18, followed by Hong Kong from June 25 to 29. The ship then crossed the Pacific toward Hawaii, where she visited Pearl Harbor from July 14 to 15. During the final passage to California, BONHOMME RICHARD embarked family members and friends for a Tiger Cruise. She returned to San Diego on July 24, 2000, and subsequently entered a post-deployment maintenance and training period.

During the second half of 2000, BONHOMME RICHARD completed maintenance, inspections and local training in Southern California waters. The ship conducted sea trials in November and additional readiness training in December. During 2001, she participated in amphibious exercises, aviation qualifications and certification activities with Marine Corps units, including operational training off Southern California. Her activities also included visits to Cabo San Lucas, Mexico, and San Francisco, California.

Following the terrorist attacks against the United States on September 11, 2001, BONHOMME RICHARD accelerated preparations for another overseas deployment. The ship completed Amphibious Ready Group certification and Special Operations Capable training with the 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit. On December 1, 2001, she departed San Diego approximately six weeks earlier than originally scheduled, accompanied by USS OGDEN and USS PEARL HARBOR. The three ships carried approximately 2,200 Marines of the 13th MEU for operations associated with the U.S.-led campaign against al-Qaeda and the Taliban regime in Afghanistan.

After conducting additional training near Hawaii, BONHOMME RICHARD proceeded westward across the Pacific. The ship visited Singapore from December 29 to 31 and remained in the region during the opening days of January 2002 while a maintenance problem delayed her departure. On January 8, BONHOMME RICHARD resumed her voyage toward the Fifth Fleet area of operations, where the embarked Marines and aircraft would support Operation Enduring Freedom.

During the following months, BONHOMME RICHARD operated in the North Arabian Sea and surrounding waters, providing aviation and logistical support for military operations in Afghanistan. The ship's embarked aviation combat element included AV-8B Harrier II aircraft, AH-1W Super Cobra attack helicopters and CH-53E Super Stallion transport helicopters. Although operating at considerable distances from Afghanistan, the ship served as a sea-based platform supporting aviation missions and the movement of Marine Corps personnel and equipment.

In February 2002, the Amphibious Ready Group participated in Exercise Edged Mallet near Manda Bay, Kenya, before returning to operations associated with Operation Enduring Freedom. As U.S. and coalition forces prepared Operation Anaconda in eastern Afghanistan, elements of the 13th MEU were assigned to provide additional aviation support. On March 2, five AH-1W Super Cobras and three CH-53E Super Stallions from the embarked aviation element were dispatched to Bagram Airfield in Afghanistan.

On March 3, the 13th MEU formed Task Force 165 to support Operation Anaconda, providing helicopter and fixed-wing aviation capabilities for coalition forces operating in the mountainous Shah-i-Kot region. On March 5, AV-8B Harriers operating from BONHOMME RICHARD flew their first missions in support of the operation, followed by additional missions during the subsequent days. The aircraft provided attack and close air support capabilities while the helicopters based ashore supported ground forces and logistical requirements.

After Operation Anaconda, BONHOMME RICHARD continued regional operations and amphibious exercises, including Exercise Eastern Maverick, which concluded on March 19. The ship subsequently began her return voyage across the Indian and Pacific Oceans. On June 18, 2002, BONHOMME RICHARD returned to San Diego after more than six months away from homeport. Following the deployment, she entered a maintenance and training period while U.S. forces began preparing for possible military operations against Iraq.

On January 17, 2003, BONHOMME RICHARD departed San Diego for another deployment, this time as part of Amphibious Task Force West supporting the buildup of U.S. and coalition forces for Operation Iraqi Freedom. Other ships assigned to the task force included USS BOXER (LHD 4), USS CLEVELAND (LPD 7), USS DUBUQUE (LPD 8), USS ANCHORAGE (LSD 36), USS COMSTOCK (LSD 45) and USS PEARL HARBOR. The ships transported Marines, helicopters, vehicles, ammunition and equipment from the West Coast to the Middle East.

Following the trans-Pacific and Indian Ocean passages, BONHOMME RICHARD arrived in the Arabian Gulf and began transferring Marines and equipment ashore in Kuwait. More than 1,000 Marines from 3rd Battalion, 1st Marines, together with vehicles and supplies, disembarked to join forces assembling for the invasion of Iraq. After completing the offload, the ship embarked additional AV-8B Harrier II aircraft and assumed a different operational role.

BONHOMME RICHARD became one of two amphibious assault ships employed as dedicated Harrier carriers during the opening phase of Operation Iraqi Freedom. Alongside USS BATAAN (LHD 5), which had deployed from the Atlantic Fleet, she provided additional sea-based fixed-wing aviation capabilities for coalition operations. Marine Attack Squadrons 211 and 311 operated from BONHOMME RICHARD, conducting combat air patrol, interdiction and close air support missions in Iraq.

