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US Navy - Amphibious Assault Ship LHD 6 - USS Bonhomme Richard |
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Type,
class: Amphibious Assault Ship (multipurpose) -
Landing Ship Helicopter Dock (LHD) - Wasp class Builder: Ingalls Shipbuilding, Pascagoula, Mississippi, USA STATUS: Awarded: December 11, 1992 Laid down: April 18, 1995 Launched: March 14, 1997 Commissioned: August 15, 1998 > destroyed by a fire July 2020 Decommissioned: April 15, 2021 Fate: sold for scrap to International Shipbreaking Ltd., Brownsville, Texas towed to Brownsville, Texas via the Panama Canal April 15 - May 31, 2021 Namesake: Benjamin Franklin's (1705-1790) Maximes du Bonhomme Richard Ships Motto: I HAVE NOT YET BEGUN TO FIGHT Technical Data: see: INFO > Wasp class Amphibious Assault Ship - LHD |
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Deployments and Major Maintenance Periods: January 2000 - July 2000 with 15th Marine Expeditionary Unit - SOC (MEU/SOC) and HMM-166(REIN) embarked - Pacific Ocean, Persian Gulf December 2001 - June 2002 with 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit - SOC (MEU/SOC) and HMM-165(REIN) embarked - Pacific Ocean, Arabian Sea January 2003 - July 2003 with 1st MEF, VMA-211, VMA-311, HMH-465 (Det), and HC-11 (Det) embarked - Operation Iraqi Freedom December 2004 - June 2005 with 15th Marine Expeditionary Unit - SOC (MEU/SOC) and HMM-165(REIN) embarked - Pacific Ocean, Persian Gulf April 2007 - November 2007 with 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit - SOC (MEU/SOC) and HMM-163(REIN) embarked - Pacific Ocean, Persian Gulf, Arabian Sea September 2009 - April 2010 with 11th Marine Expeditionary Unit - SOC (MEU/SOC) and HMM-166(REIN) embarked - Pacific Ocean, Arabian Sea June 2010 - August 2010 with detachments from HMM-268, HMH-463, HMLA-469 and HSC-8 embarked - around Hawaii - exercises Trident Warrior and RIMPAC October 2010 - July 2011: Docking Phased Maintenance Availability (DPMA) at General Dynamics NASSCO, San Diego February 2012 - April 2012: homeport change from San Diego to Sasebo, Japan / crew exchange and hull swap with USS Essex (LHD 2) April 2012 - April 2018: permanently forward deployed to Fleet Activities Sasebo, Japan - units assigned: April 2012 - June 2012: 31st MEU(SOC) / HMM-265(REIN) June 2012 - June 2013: 31st MEU(SOC) / HMM-262(REIN) June 2013 - May 2014: 31st MEU(SOC) / VMM-265(REIN) June 2014 - May 2015: 31st MEU(SOC) / VMM-262(REIN) May 2015 - June 2016: 31st MEU(SOC) / VMM-265(REIN) June 2016 - May 2017: 31st MEU(SOC) /VMM-262(REIN) May 2017 - January 2018: 31st MEU(SOC) / VMM-265(REIN) January 2018 - April 2018: 3rd Battalion/3rd Marines and detachments from HMH-466, HMLA-369, HSC-21 and HSC-22 April 19, 2018 - May 8, 2018: homeport change from Sasebo, Japan to Naval Base San Diego, California July 2018 - August 2018 with VMM-363, HMLA-367 (Det) and HSC-21 (Det) embarked - around Hawaii - exercise RIMPAC 2018 |
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On the morning of July 12, 2020 a fire was called away aboard the ship while it was moored pier side at Naval Base San Diego. Base and shipboard firefighters responded to the fire. Bonhomme Richard is going through a maintenance availability, which began in 2018  after four days of firefighting, all known fires have been extinguished - Naval Base San Diego, July 16, 2020  after four days of firefighting, all known fires have been extinguished - Naval Base San Diego, July 16, 2020  Naval Base San Diego, July 15, 2020  Naval Base San Diego, July 15, 2020  Naval Base San Diego, July 15, 2020  Naval Base San Diego, July 14, 2020  Naval Base San Diego, July 14, 2020  Naval Base San Diego, July 14, 2020  Naval Base San Diego, July 14, 2020  Naval Base San Diego, July 14, 2020  Naval Base San Diego, July 14, 2020  Naval Base San Diego, July 14, 2020  Naval Base San Diego, July 14, 2020  Naval Base San Diego, July 14, 2020  Naval Base San Diego, July 13, 2020  Naval Base San Diego, July 13, 2020  Naval Base San Diego, July 13, 2020  Naval Base San Diego, July 13, 2020  Naval Base San Diego, July 13, 2020  Naval Base San Diego, July 12, 2020  Sailors and Federal Firefighters combat a fire onboard the amphibious assault ship USS Bonhomme Richard (LHD 6) at Naval Base San Diego, July 12, 2020  Naval Base San Diego, July 12, 2020  Naval Base San Diego, July 12, 2020  Naval Base San Diego, July 12, 2020  maintenance period at Naval Base San Diego, November 2018  San Francisco Fleet Week - October 2018  San Francisco Fleet Week - October 2018  San Francisco Fleet Week - October 2018  arriving in San