SAN DIEGO (CNS) - The amphibious assault ship USS Bonhomme Richard is scheduled to depart San Diego Tuesday for its new home base of Sasebo, Japan.
En route, the crew is scheduled to switch places with the USS Essex, a sister ship in which the sailors will return to Naval Station San Diego. The switch-out is called a "hull swap."
The Essex has been assigned to Japan since 2000.
The Bonhomme Richard has been based in San Diego since its commissioning in 1998, according to Lt. Beth Teach of Expeditionary Strike Group Three. Its commanding officer, Capt. Charles Litchfield, said his vessel has just completed one year of maintenance and equipment upgrades.
The Essex will undergo similar work after it arrives in San Diego, he said.