Following the beginning of major combat operations on March 20, 2003, BONHOMME RICHARD launched repeated AV-8B missions against Iraqi military targets and in support of coalition ground forces advancing into Iraq. Her aviation personnel maintained a high operating tempo, preparing and launching aircraft, loading weapons and conducting maintenance between missions. During Operation Iraqi Freedom, the ship recorded more than 800 aircraft sorties, including 547 combat launches. The embarked Harrier squadrons expended more than 175,000 pounds of ordnance during their operations.

As major combat operations ended, BONHOMME RICHARD resumed the movement of Marine Corps personnel and equipment. From late May, helicopters and landing craft transported Marines, vehicles and other equipment from Kuwait back to the ship for the return voyage. After completing operations in the Arabian Gulf, BONHOMME RICHARD proceeded through the Indian Ocean toward Australia. During the homeward passage, she visited Sydney and Brisbane before continuing to Pearl Harbor, Hawaii.

BONHOMME RICHARD returned to San Diego on July 26, 2003, after more than six months deployed. During the following months, the ship underwent maintenance and resumed training with Marine Corps units. Preparations for another deployment continued during 2004 as the Navy maintained amphibious forces available for operations in Afghanistan, Iraq and the wider Middle East.

On December 6, 2004, BONHOMME RICHARD departed San Diego as flagship of Expeditionary Strike Group Five with the 15th Marine Expeditionary Unit embarked. The group included USS DULUTH (LPD 6), USS RUSHMORE (LSD 47), USS BUNKER HILL (CG 52), USS MILIUS (DDG 69), USS THACH (FFG 43) and USS PASADENA (SSN 752). The deployment was originally intended to support operations in the Fifth Fleet area, including maritime security and operations associated with the continuing campaigns in Afghanistan and Iraq.

While the strike group was crossing the Pacific, a massive earthquake struck off the Indonesian island of Sumatra on December 26, 2004, generating tsunamis that devastated coastal communities throughout the Indian Ocean. BONHOMME RICHARD and other ships of the group were redirected to support the international humanitarian response. The ship had been visiting Guam when the group received orders to proceed toward the disaster area.

In early January 2005, BONHOMME RICHARD began supporting Operation Unified Assistance. Her helicopters transported relief supplies, medical personnel and equipment to affected areas, particularly along the devastated coast of northern Sumatra. The ship provided aviation facilities, logistical support and medical capabilities for the humanitarian operation. On January 4, aircraft operating from BONHOMME RICHARD participated in the delivery of relief supplies to the disaster area. The Expeditionary Strike Group subsequently continued relief operations in Indonesia and supported assistance efforts associated with the broader regional catastrophe.

During the humanitarian mission, aircraft and personnel from the strike group distributed food, drinking water, medical supplies and other essential material to communities whose ports, roads and transportation infrastructure had been severely damaged. The group eventually delivered approximately 2.1 million pounds of relief supplies during Operation Unified Assistance. These operations required coordination with U.S. military commands, international relief agencies and regional authorities.

After completing her humanitarian assignment, BONHOMME RICHARD proceeded to the Arabian Gulf, where the Expeditionary Strike Group relieved the USS ESSEX (LHD 2) Expeditionary Strike Group on January 26, 2005. The ship resumed maritime security operations and supported the continuing U.S. military presence in the region. The embarked Marines maintained their readiness for amphibious and contingency missions while the strike group conducted exercises and security operations with other U.S. and coalition forces.

On May 2, 2005, the BONHOMME RICHARD Expeditionary Strike Group was relieved by the USS KEARSARGE (LHD 3) Expeditionary Strike Group. BONHOMME RICHARD subsequently began her return voyage, making port visits during the deployment that included Pearl Harbor, Guam, Manama, Jebel Ali and Brisbane. The ship returned to San Diego on June 6, 2005.

Following her return, BONHOMME RICHARD resumed maintenance and training in the Eastern Pacific. On August 8, 2005, while transiting the Strait of Juan de Fuca, the ship was involved in a collision with the 34-foot Canadian sailboat MAREEKA II. No injuries were reported. The ship continued operations following the incident.

During 2006, BONHOMME RICHARD conducted local training, maintenance and amphibious exercises before participating in Rim of the Pacific 2006, a major multinational naval exercise held in Hawaiian waters. She arrived at Pearl Harbor on June 26 and subsequently took part in amphibious operations, aviation exercises and combined training with participating naval forces. After the exercise, BONHOMME RICHARD returned to San Diego and continued preparations for her next overseas deployment.

On January 26, 2007, an MH-60S Seahawk helicopter assigned to Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron 23 crashed during a training flight while operating from BONHOMME RICHARD near San Clemente Island, California. All four aircrew members died in the accident. Navy aircraft, ships and rescue personnel conducted search and recovery operations, and the wreckage was subsequently recovered from the seafloor during February.

On April 10, 2007, BONHOMME RICHARD departed San Diego for a seven-month deployment as flagship of the BONHOMME RICHARD Expeditionary Strike Group, carrying the 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit. The group included USS DENVER, USS RUSHMORE, USS CHOSIN (CG 65), USS MILIUS and USS CHUNG-HOON (DDG 93). The deployment was intended to support Operation Iraqi Freedom, maritime security operations and theater security cooperation in the Seventh and Fifth Fleet areas.