Francisco, California for SF Fleet Week - September 2018  arriving in San Francisco, California for SF Fleet Week - September 2018  arriving in San Francisco, California for SF Fleet Week - September 2018  arriving in San Francisco, California for SF Fleet Week - September 2018  arriving in San Francisco, California for SF Fleet Week - September 2018  arriving in San Francisco, California for SF Fleet Week - September 2018  Pacific Ocean - September 2018  Pacific Ocean - September 2018  Pacific Ocean - August 2018  USS Bonhomme Richard, which had been forward-deployed since 2012 as the Amphibious Force 7th Fleet flagship, has completed a homeport shift and arrived at Naval Base San Diego, California where it is scheduled to undergo upgrades to operate the F-35B Lightning II - San Diego - May 2018  departing Fleet Activities Sasebo, Japan. USS Bonhomme Richard has been the flagship of the Amphibious Force 7th Fleet since April 2012 and will now transit to its new homeport in San Diego, California for follow-on operations and eventual upgrades to become F-35B Lightning II capable - April 2018  departing Fleet Activities Sasebo, Japan - April 2018  departing Fleet Activities Sasebo, Japan - April 19, 2018  Fleet Activities Sasebo, Japan - April 2018  AAVP-7A1 Amphibious Assault Vehicles (AAV) and a Landing Craft, air-cushioned (LCAC) in the well deck - Sasebo, Japan - April 2018  arriving at White Beach Naval Facility, Okinawa, Japan - April 2018  White Beach Naval Facility, Okinawa, Japan - March 2018  arriving at White Beach Naval Facility, Okinawa, Japan - March 2018  arriving at White Beach Naval Facility, Okinawa, Japan - March 2018  Gulf of Thailand - February 2018  during exercise Cobra Gold 18 - Gulf of Thailand - February 2018  Laem Chabang, Thailand - February 2018  CH-53E Super Stallions of HMH-466 during exercise Cobra Gold 2018 (CG18) - Gulf of Thailand - February 2018  White Beach Naval Facility, Okinawa, Japan - January 2018  Fleet Activities Sasebo, Japan - January 2018  Fleet Activities Sasebo, Japan - January 2018  vertical replenishment (VERTREP) - Pacific Ocean - January 2018  returning to Fleet Activities Sasebo, Japan - September 2017  with VMM-265(REIN) embarked - Shoalwater Bay Training Area, Australia - August 2017  with VMM-265(REIN) embarked - Coral Sea - August 2017  with VMM-265(REIN) embarked - Coral Sea - August 2017  with VMM-265(REIN) embarked - Coral Sea - August 2017  with VMM-265(REIN) embarked - Coral Sea - August 2017  with VMM-265(REIN) embarked - Coral Sea - August 2017  with VMM-265(REIN) embarked - Coral Sea - July 2017  with VMM-265(REIN) embarked - Coral Sea - July 2017  with VMM-265(REIN) embarked - Coral Sea - July 2017  with VMM-265(REIN) embarked - Coral Sea - July 2017  foreign object debris (FOD) walk during exercise Talisman Saber 17 - July 2017  LCAC's in the well deck - exercise Talisman Saber 17 - July 2017  with VMM-265(REIN) embarked - Coral Sea - July 2017  with VMM-265(REIN) embarked - Coral Sea - July 2017  with VMM-265(REIN) embarked - Coral Sea - July 2017  with VMM-265(REIN) embarked - Coral Sea - July 2017  with VMM-265(REIN) embarked - Coral Sea - July 2017  with VMM-265(REIN) embarked - Coral Sea - July 2017  with VMM-265(REIN) embarked - Coral Sea - July 2017  with VMM-265(REIN) embarked - Coral Sea - July 2017  with VMM-265(REIN) embarked - Coral Sea - July 2017  main machinery room - Coral Sea - July 2017  with VMM-265(REIN) embarked - Sydney, Australia - June 2017  hangar bay during a replenishment at sea (RAS) - June 2017  with VMM-265(REIN) embarked - departing White Beach Naval Facility, Okinawa, Japan - June 2017  with VMM-265(REIN) embarked - arriving at White Beach Naval Facility, Okinawa, Japan - June 2017  departing Sasebo, Japan - June 2017  moored at Fleet Activities Sasebo, Japan - April 2017  with VMM-262(REIN) embarked - Sea of Japan - March 2017  with VMM-262(REIN) embarked - Sea of Japan - March 2017  replenishment at sea (RAS) - East China Sea - March 2017  with VMM-262(REIN) embarked - Pacific Ocean - March 2017  ship's helm - Philippine Sea - March 2017  White Beach Naval Facility, Okinawa, Japan - March 2017  with VMM-262(REIN) embarked - White Beach Naval Facility, Okinawa, Japan - March 2017  ship's helm - Philippine Sea - February 2017 > continue - LHD 6 image page 2 < |
