Marine Expeditionary Unit News

Taiwanese container shipping line Evergreen has declared force majeure on a shipment to the Israeli port of Ashdod, with its Ever Cozy vessel diverted to Haifa further north due to safety concerns, according to a customer note.This is one of the first force majeures declared since Hamas Islamists launched attacks on Israel on Oct. 7, amid preparations by Israel's military to launch ground operations into Gaza in retaliation.The Ever Cozy was sailing towards Haifa port on Tuesday, according to data from ship tracking and maritime analytics provider MarineTraffic.Israel has vowed to annihilate Hamas Islamists after its fighters stormed through Israeli towns from Gaza…

Seven U.S. Marines and a Navy sailor missing since a training accident off the Southern California coast were presumed dead on Sunday after the military concluded an extensive 40-hour search.The service members had been missing since their amphibious assault vehicle (AAV) sank during an exercise on Thursday. Seven other Marines were rescued while one was killed, the Marine Corps had said previously.The search included a U.S. Navy destroyer and a Coast Guard cutter but failed to find the missing Marines and sailor and the AAV…

Huntington Ingalls Industries’ (HII) Ingalls Shipbuilding division delivered the newest America-class amphibious assault ship USS Tripoli (LHA 7) to the U.S. Navy on Friday. Tripoli will be commissioned later this year before sailing to its homeport of San Diego.Amphibious assault ships project power and maintain presence by serving as the cornerstone of the amphibious ready group or expeditionary strike group. These ships transport elements of the Marine expeditionary unit or Marine expeditionary brigade with a combination of aircraft and landing craft.

Aboard USS BOXER in the Arabian Sea, a U.S. Harrier fighter jet takes off from the amphibious assault ship USS Boxer in the Arabian Sea as an oil tanker passes, a nautical mile away.The patrol is "standard" but the situation - growing tension between the United States and Iran - is not.Soon after the roar of the Harrier fades, two combat helicopters and two unmistakable Osprey aircraft with their tiltable rotors land back on the flight deck."We want to make sure that we assure allies in the region and to ensure freedom of navigation and free flow of commerce…

A detachment of F-35B Lightning II's with Fighter Attack Squadron 121 (VMFA-121) arrived aboard the amphibious assault ship USS Wasp (LHD 1) March 5, marking the first time the aircraft has deployed aboard a U.S. Navy ship and with a Marine Expeditionary Unit in the Indo-Pacific. The F-35B, assigned under the Okinawa-based 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, will provide a robust set of sea-based capabilities that will enhance Navy-Marine Corps expeditionary operations. The aircraft is equally capable of conducting precision strikes inland, supporting Marines inserted ashore or providing air defense for the Expeditionary Strike Group. "Pairing…

Commander, U.S. Fleet Forces, Adm. Phil Davidson, has ordered the amphibious assault ship USS Iwo Jima (LHD 7) and amphibious transport dock ship USS New York (LPD 21), with elements from the 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit, to get underway from their homeport in Mayport Oct. Both ships are directed to be in position to support the gulf coast region in the event assistance is needed following Tropical Storm Nate, which is currently projected to strengthen into a hurricane before making landfall. Once employed, our Navy and Marine Corps team has capabilities that will be uniquely effective in disaster relief efforts. To support these capabilities, the combined aircraft on the two ships are three U.S.

The amphibious assault ship USS Iwo Jima (LHD 7), the amphibious transport dock ship USS New York (LPD 21), along with multiple embarked Navy and Marine Corps units, completed initial rescue and recovery operations in support of federal and state officials Sept. 17, following Hurricane Irma's devastation of the Florida Keys. Iwo Jima and New York are scheduled to return home Sept 19. Led by Commander, Carrier Strike Group (CSG) 10, the Navy and Marine Corps units partnered with the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and with state and local officials until civilian authorities and the Florida National Guard could take over long-term recovery operations.

The amphibious assault ships USS Wasp (LHD 1), USS Kearsarge (LHD 3) and dock landing ship USS Oak Hill (LSD 51) along with the Marines of the 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit are supporting the lead federal agency in providing humanitarian relief efforts for Hurricane Irma. Wasp, the first Navy platform to arrive in the vicinity of the U.S. Virgin Islands, is providing medium and heavy lift helicopters to transport people and supplies. Wasp's helicopters are conducting medical evacuations for intensive care patients from St. Thomas to St. Croix and conducting site assessments on the initial damage in St. Thomas. Wasp departed for Sasebo, Japan, Aug. 30, to assume duties as the forward-deployed flagship of the amphibious force of the U.S. 7th Fleet.

The amphibious assault ship USS America (LHA 6) and 15th Marine Expeditionary Unit departed Singapore after supporting the guided-missile destroyer USS John S. McCain (DDG 56) Aug. 27. America will continue on its maiden deployment. While in Singapore, Sailors and Marines aboard America provided initial support for the McCain crew to include berthing for 155 Sailors, daily supplies, counseling, medical/dental services and communications network support. Additionally, America's Sailors assisted with damage control efforts by providing watchstanders and additional equipment. "I was glad to help out our fellow shipmates," said Chief Aviation Boatswain's Mate (Fuel) (Select) Brad Cooper.

