“We are fortunate to be in this part of the world to commemorate the Battle of Peleliu aboard the ship that bears its name.” said Capt. David Schnell, commanding officer of USS Peleliu. “Tradition runs deep in the military and we should take time to recognize the fighting spirit of those who have gone before us so we can continue their legacy.”
LHA 5 is the first U.S. Navy ship to carry the name Peleliu, and the second ship named in honor of the World War II battles fought in the Palau Islands. Peleliu is named in honor of the 3rd Amphibious Force’s assault and capture of Peleliu Island in the fall of 1944. The island is the final resting place for many U.S. Marines.
The USS Peleliu carries more than 2,000 Sailors and Marines. The transit by the island is one of remembrance, awareness and for one crew member, a chance to be near home for a short time.
Aviation Boatswain’s Mate (Handling) 3rd Class Elselarang Tmetuchl was born in the Palau Islands, and visited Peleliu with her family throughout her childhood. She now serves aboard USS Peleliu, home ported in San Diego, Calif.
“I was excited to leave Peleliu Island, but sad at the same time,” said Tmetuchl. “I was leaving my family and good friends, but I was leaving for a good cause.”
USS Peleliu is the flagship for the Peleliu Amphibious Ready Group (PEL ARG) that includes amphibious transport dock USS Dubuque (LPD 8) and dock landing ship USS Pearl Harbor (LSD 52). The PEL ARG is on a regularly scheduled Western Pacific deployment, on station to build partnerships and meet tasking set forth by fleet commanders. While in 7th Fleet, PEL ARG reports to Commander, Amphibious Force 7th Fleet, Rear Adm. Richard Landolt, who is headquartered in Okinawa, Japan.
The 7th Fleet area of operations includes more than 52 million square miles of the Pacific Ocean, running from the International Date Line to the eastern coast of Africa, and from the Antarctic to the Kuril Islands, northeast of Japan. It contains more than half of the world’s population.
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