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USS Bonhomme Richard (LHD 6): Bonhomme Richard departed her building yard, Ingalls Shipbuilding division of Litton Industries, Pascagoula, Mississippi, on 8 August 1998, sailing into Pensacola Harbor at Naval Air Station Pensacola for commissioning activities and culminating with the main ceremony, which was held on 15 August 1998. U.S. Representative John P. Murtha, of Pennsylvania's 12th Congressional District, delivered the principal commissioning address. Then Secretary of the Navy, John H. Dalton, placed the new ship in commission. Congressman Murtha's wife, Mrs. Joyce Murtha, served as Ship Sponsor and christened the ship at Ingalls in May 1997. During the commissioning, Mrs. Murtha gave the traditional order to "Man our ship and bring her to life!" Bonhomme Richard participated in several operations. From 24 January to 24 July 2000, the ship made the first Western Pacific (WESTPAC) deployment of any U.S. Navy ship in the 2000s as part of Operation Southern Watch. She deployed as part of Operation Enduring Freedom from 1 December 2001 to 18 June 2002. Her next deployment was in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom, beginning on 17 January 2003 and lasting until 26 July 2003. Bonhomme Richard played two significant roles in Operation Iraqi Freedom; first, she offloaded more than 1,000 marines and gear from the 1st Battalion, 1st Marines into Kuwait. Second, after delivering her attack and transport helicopters, troops, and vehicles, she took up a position just miles off the coast of Kuwait and became one of two light aircraft carriers, or "Harrier Carriers", along with USS Bataan in the Persian Gulf, launching AV-8B Harrier strike aircraft into Iraq. Pilots from Marine Attack Squadron 211 (VMA-211) and VMA-311, embarked aboard Bonhomme Richard, expended more than 175,000 pounds (79,000 kg) of ordnance, providing close air support to the Marines on the ground and during predetermined strikes in Iraq. During Operation Iraqi Freedom, Bonhomme Richard launched more than 800 sorties, including 547 combat launches. Bonhomme Richard sailed to Sri Lanka to provide support for relief efforts following the 2004 Indian Ocean earthquake and its subsequent tsunamis. On 4 January 2005, the ship helped airlift relief supplies to the coast of Sumatra, Indonesia. Bonhomme Richard deployed in Operation Unified Assistance from 5 January 2005 to February 2005. Her helicopters flew supplies and medical personnel into various areas of Indonesia and evacuated the wounded. The following July, Bonhomme Richard participated in RIMPAC 2006. From 23 May to November 2007, she joined up with two U.S. Navy aircraft carriers, John C. Stennis and Nimitz and their Carrier Strike Groups (CSG) off the coast of Iran to carry out previously unannounced air and sea exercises. In July 2008, the ship took part in RIMPAC 2008 off the coast of Hawaii. From September 2009 to April 2010, Bonhomme Richard deployed to the Fifth and Seventh Fleet Areas of Operations (AoR). Ports of call include East Timor; Phuket, Thailand; Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia; and Oahu, Hawaii. In July, she participated in RIMPAC 2010 in the Kaulakahi Channel, between Kauai and Niihau Islands, Hawaii, near the Pacific Missile Range Facility. Bonhomme Richard took the place of USS Essex as the command ship for Expeditionary Strike Group Seven and switched homeport from San Diego, California, to Sasebo, Japan, on 23 April 2012. During the summer of 2013 Bonhomme Richard participated in Exercise Talisman Sabre 2013. Maneuvers were performed off Queensland, Australia, and in the Coral Sea. After the exercise, the ship sailed for Sydney, arriving on 16 August 2013. Bonhomme Richard assisted in the air-sea rescue operation of the capsized South Korean ferry MV Sewol with helicopters on 16 April 2014. Bonhomme Richard participated in Exercise Talisman Saber 2017 involving more than 33,000 Australian and U.S. troops in June 2017.[13] Alongside Bonhomme Richard, 20 other ships and over 200 aircraft took part in what was Australia's largest exercise to date. A week-long port call in Melbourne followed. On 5 August 2017, a U.S. Marine Corps MV-22 Osprey of Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 265 with the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit took off from Bonhomme Richard and then crashed in Shoalwater Bay on the east coast of Australia. Twenty-three personnel were rescued, while three died, their bodies being recovered about three weeks later. On 8 May 2018 Bonhomme Richard completed her homeport change to San Diego. July 2020 fire: Witnesses reported that an explosion occurred about 8:50 a.m. on 12 July 2020 aboard Bonhomme Richard while in her homeport at Naval Base San Diego undergoing maintenance. The resulting fire was fueled by paper, cloth, rags, or other materials, not fuel oil or other hazardous materials, Rear Admiral Philip