Ships from the US Navy’s America Amphibious Ready Group (ARG) arrived at Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam, Hawaii, on January 22 and 23.
This will be the group’s final port call as they complete their maiden seven-month deployment to the Indo-Asia-Pacific, Horn of Africa, Mediterranean, and Middle East.
During their deployment, the America ARG and 15th Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) conducted maritime security operations and theater security cooperation in support of regional security and stability, and the free flow of maritime commerce for US Pacific Command, US Central Command and US Africa Command.
“The sailors and marines have had an incredible deployment,” said Capt. Rome Ruiz, commander, Amphibious Squadron (PHIBRON) 3. “Their hard work and motivation were instrumental in the success of this task group. It is a demonstration of what can be achieved when a group of young professionals commit themselves daily to upholding the highest standards.”
While in Hawaii, the ships will be picking up what is known as “tigers;” family and friends of sailors and marines on board. The tigers will remain with the ships until their return to homeport and will experience shipboard life alongside their sailor or marine while participating in a number of events and activities while on board.
This is the ARG/MEU’s last port visit before returning home. The 15th MEU will disembark during the ships’ transit and will return to their home bases throughout San Diego.
The America ARG, under the operational control of PHIBRON , consists of the amphibious assault ship USS America (LHA 6), the amphibious transport dock ship USS San Diego (LPD 22), and the amphibious dock-landing ship USS Pearl Harbor (LSD 52), operated with embarked 15th MEU, the “Wildcards” of Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron (HSC) 23, detachments from Assault Craft Unit 5, Naval Beach Group 1, Beachmaster Unit 1, Fleet Surgical Team 1 and Tactical Air Control Squadron 11.