COMPHIBRON 7

• Establishment: Commander, Amphibious Squadron Seven (COMPHIBRON 7) was established in the 1950s, becoming a key component of the U.S. Navy’s amphibious warfare capability in the Pacific. • Vietnam War Service: COMPHIBRON 7 played an active role during the Vietnam War, participating in numerous amphibious assaults and troop landings, including major operations like Operation Starlite and Operation Double Eagle. • Humanitarian Missions: The squadron has frequently participated in humanitarian assistance and disaster relief operations, notably providing aid in the aftermath of natural disasters in the Asia-Pacific region. • Forward Deployed: COMPHIBRON 7 is headquartered in Sasebo, Japan, making it one of the few forward-deployed amphibious squadrons, enhancing rapid response capabilities in the Indo-Pacific. • Flagship Operations: The squadron has operated with several notable amphibious ships as its flagship, including USS Essex (LHD-2), USS Bonhomme Richard (LHD-6), and USS Wasp (LHD-1). • International Exercises: COMPHIBRON 7 routinely participates in multinational exercises such as Cobra Gold, Talisman Sabre, and Balikatan, fostering interoperability with regional allies. • Operation Tomodachi: In 2011, the squadron was instrumental in Operation Tomodachi, providing disaster relief to Japan following the devastating earthquake and tsunami. • Flexible Task Force: The squadron can command a variety of ships, including amphibious assault ships, dock landing ships, and transport docks, allowing for flexible amphibious task force operations. • Maritime Security: COMPHIBRON 7 has contributed to maritime security operations, including anti-piracy patrols and freedom of navigation operations in contested waters. • Legacy of Innovation: The squadron has pioneered new amphibious tactics and integration of advanced technologies, such as the MV-22 Osprey tiltrotor aircraft and F-35B Lightning II fighter jet, into expeditionary operations.