Sobeck, commander of Expeditionary Strike Group 3, told reporters that evening. Since the ship was in maintenance, on-board fire-suppression systems had been disabled, delaying the onset of firefighting efforts, according to Admiral Sobeck. The fire was reported to have started in an area that is normally used to park military trucks while the ship is at sea, but where shipyard workers might have temporarily placed other items including combustible materials. The day the fire erupted, seventeen sailors and four civilians were taken to the hospital with non-life-threatening injuries; all but five were released by morning of the next day, Navy officials said. By 14 July, the number of injured had risen to 61, as more people were treated for minor injuries, including heat exhaustion and smoke inhalation. On 16 July, five days after the explosion, the Navy announced that all fires had been extinguished. The minor injury total had risen to 63 total (40 sailors and 23 civilians). Admiral Michael Gilday, Chief of Naval Operations, said the event was "a very, very serious incident" and that the Navy would address any systemic problems. He said the firefighting efforts had involved sailors from many ships and units in San Diego, including the helicopter squadron HSC-3, which dropped water on the ship. Eight sailors assigned to Bonhomme Richard were meritoriously promoted in rank on 31 July for their actions in fighting the fire. Fire and water damage were sustained on 11 of 14 decks. Sections of the flight deck and other decks were warped and bulging, while the island was nearly gutted. The Navy removed the aft mast of the damaged ship to ensure it would not collapse. Disposal: On 30 November 2020, Navy officials said that attempting to repair the damage and return Bonhomme Richard to service would take between five and seven years and cost an estimated $2.5 billion to $3.2 billion. Instead, the decision was made to withdraw the ship from service and, following extensive component recovery, have her sold for scrap. In February 2021, a bipartisan group of congressional delegates from Florida proposed that the hulk be sunk off the coast of Florida as an artificial reef, arguing that the reef would become an environmental and economic benefit to the area. After a decommissioning ceremony on 14 April 2021, she was officially decommissioned on 15 April. The same day, the hull was towed from San Diego, heading for a scrap yard in Texas. On 9 April 2021, International Shipbreaking Ltd. of Brownsville, Texas purchased the ex-Bonhomme Richard for $3.66 million for breaking and recycling. source: wikipedia - - - - - USS Bonhomme Richard fire - July 2020: Story Number: NNS200712-01Release Date: 7/12/2020 6:46:00 PM From the Office of the Navy Chief of Information WASHINGTON (NNS) -- UPDATED 4:20 p.m. July 16, 2020: Statement from Rear Admiral Philip E. Sobeck Commander, Expeditionary Strike Group Three: After four days of firefighting, all known fires have been extinguished aboard USS Bonhomme Richard (LHD 6). Our fire teams are investigating every space to verify the absence of fire. Until every space is checked and there are no active fires we will not be able to commence any official investigations. We did not know the origin of the fire. We do not know the extent of the damage. It is too early to make any predictions or promises of what the future of the ship will be. We cannot make any conclusions, until the investigation is complete. What we do know is that brave Sailors from commands all across San Diego worked tirelessly alongside Federal Firefighters to get this fire extinguished and I want to thank them for their efforts. This was a Navy team effort. We had support from the air and sea. Three helicopter squadrons conducted more than 1,500 water bucket drops, fighting the fire and cooling the super structure and flight deck enabling fire crews to get onboard to fight the fire. Tugs also provided firefighting support from the waterline, cooling the ship’s hull. We had 63 personnel, 40 U.S. Navy Sailors and 23 civilians, treated for minor injuries including heat exhaustion and smoke inhalation. We have no personnel hospitalized. The Navy continues to work together with regulators, county and state in protecting our environment and preparing to address the community’s concerns as we move forward to the next phase. I’d like to thank our partners from state and county, the U.S. Coast Guard, and all agencies for continued support. UPDATED 9:30 a.m. July 16, 2020: As of 6:00 a.m. Pacific time July 16, firefighting teams are on board USS Bonhomme Richard (LHD 6) continuing operations. The total