The Navy will commission the Expeditionary Sea Base USS Lewis B. Puller (ESB 3) during a 5 p.m. AST ceremony Thursday, August 17, at Khalifa bin Salman Port in Al Hidd, Bahrain. The future Lewis B. Puller - currently USNS Lewis B. Puller (T-ESB 3 )- is the second ship to bear the name of Lt. Gen. Lewis Burwell "Chesty" Puller, a distinguished combat veteran of World War II and the Korean War. Puller is the only Marine to have been awarded the Navy Cross on five separate occasions and is the most decorated individual in the history of the USMC. The first Lewis B. Puller (FFG 23), an Oliver Hazard Perry-class guided-missile frigate, served from 1982-1998, and was then transferred to the Egyptian Navy and renamed Toushka (F.906). Vice Adm. Kevin M. Donegan, commander, U.S.

Australia’s amphibious capability was put to the test recently as the Amphibious Task Group Headquarters took charge of the largest amphibious assault conducted by an Australian force for 70 years as part of Exercise TALISMAN SABER. The assault, led from amphibious sssault ship HMAS Canberra, was a significant milestone in the Australian Defence Force’s development of a high end amphibious warfare capability. The Australian and New Zealand Amphibious Ready Group, consisting of HMA Ships Canberra and Choules and the Royal New Zealand Navy’s HMNZS Canterbury, landed 600 embarked personnel, predominantly consisting of the Australian Army's 2nd Battalion, the Royal Australian Regiment, as part of a flanking force for the US Marine Corps’ 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit.

The amphibious assault ship USS Makin Island (LHD 8) departed Hong Kong April 11, following a scheduled port visit. The four-day visit allowed nearly 2,500 Sailors and Marines assigned to the ship and embarked 11th Marine Expeditionary Unit the opportunity to experience Hong Kong's culture and engage with the community. The ship hosted a reception for distinguished guests April 10, to recognize the prosperous partnership between the United States and the People's Republic of China and Special Administrative Region of Hong Kong. Distinguished visitors included Consul General of the United States to Hong Kong and Macau Kurt W. Tong and Senior Captain Fang Yuxin, deputy chief of staff of the People's Liberation Army Hong Kong Garrison.

U.S., U.K. and France began Exercise Alligator Dagger 17, April 5. The two-week multilateral amphibious exercise is taking place in international waters off the coast of Djibouti and in the vicinity of Djibouti and Arta Beach, April 5 - April 20. Exercise Alligator Dagger 17, led by U.S. Naval Amphibious Forces, Task Force 51/5th Marine Expeditionary Brigade (51/5), is a multilateral amphibious exercise with the Bataan Amphibious Ready Group (ARG) and 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) as part of the sustainment training for ARG/MEUs in the U.S. 5th Fleet area of operations. The Alligator Dagger Exercise iterations familiarize ARG/MEUs with the CENTCOM area of responsibility (AOR) and sharpen tactical proficiency.

The amphibious Harpers Ferry-class dock landing ship USS Carter Hall has entered the Black Sea, the Naples-headquartered US 6th fleet press service said. "The amphibious dock landing ship USS Carter Hall (LSD 50) and embarked Marines from the 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit, arrived in the Black Sea March 17, to participate in bilateral training exercise Spring Storm 17 with Romania," the press service said in a statement. Harpers Ferry-class dock landing ship USS Carter Hall (LSD 50) is participating in the Romanian-led maritime exercise SPRING STORM 17, taking place in the vicinity of Constanta, Romania, March 18-21, in the Black Sea. Carter Hall will work alongside Romanian maritime forces to develop interoperability and proficiency. U.S.

Amphibious transport dock ship USS Green Bay (LPD 20), with embarked 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU), officially kicked off Exercise Cobra Gold 2017 (CG 17) in Sattahip, Thailand, Feb. 14. Cobra Gold is a Thailand/United States co-sponsored, combined task force and joint theater security cooperation exercise conducted annually in the Kingdom of Thailand. CG 17 will be held Feb. 14-24, with up to 29 nations participating. CG 17, in its 36th iteration, will address regional and global security challenges and will promote international cooperation and stability within the region. This year, Cobra Gold will strengthen regional cooperation and collaboration…

Amphibious assault ship USS Boxer (LHD 4) and the 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit (13th MEU) pulled anchor and departed Hong Kong after completing a five-day port visit, March 25. The Boxer Amphibious Ready Group, 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit team departed Hong Kong after their first port visit since departing San Diego for deployment Feb. 12. While in port Sailors and Marines had the opportunity to enjoy local culture and cuisine, attended organized tours, and participated in cultural exchanges and sporting events with local groups. “The main goal for cultural exchange events in a foreign port is to successfully create a lasting bond and relationship between us and the host nation…