The Expeditionary Strike Group crossed the Pacific and arrived at Apra Harbor, Guam, on April 28, remaining until May 1. The ships then continued to Singapore, where BONHOMME RICHARD made a port visit from May 7 to 11. After departing Singapore, the group proceeded through the Indian Ocean toward the Arabian Gulf, where the ships began supporting U.S. operations in the Middle East.

On May 23, 2007, the BONHOMME RICHARD Expeditionary Strike Group entered the Persian Gulf together with the USS JOHN C. STENNIS and USS NIMITZ (CVN 68) Carrier Strike Groups. The three groups conducted coordinated operations and Expeditionary Strike Force Training, including aviation, maritime security, surface warfare and other joint naval activities. The combined training continued into early June, while the formations also supported Operation Iraqi Freedom.

From May 25 to 28, elements of the 13th MEU disembarked at Camp Patriot, Kuwait, for operations and training ashore. Approximately 2,200 Marines and sailors, together with substantial quantities of equipment, supplies and weapons, were moved ashore during the offload. The movement supported Marine Corps operations in the region and demonstrated the ability of the amphibious group to transport and sustain expeditionary forces.

During the following months, BONHOMME RICHARD operated in the northern Arabian Gulf, conducting maritime security operations and supporting efforts to protect Iraqi offshore oil facilities and commercial shipping. The embarked Marines continued training while the strike group maintained a contingency-response capability. The ship also participated in combined naval exercises and operated with other U.S. forces assigned to the Fifth Fleet.

BONHOMME RICHARD visited Manama, Bahrain, from June 12 to 14, before returning to operations in the Arabian Gulf. She subsequently visited Jebel Ali, United Arab Emirates, from July 3 to 8, and again from August 8 to 10. Another visit to Jebel Ali was recorded on September 30. These visits provided opportunities for maintenance, replenishment and personnel activities during the prolonged deployment.

After completing operations in the Middle East, BONHOMME RICHARD began her return voyage through the Indian Ocean toward Australia. She visited Fremantle, Western Australia, from October 16 to 21, 2007, making her first port visit to that city. The ship then continued across the Pacific and visited Pearl Harbor, Hawaii, from November 8 to 10. During the final passage to California, the crew completed preparations for returning to homeport.

On November 19, 2007, BONHOMME RICHARD returned to San Diego following a 223-day deployment. The ship subsequently entered a post-deployment maintenance and training period. During 2008, she continued amphibious training and local operations before participating in RIMPAC 2008. BONHOMME RICHARD arrived at Pearl Harbor on June 27 and took part in multinational naval exercises around the Hawaiian Islands during July, including amphibious, aviation and maritime security operations.

On September 24, 2009, BONHOMME RICHARD departed San Diego for another deployment, following a delay caused by problems with the ship's electrical generators. The Amphibious Ready Group included USS CLEVELAND and USS RUSHMORE, with the 11th Marine Expeditionary Unit embarked. The deployment took the ships through the Western Pacific and Indian Ocean into the Fifth Fleet area of operations.

During the deployment, BONHOMME RICHARD supported maritime security operations, amphibious training and exercises with regional partners. In November 2009, the ship and embarked Marines participated in Maritime Exercise 2009, or MAREX 2009, involving forces from Timor-Leste and the International Stabilization Force. The exercise included amphibious and maritime training around Dili and the Savu Sea, providing opportunities to practice ship-to-shore movement, aviation operations and cooperation with regional military forces.

BONHOMME RICHARD subsequently continued operations in the Indian Ocean and Arabian Gulf, supporting the U.S. naval presence in the region. During the deployment, the ship made port visits to Dili, Timor-Leste; Phuket, Thailand; Port Klang, Malaysia; and Pearl Harbor, Hawaii. These visits were interspersed with at-sea exercises, maintenance periods and training conducted with the embarked Marines.

After completing operations in the Fifth and Seventh Fleet areas, BONHOMME RICHARD returned across the Pacific and arrived at San Diego on April 14, 2010. Following a post-deployment maintenance period, the ship prepared for another major multinational exercise in Hawaiian waters.

During July 2010, BONHOMME RICHARD participated in RIMPAC 2010, operating with U.S. and foreign naval forces in the waters surrounding Hawaii. The exercise included amphibious operations, aircraft launches and recoveries, coordination with allied ships and training in a variety of maritime warfare disciplines. BONHOMME RICHARD also supported activities involving MV-22B Osprey aircraft during the exercise.

During 2011, BONHOMME RICHARD underwent maintenance and modernization work while preparing for a change in her operational assignment. The Navy planned to replace the forward-deployed USS ESSEX in Sasebo, Japan, with BONHOMME RICHARD as part of its program to maintain modern amphibious assault ships in the Western Pacific. The ship resumed training and local operations following maintenance, including participation in San Francisco Fleet Week in October 2011.