personnel treated for minor injuries remains 63, 40 Sailors and 23 civilians.Will continue to provide updates via our social media platforms. UPDATED 2:30 a.m. July 16, 2020: Out of an abundance of caution the pier and ship were cleared of personnel due to an initial shift in the ship’s list. Personnel are now pier side. We will continue to monitor as the ship settles. For further information please contact: comnavsurfpac@gmail.com and (619) 556-0425. Please continue to check Surface Warriors social media at www.about.me/surfacewarriors. UPDATED 9:00 a.m. July 15, 2020: As of 9:00 a.m. EDT July 15, firefighting teams continue operations on board USS Bonhomme Richard (LHD 6), 63 personnel, 40 Sailors and 23 civilians, have been treated for minor injuries including heat exhaustion and smoke inhalation. Currently, there are no personnel hospitalized. Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron (HSC) 3 has conducted more than 1,500 helicopter water bucket drops, which are cooling the super-structure and flight deck, enabling fire crews to get onboard to fight the fire internally. UPDATED 11:48 p.m. July 14, 2020: USS Bonhomme Richard (LHD 6) Sailors, the brave group of firefighters from waterfront commands throughout the region, and Federal Fire Department San Diego appreciate the incredible support and generosity shown by San Diego and our strong Navy family. At this time, the Navy is assisting Bonhomme Richard Sailors affected by the fire with all essential items. If you are considering making a donation, please be aware of scams and unofficial sites. NCIS urges the DON family and community members to remain vigilant of fraudulent GoFundMe pages and other fraudulent charities soliciting for donations in response to the fire aboard USS Bonhomme Richard (LHD 6). Please report tips to NCIS using the NCIS Tips app or at your local NCIS office. UPDATED 9:30 p.m. July 14, 2020: Federal Fire Department San Diego and US Navy Sailors continue to fight the fire to save the ship, USS Bonhomme Richard (LHD 6). Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron THREE (HSC 3) has conducted more than 1,200 helicopter water bucket drops, which is cooling the super structure and flight deck enabling fire crews to get onboard internally to fight the fire. Tugs are also providing firefighting support from the waterline. Fire teams consisting of Federal Fire San Diego and U.S. Navy Sailors have been fighting the fire aboard USS Bonhomme Richard (LHD 6). The fire teams consist of more than 400 Sailors from 12 San Diego-based ships. The ships providing firefighting support include: • USS Bonhomme Richard (LHD 6) • USS Cowpens (CG 63) • USS Fitzgerald (DDG 62) • USS Decatur (DDG 73) • USS Tulsa (LCS 16) • USS Shoup (DDG 86) • USS Rushmore (LSD 47) • USS Harpers Ferry (LSD 49) • USS San Diego (LPD 22) • USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72) • USS Stethem (DDG 63) • USS John P. Murtha (LPD 26) Federal Fire entities: • MCAS Miramar • San Diego • Ventura County • NAF El Centro Additional DOD firefighting agencies: • Camp Pendleton Fire Dept. • Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center Fire Dept. UPDATED 2:00 p.m. July 14, 2020: Below is the press conference opening statement from Rear Adm. Philip Sobeck, Commander, Expeditionary Strike Group 3. Good morning. My name is Rear Admiral Philip Sobeck, and I am the Expeditionary Strike Group THREE commander. I’d like to start by thanking the people of San Diego, National City, Coronado, and all the other communities in San Diego County for their continued support. For more than 48 hours, brave Sailors from commands all across San Diego have been working tirelessly alongside Federal Fire San Diego to get this fire under control and I want to thank them for their efforts. I want to provide you with some updates on the progress we have made: First, we have investigated the four main engineering spaces and found no major damage. There is no threat to the fuel tanks, which is well-below any active fires or heat sources. The ship is stable and the structure is safe. We still have an active fire, which we are combatting from both within and outside the ship from multiple access points. HSC 3 helicopters have conducted more than 1,000 helicopter water bucket drops, which is cooling the super structure and flight deck enabling fire crews to get onboard internally to fight the fire. Tugs are also provide firefighting support from the waterline. I’m proud of the toughness of the Sailors and Federal Firefighters for making this significant progress possible. At this time there are 61 personnel, 38 U.S. Navy Sailors and 23 