Local Marine redeployed to tsunami and Iraqi areas

Corporal Carlos D. Lopez of Santa Paula, a 2002 Santa Paula High School graduate and son of George and Anna Maria Lopez, was deployed on December 6, 2004 for the second time in a year with the 15th Marine Expeditionary Unit. His ship, the USS Bonhomme Richard amphibious assault ship, is part of the 5th Expeditionary Strike Group (ESG-5), Special Operation Capable (SOC) battle group with 2,200 Marines and Sailors. They are capable of providing humanitarian relief as well as combat support in any area needed around the world. Following the devastation caused by the December 26, 2004 Asian tsunami, the Bonhomme Richard was diverted to the South China Seas in the Sri Lanka and Sumatra areas. However, political restraints forced them to leave the area after unloading a million pounds of humanitarian aid. From there, they continued their original mission to conduct security and stabilization operations in their assigned areas in Baghdad.In 2003, Cpl. Lopez was deployed with the 13th MEU aboard the USS Peleliu and traveled to four continents, including operations in Iraq and Africa. Cpl. Lopez and his wife, Liza Lopez of Santa Paula, became parents for the second time while he was on deployment. He is due back to Camp Pendleton in June 2005.