USS Essex/LHD-2 2010 MIL

[Le Addeur noir]

The 'Iron Gator' arrived at the Thai port of Laem Chabang(it is believed) late on Sunday 14 February.There was no advance publicity of this visit,and consequently,I do not know when the Essex will be departing.

As is standard proceedure,public visits are prohibited,but noted on board today(Tuesday 16 February)were the following,

MH-60S HCS-25 Det 6

(166365) RB-03
(166353) RB-05

The bureau numbers are those quoted by the Iwakuni spotters.

CH-46E HMM-265(R)

153957 EP-00
155318 EP-01
153999 EP-02
156437 EP-03
154034 EP-04
156446 EP-05
153366 EP-06
15.... EP-07
156468 EP-11
157708 EP-16
156458 EP-17

CH-53E HMM-265(R)

16.... EP-21
162484 EP-23
16.... EP-24



UH-1N HMM-265(R)

159700 EP-31
159686 EP-33

AH-IW HMM-265(R)

162560 (EP-41)
162565
164572
165325 (EP-44)

AV-8B VMA-311

165579 WL-00
165572 WL-01
165569 WL-02
165595 WL-03
165567 WL-04
165584 WL-05
164553 WL-06
(165308) WL-07

5 of these Harriers(WL-00,01,02,05 and 06) were grouped on the bow,2 others were opposite the island and the eighth was seen below deck through an open door.These 8 AV-8B represent the entire AV-8B UDP currently at MCAS Iwakuni.

From sightings at nearby U-Tapao,it is known that CH-46E EP-10 and UH-1N EP-30 are on board.

3 other US ships were also in port,including the USS Harper's Ferry with no helicopters on board.6 CH-46E of HMM-262 are at U-Tapao and will no doubt join this ship in the Gulf of Thailand when she departs from Laem Chabang.