The Essex Amphibious Ready Group (ARG) transited the Straits of Malacca and conducted routine operations in the South China Sea as part of a deployment to the Western Pacific Nov. 7-10. The ARG's flagship, the multipurpose amphibious assault ship USS Essex (LHD 2), conducted the patrol as the amphibious transport dock USS Anchorage (LPD 23) and the amphibious dock landing ship USS Rushmore (LSD 47) prepared for bilateral training exercises with Brunei and Malaysia. On Nov. 10, Rushmore began offloading troops for the 2015 iteration of Malaysia-U.S. Amphibious Exercise (MALUS AMPHEX 2015), in which U.S. personnel will train with Malaysian amphibious units ashore to instruct and develop core competencies and enhance interoperability with a key partner nation in the region.

San Antonio-class amphibious transport dock ship USS Anchorage (LPD 23) rendered assistance and provided aid to the crew of a stranded Sri Lankan-flagged fishing vessel, M/V Lakshan, Nov. 4 at 12:30 p.m. local time. Watchstanders spotted six mariners aboard the vessel waving articles of clothing in an attempt to get the attention of the U.S. Navy ship as Anchorage was transiting through the U.S. 7th Fleet area of operations. The commanding officer aboard Anchorage, Capt. J.J. Cummings, ordered the dispatch of a rescue and assistance team, which determined Lakshan had experienced a crank case explosion, leaving both engines unworkable and beyond at-sea repair.

The Kearsarge Amphibious Ready Group (ARG) flagship USS Kearsarge (LHD 3) celebrated the Navy’s 240th birthday Oct. 13, 2015. The Kearsarge ARG team is comprised of the multi-purpose amphibious assault ship USS Kearsarge (LHD 3), the amphibious dock landing ship USS Oak Hill (LSD 51), the amphibious transport dock ship USS Arlington (LPD 24), and embarked Marines from the 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU), which departed the U.S. on October 6, 2015. Kearsarge celebrated the event with 1MC announcements throughout the day, a cake cutting and singing during a ceremony aboard. The 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit (26th MEU) is one of seven Marine Expeditionary Units currently in existence in the United States Marine Corps.

The 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit aboard the amphibious dock landing ship USS Ashland (LSD 48) arrived in Saipan on Aug. 8 and is providing disaster relief in the wake of Typhoon Soudelor. When the ship was tasked to go to Saipan earlier in the week, Ashland's Sailors and Marines quickly reconfigured the ship's well deck and flight deck to support equipment and supplies that needed to be transported. Master Sgt. Hugh Weise, the MEU's motor transport operations chief, said no task is too tough for the MEU's vehicles. "We can move anything, if it's palletized, if it's containerized, if it's just loose bulk type cargo, we can dress trucks to make sure it happens," Weise said.

Through the coordination of the Federal Emergency Management Agency, the amphibious dock landing ship USS Ashland (LSD 48) will depart Guam and arrive in Saipan Aug. 8 to provide relief in the aftermath of Typhoon Soudelor, which devastated the island Aug. 2-3. Agencies including the Government of Guam, American Red Cross, Ayuda Foundation and other non-profit/non-governmental organizations have provided drinking water, bed sheets, food, generators, power lines and other electrical restoration supplies to aid in the effort. Upon arriving in Saipan, the supplies will be sent to distribution sites, shelters and schools around the island to provide the much needed supplies to local residents and government agencies.

Amphibious transport dock ship USS Green Bay (LPD 20) rendered assistance to distressed mariners in the waters between the Indonesian islands of Kalimantan and Sulawesi June 19. Shipboard lookouts first spotted the distressed mariners waving a black flag approximately 3 to 5 nautical miles from the ship, their raft surrounded by fuel and debris. Once Green Bay was in proximity to the craft, the ship launched a small boat to provide immediate assistance. "To be able to render assistance to mariners in distress is a fundamental maritime skill," said Rear Adm. Hugh Wetherald, commander of Expeditionary Strike Group 7. "The Sailors and Marines of the strike group were trained and ready.

Sailors from the Kearsarge Amphibious Ready Group (KSGARG) and Marines assigned to the 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) kicked off the KSGARG/MEU Exercise (ARGMEUEX) in the waters east of of the United States June 13. The KSGARG comprises Amphibious Squadron (PHIBRON) 4, 26th MEU, amphibious assault ship USS Kearsarge (LHD 3), amphibious transport dock ship USS Arlington (LPD 24) and dock landing ship USS Oak Hill (LSD 51). According to Kearsarge Command Master Chief David Twiford, ARGMEUEX is a more than two-week exercise that gives the KSGARG the opportunity to come together and work on integration in preparation for deployment. "These ships go through a cycle every couple years to get ready to deploy," said Twiford. "The MEU does the same thing.