Satellite phone operations during disaster relief efforts in Saint Bernard, Republic of the Philippines.

Saint Bernard, Republic of the Philippines (Feb. 19, 2006) Commander, 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit (31MEU), Col. Walter Miller, helps coordinate Navy and Marine Corps humanitarian relief operations via satellite communications near the devastating Feb. 17 landslide. Elements of the 3rd Marine Expeditionary Brigade (3D MEB) are embarked aboard the amphibious assault ship USS Essex (LHD 2). Essex and the dock landing ship USS Harpers Ferry (LSD 49) are providing humanitarian assistance in the region. Both ships are part of the U.S. Navys only Forward Deployed Amphibious Ready Group (ARG) homeported in Sasebo, Japan. U.S. Navy Photo by Photographer's Mate 1st Class Michael D. Kennedy File# 060219-N-5067K-086