US Navy dock landing ship USS Rushmore (LSD 47) joined the 1st Marine Division (MARDIV) for the at-sea amphibious portion of exercise Steel Knight which concluded on December 11.
Steel Knight is a scenario-driven exercise designed to enhance the command and control, interoperability, and fundamental warfighting competencies within the 1st MARDIV, its adjacent units, and naval support forces.
During the course of Steel Knight, Rushmore launched and recovered landing craft utility (LCUs) boats and amphibious assault vehicles (AAVs) carrying marines to beaches and training facilities on the California coast. Elements of the 1st MARDIV conducted realistic, live fire training as part of their pre-deployment cycle, working to maximize training opportunities in preparation for scheduled, real-world deployments.
Steel Knight provides realistic, relevant training necessary to ensure that the Rushmore and other amphibious warships remain combat ready to support Marine Corps expeditionary operations.