On February 14, 2012, BONHOMME RICHARD departed San Diego for the Western Pacific to conduct the planned exchange with USS ESSEX. The ship proceeded to Japan, where personnel from the two amphibious assault ships carried out preparations for a hull swap. Under this arrangement, the ships exchanged operational assignments while their crews remained associated with their respective geographic homeports. The transfer included extensive training and familiarization with the differences between the two ships' systems and equipment.

On April 23, 2012, BONHOMME RICHARD formally assumed the forward-deployed role previously held by USS ESSEX, establishing Sasebo, Japan, as her new homeport. The ship became the flagship of Amphibious Force Seventh Fleet and the principal amphibious assault ship supporting the forward-deployed 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit. Her assignment required maintaining a high state of readiness for amphibious operations, humanitarian assistance, disaster response and regional contingencies throughout the Western Pacific.

On August 10, 2012, BONHOMME RICHARD departed Sasebo on her first patrol as a forward-deployed amphibious assault ship. The Amphibious Ready Group included USS DENVER and USS TORTUGA (LSD 46). The ships embarked elements of the 31st MEU and conducted Amphibious Integration Training and a Certification Exercise to establish operational readiness for their missions in the Seventh Fleet area.

During the autumn patrol, BONHOMME RICHARD participated in Philippine Bilateral Exercise 2013, or PHIBLEX 2013, with the Armed Forces of the Philippines. The exercise included amphibious landings, combined military training and humanitarian assistance activities. The opening ceremony was held aboard BONHOMME RICHARD at Subic Bay on October 8. The ship also participated in the U.S.-Japanese Exercise Keen Sword 2013, which involved combined naval and amphibious operations in the Western Pacific.

During the patrol, BONHOMME RICHARD visited locations including Okinawa, Yokosuka, Guam, Subic Bay, Sepangar in Malaysia and Hong Kong. These port visits were accompanied by training activities with regional partners and maintenance and logistical support for the ship and embarked Marines. BONHOMME RICHARD returned to Sasebo on December 3, 2012.

On January 24, 2013, BONHOMME RICHARD departed Sasebo for another patrol with the 31st MEU. The Amphibious Ready Group included USS GERMANTOWN (LSD 42) and USS TORTUGA. During February, the group participated in Exercise Cobra Gold 2013 in Thailand, a large multinational exercise conducted with Thai and other participating military forces. The exercise involved amphibious operations, combined training and humanitarian assistance activities. Following additional training and operations in the Western Pacific, BONHOMME RICHARD returned to Sasebo on March 30.

On June 13, 2013, BONHOMME RICHARD began another extended patrol, accompanied by USS DENVER and USS GERMANTOWN. The ships carried elements of the 31st MEU and proceeded toward Australia to participate in Exercise Talisman Saber 2013. The exercise involved U.S. and Australian naval, air and ground forces conducting combined operations in northeastern Australia and the Coral Sea.

During Talisman Saber, BONHOMME RICHARD supported amphibious operations and command-and-control training with Australian forces. Royal Australian Navy personnel embarked aboard the ship to participate in combined planning and operational activities. The ship and embarked Marines also participated in Exercise Koolendong 2013, a bilateral training event conducted in northern Australia to improve cooperation between American and Australian ground forces.

BONHOMME RICHARD subsequently visited Brisbane, Sydney and Darwin, Australia. The ship arrived at Sydney on August 16 and conducted port activities before continuing her regional operations. During the return passage to Japan, the amphibious group also visited Hong Kong. BONHOMME RICHARD returned to Sasebo on September 30, 2013.

On October 2, 2013, Captain Daniel Dusek was relieved as commanding officer of BONHOMME RICHARD by Rear Admiral Hugh Wetherald, Commander, Expeditionary Strike Group Seven, because of a loss of confidence in his ability to command. The decision followed concerns arising from an ongoing Department of Justice investigation into improper relationships between Navy personnel and a defense contractor. Captain Murray Tynch III, the ship's executive officer, assumed command. Dusek subsequently became involved in criminal proceedings associated with the investigation and was sentenced to imprisonment in March 2016.

Following maintenance and training during the winter, BONHOMME RICHARD departed Sasebo on February 17, 2014, for another patrol with the 31st MEU. The Amphibious Ready Group included USS DENVER and USS ASHLAND (LSD 48). The ships conducted Amphibious Integration Training and certification exercises near Okinawa before proceeding toward the Korean Peninsula.

During March and April 2014, BONHOMME RICHARD participated in Exercise Ssang Yong, a large combined amphibious exercise involving U.S. and Republic of Korea naval and Marine Corps forces. The exercise included amphibious landings, aviation operations and the coordination of landing forces from ships operating off the Korean coast. The training formed part of the continuing military cooperation between the United States and South Korea.

