Independence returns to Yokosuka, Japan
-- battle group to follow shortly

USS Independence (CV 62) will be the first ship of the Indy battle group to return home when it moors in Yokosuka, Japan, today, exactly four months after the battle group arrived on station in the Arabian Gulf and remained there in support of Operations Southern Watch and Desert Thunder.

Operation Southern Watch enforces United Nations sanctions against Iraq and compliance with the no-fly zone below the 32nd parallel. Operation Desert Thunder was the effort to provide military presence and capability during negotiations between the UN and Iraq over weapons of mass destruction.

USS Bunker Hill (CG 52) will return tomorrow, USS Tucson (SSN 770) will continue with her six-month western Pacific deployment and USS John S. McCain (DDG 56) will return to Yokosuka June 11.

During the battle group's transit home, Bunker Hill visited Singapore May 30-31 and McCain visited Phuket, Thailand May 30-June 2.

USNS Kilauea (TAE 26) and USNS Guadalupe (TAO 200) from Commander Logistics Western Pacific also accompanied the battle group. Kilauea will return to Guam June 12 and Guadalupe will visit Yokosuka June 20-27 before deploying to support a training exercise.

Vice Adm. Thomas B. Fargo, Commander, 5th Fleet, in a farewell message to the battle group said, "Your unscheduled deployment to the Gulf during heightened tensions provided the muscle to back up diplomatic efforts in the region, as well as the clear combat capability necessary to respond decisively."

The battle group departed Yokosuka Jan. 23 and arrived on station in the Arabian Gulf Feb. 5. While there, more than 5,500 flights took off from Independence's flight deck to support Operation Southern Watch and sustain normal training requirements.

"We strongly believe the presence of the Independence Battle Group in the Arabian Gulf was instrumental in the success of UN negotiations with Iraq and the agreement Feb. 23 to allow inspectors to resume work in Iraq," Rear Adm. Charles W. Moore, Commander, Carrier Group 5, said. "That was our success."

Adm. Archie Clemins, Commander-in-Chief, Pacific Fleet, praised the battle group for its accomplishments as the ships headed home, "You have proven the importance of our forward-deployed naval forces and their ability to quickly respond to any crisis situation. Your readiness to carry out a full range of contingency operations anywhere, anytime is a matter of national pride."