civilians, have been treated for minor injuries including heat exhaustion and smoke inhalation. Currently, there are no personnel hospitalized. Going forward, the Navy will do a thorough investigation of the incident to include assessing the cause of the fire and damage to the ship, but right now our focus remains on putting out the fire and keeping people safe. I’d like to also thank our partners from state and county as well as the Coast Guard for monitoring the potential impacts to the environment. As we continue to fight the fire, we remain cognizant of environmental concerns regarding the water and air quality. We recommend residents follow county advisories for safety out of an abundance of caution. Thank you again for your being here and we are now ready to take your questions. UPDATED 11:30 p.m. July 13, 2020: In the past 48 hours, Federal Fire Department San Diego and U.S. Navy Sailors have conducted numerous firefighting operations, making significant progress with the help of aerial firefighting operations conducted by U.S. Navy helicopters. Crews from Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron 3 will continue efforts throughout the night. UPDATED 9:06 p.m. July 13, 2020: As of 6:30 p.m. (EST) July 13, firefighting teams continue operations on board USS Bonhomme Richard (LHD 6). 59 personnel, 36 U.S. Navy Sailors and 23 civilians, have been treated for minor injuries including heat exhaustion and smoke inhalation. Currently, there are no personnel hospitalized. Below is a statement from Cmdr. Chris Wright, Response Department Head, Coast Guard Sector San Diego. While the United States Navy continues to effect response actions to quell the fire aboard the USS BONHOMME RICHARD, the United States Coast Guard continues to assess environmental sensitivities and has contracted an Oil Spill Response Organization to preemptively deploy protective boom to guard against any potential environmental concerns. A one-nautical mile safety zone has been established to ensure the safety of the maritime public. Additionally, a one-nautical mile temporary flight-restriction zone from surface to 3,000 feet altitude has been established to maintain the safety of all firefighting aircraft. Neighboring marinas are also currently being advised to utilize protective safety measures. The safety of first responders, protection of the marine environment and the uninterrupted flow of commerce remain the highest concerns to the Coast Guard. Responders will continue to monitor and assess potential environmental concerns and adjust response actions to ensure the safety and security of the maritime public and the marine environment. UPDATED 9:30 a.m. July 13, 2020: Firefighting teams continue operations on board USS Bonhomme Richard (LHD 6). Fifty-seven personnel, both U.S. Navy Sailors and civilians, have been treated for minor injuries including heat exhaustion and smoke inhalation. Of those, five remain hospitalized for observation and are currently in stable condition. UPDATED 6:49 a.m. July 13, 2020: As of 6:49 a.m. firefighting teams continue operations continue on board USS Bonhomme Richard (LHD 6) in addition to aerial firefighting operations that commenced via helicopter water bucket at 1:30 a.m. PST with two helicopters from Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron THREE. There are 5 Sailors admitted to local hospitals for observation. All are in stable condition. UPDATED 2:19 a.m. July 13, 2020: As of 2:00 a.m. defensive operations continue on board USS Bonhomme Richard (LHD 6). Additionally, aerial firefighting operations commenced via helicopter water bucket at 1:30 a.m. with two helicopters from Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron THREE. As of 1:24 a.m., there are 15 personnel including 13 Sailors and two Federal Fire firefighters, admitted to local hospitals. All are currently in stable condition. UPDATED 1:34 a.m. July 13, 2020: As of 12:00 a.m. July 13, 2020, there are 16 personnel including 15 Sailors and one Federal Fire firefighter, admitted to local hospitals. All are currently in stable condition. The firefighting efforts are on board USS Bonhomme Richard (LHD 6) are ongoing. Further updates will be provided as they become available. UPDATED 7:00 p.m. July 12, 2020: Federal Fire San Diego is the on-scene lead for firefighting efforts on Naval Base San Diego combatting the fire on USS Bonhomme Richard (LHD 6). "Currently there are two firefighting teams fighting the fire aboard the ship,” said Federal Fire San Diego Division Chief Rob Bondurant. “Federal Fire is rotating their crews aboard the ship with U.S. Navy firefighting