On April 16, 2014, the South Korean passenger ferry SEWOL capsized and sank near Jindo Island, resulting in a major search and rescue operation. BONHOMME RICHARD was diverted toward the disaster area and provided aviation and other support capabilities to the South Korean authorities. Helicopters and personnel from the ship participated in the international response while South Korean forces directed the overall operation. BONHOMME RICHARD remained available to assist the search and rescue effort until April 22, when she departed the area with the agreement of the South Korean authorities.

Following the SEWOL operation, BONHOMME RICHARD resumed patrol activities and returned to Sasebo on May 1, 2014. During the remainder of the year, she conducted maintenance, training and preparations for further deployments in the Western Pacific.

On January 10, 2015, BONHOMME RICHARD departed Sasebo for another patrol, operating with USS GREEN BAY (LPD 20), USS ASHLAND and the 31st MEU. The ships conducted Amphibious Integration Training and a Certification Exercise near Okinawa, including aviation operations, amphibious landings, small-boat raids and simulated noncombatant evacuation operations.

From March 16 to 23, the Amphibious Ready Group conducted additional mission-oriented training in preparation for operations near the Korean Peninsula. The ships subsequently participated in the Korean Marine Exchange Program, beginning in late March. During this period, BONHOMME RICHARD and the embarked Marines worked with South Korean naval and Marine Corps forces, including the amphibious assault ship ROKS DOKDO (LPH 6111), conducting combined amphibious training and movements of personnel and equipment.

The patrol also included activities associated with Exercise Foal Eagle 2015, the annual series of military exercises conducted by U.S. and South Korean forces. BONHOMME RICHARD supported aviation and amphibious operations while the 31st MEU participated in combined training. The ship visited Sepangar, Malaysia, during the patrol and returned to Sasebo on April 10.

On June 1, 2015, BONHOMME RICHARD departed Sasebo on another extended patrol with USS GREEN BAY, USS ASHLAND and elements of the 31st MEU. USS PREBLE (DDG 88) also participated in operations with the amphibious group. The ships proceeded toward Australia for Exercise Talisman Sabre 2015, a major bilateral exercise involving U.S. and Australian armed forces.

During July, BONHOMME RICHARD supported amphibious landings and combined operations along the northern Australian coast, including exercises near Fog Bay and the Darwin region. The embarked Marines practiced the movement of landing forces from ships to shore while aircraft conducted tactical transportation, close air support and other training missions. The exercise also included naval command-and-control activities and interoperability training with Australian forces. A closing ceremony was held in Brisbane on July 20.

Following Talisman Sabre, BONHOMME RICHARD continued operations in the Western Pacific and conducted additional training with the embarked Marines. During the patrol, the ship visited Fremantle and Darwin, Australia, as well as Bali, Indonesia. She returned to Sasebo on September 3, 2015, and subsequently entered a maintenance and training period.

In early 2016, BONHOMME RICHARD underwent a Selected Restricted Availability involving maintenance and repairs to shipboard systems. Following the maintenance period, she resumed patrol operations and training with the 31st MEU. On January 18, 2016, the ship began a Western Pacific patrol with USS GERMANTOWN and USS ASHLAND. During the patrol, the amphibious group participated in Amphibious Integration Training, certification exercises and Exercise Foal Eagle 2016 with South Korean forces.

The exercise activities included aviation operations, amphibious landings and combined training with U.S. and Republic of Korea military units. BONHOMME RICHARD visited Busan, South Korea, during the patrol before returning to Sasebo on March 30, 2016.

On April 14 and 16, 2016, a series of powerful earthquakes struck the Kumamoto region of Japan, causing extensive damage and prompting a large-scale relief operation by Japanese authorities. Between April 18 and 23, eight sailors from BONHOMME RICHARD's Air Department supported Japanese relief operations under Task Force Chenzai. The sailors embarked aboard the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force helicopter destroyer JS HYUGA (DDH 181), assisting its crew with the operation of U.S. Marine Corps MV-22B Ospreys assigned to VMM-265. Their work included training and support for aircraft handling procedures during the humanitarian mission.

On August 6, 2016, BONHOMME RICHARD departed Sasebo on another patrol, operating with USS GREEN BAY, USS GERMANTOWN and the 31st MEU. The ships conducted training in the Philippine Sea and Western Pacific before participating in Exercise Valiant Shield 2016 around Guam and the Mariana Islands during September. The large joint exercise involved U.S. Navy, Marine Corps and Air Force units, including USS RONALD REAGAN (CVN 76), surface combatants, amphibious ships and more than 180 aircraft.

During Valiant Shield, BONHOMME RICHARD supported amphibious and aviation operations while U.S. forces practiced combined maritime and air warfare in the Mariana Islands region. Following the exercise, the amphibious group continued into the South China Sea and participated in PHIBLEX 2017 with the Armed Forces of the Philippines during September and October. The exercises involved amphibious landings, ship-to-shore movement, aviation operations and joint training with Philippine forces.

During the patrol, BONHOMME RICHARD visited Subic Bay, Singapore and Hong Kong. The Hong Kong visit began in late September, providing opportunities for crew liberty, maintenance and shipboard activities before the group resumed operations. BONHOMME RICHARD returned to Sasebo on November 3, 2016.

