U.S. Marines and sailors with the 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit embarked aboard the USS Kearsarge (LHD 3), USS Arlington (LPD 21) and USS Oak Hill (LSD 51) initiating Amphibious Squadron (PHIBRON), MEU integration training (PMINT).
The 26th MEU, its supporting elements and PHIBRON 4 conducted integration training at sea in preparation for their deployment to the 5th and 6th Fleet areas of responsibility slated later this year.
Man overboard, abandon ship and emergency operational procedures were conducted onboard the vessels after MEU personnel arrived.
The ships’ crew helped guide others through the drills and gave informal presentations to demonstrate how each situation onboard is handled.
This exercise is one of many that have, already, or are later scheduled to be conducted in preparation for the MEU and PHIBRON deployment later this year. The two units are establishing a working culture and plan to bond as a force in readiness as the training continues.
The next training event scheduled is the Amphibious Readiness Group/MEU exercise. It will bring together the PHIBRON and MEU to conduct a series of scenario-based operations they will be evaluated on to receive certification for deployment.
Image: US Marine Corps