Sailors and Marines man the rails as the amphibious assault ship USS Belleau Wood (LHA 3) prepares to depart on their deployment.

San Diego, Calif. (May. 27, 2004) Sailors and Marines "man the rails" as the amphibious assault ship USS Belleau Wood (LHA 3) prepares to depart on their deployment. More than 5,000 Sailors and Marines embarked with the Belleau Wood Expeditionary Strike Group Three (ESG-3), are deploying to the Western Pacific and Central Command Area of Responsibility (AOR) in support of the global war on terrorism (GWOT). Belleau Wood, amphibious transport dock USS Denver (LPD 9) and amphibious dock landing ship USS Comstock (LSD 45) departed San Diego today in support of the global war on terrorism (GWOT). The remainder of ESG-3, cruiser USS Moblie Bay (CG 53), guided missile destroyers USS Preble (DDG 88), USS Hopper (DDG 70) and fast attack submarine USS Charlotte (SSN 766) will depart in June 2004. U.S. Navy photo by Chief Photographer's Mate Steven L. Cooke File# 040527-N-1995C-049