Following maintenance and preparations during the winter, BONHOMME RICHARD departed Sasebo again on February 27, 2017, with USS GREEN BAY, USS ASHLAND and the 31st MEU. The ships conducted Amphibious Integration Training and a Certification Exercise near Okinawa. The exercises included amphibious landings, aviation operations, mission planning and the integration of the Navy and Marine Corps command elements.

The March 2017 certification activities were intended to evaluate the Amphibious Ready Group's ability to plan and execute operational missions, including amphibious assault, raids and contingency-response tasks. BONHOMME RICHARD completed the patrol and returned to Sasebo on April 10, 2017.

On June 1, 2017, BONHOMME RICHARD departed Sasebo for another extended patrol with the 31st MEU. The Amphibious Ready Group included USS GREEN BAY and USS ASHLAND. The ships proceeded toward Australia for Exercise Talisman Saber 2017, a major bilateral exercise involving U.S. and Australian naval, air and ground forces.

During the exercise, BONHOMME RICHARD served as a command platform for combined expeditionary operations and embarked Royal Australian Navy personnel to support planning and command-and-control activities. The amphibious group conducted aviation operations, landing exercises and maritime training with Australian forces. The ship also hosted an at-sea opening ceremony for participating naval units.

On August 5, 2017, an MV-22B Osprey assigned to Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 265 crashed into the sea off Queensland, Australia, after departing BONHOMME RICHARD. The aircraft was approaching USS GREEN BAY for a landing when it encountered difficulties and struck the water near the ship. Twenty-six Marines were aboard the aircraft. Twenty-three were rescued, while three Marines, First Lieutenant Benjamin R. Cross, Corporal Nathaniel F. Ordway and Private First Class Ruben P. Velasco, were killed.

Ships, aircraft and rescue personnel from the Amphibious Ready Group immediately began search and rescue operations, supported by Australian military and civilian authorities. The wreckage was subsequently located in approximately 60 meters of water, and recovery operations were conducted in cooperation with the Royal Australian Navy. Investigations into the accident examined the aircraft's performance during its approach, operating conditions and the circumstances surrounding the attempted landing aboard USS GREEN BAY.

Following the accident, BONHOMME RICHARD and the Amphibious Ready Group continued their deployment, conducting additional operations and exercises in Australian waters. The ship visited Sydney, Brisbane and Melbourne during the patrol before returning to Japan in September 2017. Memorial ceremonies were held for the three Marines who died in the accident.

During the remainder of 2017, BONHOMME RICHARD conducted maintenance and training in preparation for another forward-deployed patrol. Plans were also being developed for the ship's return to San Diego, where she would undergo modernization to support future operations with the Marine Corps F-35B Lightning II aircraft.

On January 23, 2018, BONHOMME RICHARD departed Sasebo for her final major patrol while assigned to the forward-deployed naval force in Japan. The ship embarked elements of the 31st MEU and proceeded through the Western Pacific toward Thailand for Exercise Cobra Gold 2018, one of the largest multinational military exercises conducted annually in Southeast Asia.

BONHOMME RICHARD arrived at Laem Chabang, Thailand, on February 11, 2018, to support the exercise. Cobra Gold involved approximately 5,800 U.S. military personnel and participating or observing forces from 29 countries. The exercise included amphibious operations, humanitarian assistance training and combined military activities intended to improve cooperation among regional armed forces. During Cobra Gold, BONHOMME RICHARD supported amphibious training with Thai and South Korean naval forces, including activities involving the Royal Thai Navy's HTMS ANGTHONG (LPD 791) and the Republic of Korea Navy's ROKS CHEON JA BONG (LST 687). The ship's embarked Marines and aviation units conducted landing operations, transportation missions and other exercises. Following the exercise, BONHOMME RICHARD visited Laem Chabang before continuing her patrol.

On March 4, 2018, BONHOMME RICHARD arrived at Manila, Philippines, for a scheduled port visit. The visit included maintenance, replenishment and activities with Philippine military and civilian representatives. Following the visit, the ship continued operations in the Western Pacific, including training associated with Exercise Foal Eagle and combined amphibious exercises involving U.S. and Republic of Korea forces.

During April 2018, BONHOMME RICHARD participated in Exercise Ssang Yong 2018, a bilateral amphibious exercise involving U.S. and South Korean naval and Marine Corps forces. The exercise included maritime operations, combined planning and training for amphibious landings on the Korean Peninsula. Some scheduled amphibious landing activities were affected by adverse weather conditions. BONHOMME RICHARD completed her final forward-deployed patrol and returned to Sasebo on April 17, 2018.

On April 18, 2018, BONHOMME RICHARD departed Sasebo for the last time, ending six years of forward-deployed service in Japan. The ship had served as flagship of Amphibious Force Seventh Fleet and supported repeated exercises and operations with American, Japanese, South Korean, Australian, Philippine and other regional forces. During the return voyage, BONHOMME RICHARD visited Pearl Harbor, Hawaii, beginning on April 27, before continuing across the Pacific.

