The guided-missile destroyer USS Bulkeley (DDG 84) departs on a 6-month deployment from Naval Station Norfolk, Va.

Norfolk, Va. (Jun. 08, 2006) The guided-missile destroyer USS Bulkeley (DDG 84) departs on a 6-month deployment from Naval Station Norfolk, Va. The guided missile destroyer USS Bulkeley (DDG 84) prepares get underway for a six month deployment as part of the Iwo Jima Expeditionary Strike Group (ESG). The ESG consists of the amphibious assault ship USS Iwo Jima (LHD 7), the amphibious transport ship USS Nashville (LPD 13), the guided missile destroyers USS Cole (DDG 67) and USS Bulkeley (DDG 84) - all home ported in Norfolk, Va.; the guided missile cruiser USS Philippine Sea (CG 58) - homeported at Naval Station Mayport, Fla.; the attack submarine USS Albuquerque (SSN 706) - home ported at Naval Station Groton, Conn.; and the dock landing ship USS Whidbey Island (LSD 41) - home ported in Naval Amphibious Base Little Creek, Va. The 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) is comprised of its command element, 1st Battalion, 8th Marines; Marine Medium Helicopter Squadron 365, and the MEU Service Support Group 24, all homeported at Camp Lejeune, N.C. The Iwo Jima ESG has deployed for six months to conduct maritime security operations in support of the Global War on Terrorism.U.S. Navy photo by Photographer's Mate Airman Maddelin Angebrand File# 060608-N-7544A-078