crews from the waterfront to fight the fire in order to, find the seat of the fire and extinguish it. Also, Navy Region Southwest tugs are also continuously combatting the fire from the bay” The origin of the fire is still unknown and is pending investigation. UPDATED 6:46 p.m. July 12, 2020: Sailors reported a fire aboard the wasp-class amphibious assault ship USS Bonhomme Richard (LHD 6) while moored pier side at Naval Base San Diego July 12, at approximately 11:30 a.m. eastern daylight time. Thus far seventeen Sailors and four civilians are being treated for non-life threatening injuries at a local hospital. All crew members have been accounted for. At approximately 4:00 p.m. the Arleigh Burke-class guided missile destroyers USS Fitzgerald (DDG 62) and USS Russell (DDG 59) shifted berths to a pier further away from the fire. Bonhomme Richard is in San Diego for a regularly scheduled maintenance availability. Naval Base San Diego, the City of San Diego Fire Department, Harbor Police fire boats, and fire teams from other ships continue firefighting efforts. source: US DoD |
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Benjamin Franklin, the American Commissioner at Paris, whose Poor
Richard's Almanac had been published in France under the title Les
Maximes du Bonhomme Richard. Benjamin Franklin (January 17, 1706 - April 17, 1790): ... was an American polymath and one of the Founding Fathers of the United States. Franklin was a leading writer, printer, political philosopher, politician, Freemason, postmaster, scientist, inventor, humorist, civic activist, statesman, and diplomat. As a scientist, he was a major figure in the American Enlightenment and the history of physics for his discoveries and theories regarding electricity. As an inventor, he is known for the lightning rod, bifocals, and the Franklin stove, among other inventions. He founded many civic organizations, including the Library Company, Philadelphia's first fire department and the University of Pennsylvania. Franklin earned the title of "The First American" for his early and indefatigable campaigning for colonial unity, initially as an author and spokesman in London for several colonies. As the first United States Ambassador to France, he exemplified the emerging American nation. Franklin was foundational in defining the American ethos as a marriage of the practical values of thrift, hard work, education, community spirit, self-governing institutions, and opposition to authoritarianism both political and religious, with the scientific and tolerant values of the Enlightenment. In the words of historian Henry Steele Commager, "In a Franklin could be merged the virtues of Puritanism without its defects, the illumination of the Enlightenment without its heat." To Walter Isaacson, this makes Franklin "the most accomplished American of his age and the most influential in inventing the type of society America would become." Franklin became a successful newspaper editor and printer in Philadelphia, the leading city in the colonies, publishing the Pennsylvania Gazette at the age of 23. He became wealthy publishing this and Poor Richard's Almanack, which he authored under the pseudonym "Richard Saunders". After 1767, he was associated with the Pennsylvania Chronicle, a newspaper that was known for its revolutionary sentiments and criticisms of British policies. He pioneered and was first president of Academy and College of Philadelphia which opened in 1751 and later became the University of Pennsylvania. He organized and was the first secretary of the American Philosophical Society and was elected president in 1769. Franklin became a national hero in America as an agent for several colonies when he spearheaded an effort in London to have the Parliament of Great Britain repeal the unpopular Stamp Act. An accomplished diplomat, he was widely admired among the French as American minister to Paris and was a major figure in the development of positive Franco-American relations. His efforts proved vital for the American Revolution in securing shipments of crucial munitions from France. He was promoted to deputy postmaster-general for the British colonies in 1753, having been Philadelphia postmaster for many years, and this enabled him to set up the first national communications network. During the revolution, he became the first United States Postmaster General. He was active in community affairs and colonial and state politics, as well as national and international affairs. From 1785 to 1788, he served as governor of Pennsylvania. He initially owned and dealt in slaves but, by the late 1750s, he began arguing against