On May 8, 2018, BONHOMME RICHARD arrived at Naval Base San Diego, completing her homeport shift from Japan to California. USS WASP (LHD 1) assumed the forward-deployed amphibious assault ship role in Sasebo. BONHOMME RICHARD was assigned to the U.S. Third Fleet and began preparations for an extensive maintenance and modernization program.

During the autumn of 2018, BONHOMME RICHARD participated in San Francisco Fleet Week, arriving in the San Francisco Bay area at the end of September. The ship took part in public events, demonstrations and ship tours during the annual maritime celebration before returning to San Diego. These activities were among her final major public appearances before entering an extended shipyard availability.

In late 2018, BONHOMME RICHARD began a major Docking Phased Maintenance Availability at General Dynamics NASSCO in San Diego. The extensive project included maintenance, structural repairs and modernization work intended to extend the ship's service life and improve its operational capabilities. One of the principal objectives was the modification of the ship's aviation facilities to accommodate the F-35B Lightning II, including changes to flight deck equipment and support systems.

The availability also included repairs to propulsion machinery spaces, tanks, valves and other engineering equipment, together with upgrades to radar systems, combat systems and command, control, communications, computers and intelligence networks. On June 24, 2019, BONHOMME RICHARD entered drydock at NASSCO for extensive maintenance and repair work. The ship remained in drydock for several months before being undocked on December 19, 2019.

After leaving drydock, BONHOMME RICHARD continued her maintenance and modernization program while moored at Naval Base San Diego. During the first half of 2020, shipyard workers, contractors and the crew continued installations, repairs, inspections and preparations for the completion of the availability. The maintenance period involved large numbers of civilian workers aboard the ship and temporary changes to the configuration and availability of some shipboard systems.

On July 12, 2020, a major fire broke out aboard BONHOMME RICHARD while she was moored at Pier 2 at Naval Base San Diego. The first reports of smoke and fire were received at approximately 8:30 a.m. from the ship's lower vehicle storage area. At the time, the ship was undergoing maintenance, and approximately 160 sailors and civilian personnel were aboard. The fire spread rapidly through the ship, fueled by combustible material accumulated during the maintenance period and complicated by the condition of shipboard firefighting and communications systems.

Navy firefighting teams and civilian firefighters from San Diego responded to the emergency. During the initial hours, several explosions occurred as the fire spread through the ship's internal compartments. Heavy smoke and intense heat hindered attempts to reach the seat of the fire, while damaged equipment, obstructed passageways and the progressive loss of shipboard services complicated the response. The firefighting effort continued throughout July 13 and the following days, involving hundreds of military and civilian firefighters. Helicopters from Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron 3 conducted aerial water-bucket operations to cool the ship and support efforts to control the blaze. Fireboats and shore-based firefighting equipment were also employed. The fire caused extensive structural damage, including severe destruction within the ship's island and upper decks.

On July 16, 2020, the Navy announced that all fires aboard BONHOMME RICHARD had been extinguished after more than four days of firefighting operations. Sixty-three people, including 40 Navy sailors and 23 civilians, were treated for injuries or medical problems, primarily heat exhaustion and smoke inhalation. Subsequent inspections found that eleven of the ship's fourteen decks had sustained severe fire or water damage. Much of the interior had been destroyed, while sections of the flight deck, island and other structural components had been severely damaged by heat.

Following the fire, Navy engineers and technical specialists conducted an extensive assessment of the ship's condition and the feasibility of repair. Several options were considered, including a complete restoration of BONHOMME RICHARD to operational service and a more limited conversion to another role. The assessment concluded that restoring the ship could cost between $2.5 billion and $3.2 billion and require approximately five to seven years of work.

On November 30, 2020, the Navy announced that BONHOMME RICHARD would be decommissioned and scrapped because repairing the ship was not economically justified. The decision ended plans to return her to operational service following the F-35B modernization program. Preparations began for the removal of equipment, reduction of the damaged ship's superstructure and eventual transport to a shipbreaking facility.

On February 23, 2021, contractors began removing the damaged island superstructure as part of the ship's inactivation process. The work reduced the height of the island to just above the flight deck, improving the structural condition of the remaining hull and preparing it for towing. Additional equipment was removed or secured as BONHOMME RICHARD was prepared for her final voyage.

A decommissioning ceremony was held aboard BONHOMME RICHARD at Naval Base San Diego on April 14, 2021. The ceremony was attended by Navy personnel and representatives of the ship's former commands, with attendance restrictions associated with the COVID-19 pandemic. BONHOMME RICHARD was officially decommissioned on April 15, 2021, ending more than 22 years of commissioned service.

Following decommissioning, the remaining hull departed San Diego under tow on April 15 and proceeded toward the Panama Canal. The ship was subsequently transported through the canal and across the Gulf of Mexico to Brownsville, Texas. On May 31, 2021, the hull arrived at the facilities of International Shipbreaking Ltd., where dismantling and recycling operations were undertaken. The shipbreaking contract also provided for the recovery of reusable government-owned equipment and material that had survived the fire.

