More than 4,000 Sailors and Marines from the Kearsarge Amphibious Ready Group (KSGARG) and 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit (26 MEU) departed from Norfolk and Little Creek, Va., and Camp Lejeune, N.C., March 11.
The deployment is part of a regular rotation of forces to support maritime security operations, provide crisis response capability, and increase theater security cooperation and forward naval presence in the U.S Navy’s 5th and 6th Fleet areas of operation.
The KSGARG is commanded by Capt. John B. Skillman, commodore, Amphibious Squadron (PHIBRON) 4, and is comprised of multipurpose amphibious assault ship USS Kearsarge (LHD 3) and amphibious transport dock USS San Antonio (LPD 17), both homeported at Naval Station Norfolk, and amphibious dock landing ship USS Carter Hall (LSD 50) homeported at Joint Expeditionary Base Little Creek-Fort Story, Va.
“The ARG/MEU team has gone through extensive training that allows us to work seamlessly with each other,” said Skillman. “I’m confident that our partnership will allow us to successfully complete any mission we’re assigned.”
The 26th MEU is commanded by Col. Matthew G. St. Clair and is comprised of the 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit, which includes a Ground Combat Element, Battalion Landing Team, 3rd Battalion, 2nd Marine Regiment; Aviation Combat Element, Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 266; Logistics Combat Element, Combat Logistics Battalion 26; and its command element.
The KSGARG/26 MEU team will provide combatant commanders a versatile sea-based force that can be tailored to a variety of missions, including quick reaction crisis response options in maritime, littoral and inland environments in support of the nation;s maritime strategy.
[mappress] Naval Today Staff, March 12, 2013; Image: US Navy