Amphibious Squadron (PHIBRON) 4 and the 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) began PHIBRON-MEU Integrated Training (PMINT) May 4 off the northeast coast of the United States.
During PMINT, more than 1,800 Sailors from amphibious assault ship USS Kearsarge (LHD 3), dock landing ship USS Oak Hill (LSD 51) and amphibious transport dock USS Arlington (LPD 24), along with 1,400 Marines from the 26th MEU, integrate for the first time, to complete a series of exercises designed to enhance interoperability between the Sailors and Marines.
PMINT is a three-phase evolution that tests the Kearsarge Amphibious Ready Group (KSGARG) to embark the MEU personnel and conduct integrated warfighting operations through a series of planning exercises, surface gunnery and communication scenarios and air defense exercises. KSGARG is commanded by Capt. Augustus P. Bennett, commodore, PHIBRON 4.
The exercise is the first of the three major joint milestones in preparation for the group’s upcoming deployment.
The KSGARG is scheduled to deploy in fall 2015.
Image: US Navy