On October 20, 2021, the Navy released the results of its command investigation into the fire together with a broader review of major fires aboard U.S. Navy ships. The investigation found major deficiencies involving the material condition of BONHOMME RICHARD during maintenance, the training and readiness of the crew, coordination with civilian firefighting organizations and command oversight. The report identified numerous failures that had contributed to the ineffective initial response and the subsequent loss of the ship.

The investigation concluded that the fire had been deliberately started, but criminal responsibility remained the subject of separate proceedings. A former member of the ship's crew, Seaman Recruit Ryan Sawyer Mays, was charged with aggravated arson and willfully hazarding a vessel. On September 30, 2022, a military judge acquitted Mays of both charges. Separate administrative and disciplinary proceedings addressed failures by Navy personnel and commands associated with the ship's maintenance and firefighting readiness.

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Homeports of USS BONHOMME RICHARD:

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About the Ship's Coat of Arms:

Dark blue and gold are the colors traditionally used by the United States Navy. The red, white, and blue shield reflects the national colors and suggests the coat of arms of the United States. The six red stripes represent the ship's hull number as well as the six coins placed beneath the mast during mast stepping; red being the color of valor and sacrifice. The gold fleur-de-lis highlights the heritage of the first ship BONHOMME RICHARD. The King of France gave an armed ship to the American cause in 1779 which was placed under the command of John Paul Jones. Jones wanted a name with meaning for Americans and French alike, so he selected the pen name of Ben Franklin (then the U.S. Ambassador to France), and named the ship BONHOMME RICHARD in his honor. With this ship, John Paul Jones went on to defeat the British warship SERAPIS in one of the most famous sea battles in American history. The wreath of two green laurel branches symbolizes honor and high achievment commemorating the two previous ships carrying the name BONHOMME RICHARD. The eagle, overlooking the fleur-de-lis, adapted from historic flags and documents of the Revolutionary era, symbolizes the fighting spirit, patriotic fervor, and tenacity of both John Paul Jones and the United States Navy. The eagle is flanked by six gold stars representing the battle stars earned by the second BON HOMME RICHARD during World War II and the Korean War underscoring the heritage and continuing resolve of the fighting Navy. The chief is blue with a wavy edge suggesting a shoreline and reflecting the amphibious mission of the BONHOMME RICHARD.

The trident is emblematic of sea prowess and power from the sea; It has wings to commemorate the second BON HOMME RICHARD, an aircraft carrier and the three tines further represent the three areas of that ships sea battle service: World War II, Korea, and Vietnam. The trident is scarlet, a color traditionally used by the United States Marine Corps, and highlights action and zeal thus underscoring the ship's assault and battle insertion mission combining the land, sea, and air elements of the fighting force. The trident, synergistically combined with the crossed U.S. Navy and Marine swords, symbolizes combat readiness and teamwork highlighting the current LHD's potent amphibious and heliborne assault capabilities in the deployment of forces ashore.

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USS BONHOMME RICHARD Image Gallery:

The photos below were taken by me on July 27, 2006 (the first two photos) and on July 29, 2006, and show the BONHOMME RICHARD berthed at Pearl Harbor, HI., after her participation in RIMPAC 2006.

The photos below were taken by Ian Johnson and show the BONHOMME RICHARD during her first port visit to Fremantle, Australia. The photos were taken on October 16, 2007 (the first two photos), October 17, 2007 (the third and fourth photo), October 18, 2007 (fifth photo), and October 21, 2007 (last two photos).

The photos below were taken by me and show the BONHOMME RICHARD at Naval Base San Diego, Calif., on March 10, 2008.

The photos below were taken by me and show the BONHOMME RICHARD at San Francisco, Calif., on October 7, 2011. The ship was in town for Fleet Week 2011.

The photos below were taken by Shiu On Yee and show the BONHOMME RICHARD at Hong Kong on September 30, 2016.

The photos below were taken by Michael Jenning during one of the open ship events aboard USS BONHOMME RICHARD as part of Fleet Week San Francisco on October 4, 2018.

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The photos below were taken by Michael Jenning and show the USS BONHOMME RICHARD during the Parade of Ships as part of Fleet Week San Francisco on October 5, 2018.

The photos below were taken by Michael Jenning and show the USS BONHOMME RICHARD at Naval Base San Diego, Calif., on March 2, 2019.

The photos below were taken by Michael Jenning and show the USS BONHOMME RICHARD dry-docked at NASSCO, San Diego, Calif., on September 1, 2019.

The photos below were taken by Michael Jenning and show the USS BONHOMME RICHARD dry-docked at NASSCO, San Diego, Calif., on October 12, 2019.

The photos below were taken by Michael Jenning and show the USS BONHOMME RICHARD dry-docked at NASSCO, San Diego, Calif., on November 8, 2019.

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