slavery and became an abolitionist. His colorful life and legacy of scientific and political achievement, and his status as one of America's most influential Founding Fathers, have seen Franklin honored more than two centuries after his death on coinage and the $100 bill, warships, and the names of many towns, counties, educational institutions, and corporations, as well as countless cultural references. source: wikipedia  The Frigate Bonhomme Richard: In 1765 a 900-ton merchant vessel, DUC DE DURAS, was built in France for the East India Company for trading between France and the Orient. In nearly ten years, that ship would play a historic role in America's fight for independence. As the Revolutionary War raged on in the Colonies, the newly founded Continental Congress began gathering a small navy and immediately realized huge privateer successes at cutting down the English war efforts in North America. Those successes prompted the Continental Congress to send Benjamin Franklin as an Ambassador in 1777 to advise the French Court and garner more European support for the American war effort. The King of France obliged in 1779 by donating the DUC DE DURAS to the American cause. On February 4, 1779, the Continental Congress placed this fleet under the command of the 33 year old, Captain John Paul Jones. Swiftly, Jones refitted the DUC DE DURAS increasing her firepower to 20 guns a side, and renamed her BONHOMME RICHARD. Jones sought an honorable ship's name that would be equally important to America and France. Captain John Paul Jones chose the Pen Name of Benjamin Franklin, the Ambassador to France, and author of "Poor Richard's Almanack." This early 18th century journal urged common men to seek out roles in the public sphere and shape their own destinies. Clearly, his journal helped forge the will that resulted in the American Revolution. The Battle against HMS Serapis: On June 19, 1779, Jones sailed BONHOMME RICHARD from L' Orient, France accompanied by ALLIANCE, PALLAS, VEGEANCE, and CERF. Their mission: to escort troop transports and merchant vessels under convoy to Bordeaux, France and cruise against the British in the Bay of Biscay. Forced to return to port for repairs, Jones' squadron sailed again August 14, 1779. Going northwest around the British Isles into the North Sea and down the eastern seaboard of Great Britain, the squadron swiftly took 16 merchant vessels as prizes. On the evening of September 23, 1779, they encountered the Baltic Fleet of 41 near the English shore of Flamborough Head. Sailing for England, the Fleet was under convoy of the newly built frigate HMS SERAPIS (50 guns) and the small sloop COUNTESS OF SCARBOROUGH (20 GUNS). Before the British fleet could respond, BONHOMME RICHARD lashed out at SERAPIS igniting a bitter struggle that would last the entire night. Early in the battle, the guns of Jones' main battery exploded, temporarily disabling his ship. Under gunned, Jones' relied on decisive naval strategies and the might of his crew to out-fight the more powerful SERAPIS. To offset the SERAPIS' speed, Jones lashed his flagship alongside and continued the fight long after his subordinates regarded the situation as hopeless. Burning, sinking, and scattered with the dead and wounded, BONHOMME RICHARD lit up the darkness with a constant barrage. Jones struggled to keep his vessel afloat and, in one instance, an overwhelming number of prisoners in hold threatened to rush the deck to save from drowning. Jones defied all odds and continued the fight against Captain Pearson's SERAPIS. In the final hour, BONHOMME RICHARD'S mast was hit above the top-sail. Along with her Colors, a large section of the mast came crashing to the deck near Jones, feet. In response to the downfallen colors, SERAPIS called out, "Have you struck your Colors?" Resoundingly, John Paul Jones exclaimed, "Struck Sir? I have not yet begun to fight!" And fight they did. With newfound will, his crew delivered decisive blows from all sides and aloft. Jones' sent 40 Marines and Sailors into the rigging with grenades and muskets. Decimated, SERAPIS could not avoid defeat and at 2230 she struck her Colors. Victorious, John Paul Jones commandeered SERAPIS and sailed her to Holland for repairs. Sadly, BONHOMME RICHARD sank at 1100 on September 24, 1779, never to rise from her watery grave. This epic battle was the American Navy's first-ever defeat of an English ship in English waters! Rallying colonial hope for freedom, Jones' victory established him to many as "The Father of the American Navy." > see also: USS Bon Homme Richard (CV/CVA 31) |
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