Expeditionary Strike Group 8 Enters Suez Canal

Expeditionary Strike Group (ESG) 8 passed through the Suez Canal on November 26, entering the U.S. 5th Fleet area of operations (AOO) to conduct maritime security operations (MSO) and support further tasking from the U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM), says a recent Naval Newsstand report. Using a supported/supporting relationship between the Navy and Marine commanders, the ESG composition adds to the proven amphibious and Marine Expeditionary Unit capabilities with increased defenses, strike, power projection, and a range of unique combined capabilities. These capabilities provide the combatant commander a wide variety of options and enables sustained independent operations in dynamic environments, according to the report. ESG-8 includes 6,000 Sailors and Marines aboard six ships. MSO set the conditions for security and stability in the maritime environment as well as complement the counter-terrorism and security efforts of regional nations. MSO deny international terrorists use of the maritime environment as a venue for attack or to transport personnel, weapons, or other material. Source: Naval Newsstand