Several components of the Bataan Expeditionary Strike Group (ESG) departed the U.S. Naval Forces Central Command/U.S. 5th Fleet area of operations (AOO) on June 1.
The multipurpose amphibious assault ship USS Bataan (LHD 5), flagship of the Bataan ESG, conducted maritime operations while in the 5th Fleet AOO to help provide stability in the maritime environment.
“Presence and providing assistance to mariners in distress were examples of roles we were a part of,” said Bataan Commanding Officer Capt. Rick Snyder. “We were there as a force for maritime operations helping to bring stability and security to the region.”
More than 2,100 Sailors and Marines from Bataan and the 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) played roles in a number of different exercises and missions during their time in the 5th Fleet AOO.
“I think we made impacts in all areas of interaction,” Snyder said. “From working with the Kenyans during Edged Mallet to training with our many regional partners -- all were a success.”
Snyder said the time Bataan ESG spent in the Middle East was not only productive for the strike group, it was productive for Bataan Sailors as well.
“The number of qualifications Sailors achieved and the level of readiness of the ship improved,” Snyder said. “From seamanship to security, to damage control, the ship is in better shape across the board than when we left in January. We have better Sailors and are more capable as a warfighting team.”
Snyder felt the interaction with partners in the region helped the security situation.
“From a maritime operations perspective, I think we did really well,” he said. “As a strike group, we covered the whole gamut. We did our part with a presence and being able to interact with our partners.”
Bataan ESG will now begin its transit home.
“When we get home, we’ll give this crew a break, and then we will prep for a major yard period,” Snyder said. “After that, we will begin sea trials and get ready to go back where our nation needs us to go.”
Bataan left her homeport of Norfolk on Jan. 4, for a regularly scheduled deployment as the flagship of the Bataan ESG. Bataan ESG is comprised of the Bataan Strike Group, commanded by Capt. Peter Fanta, commander, Bataan Strike Group/Amphibious Squadron (PHIBRON) 2, and the 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU), based out of Camp Lejeune, N.C., commanded by Col. Gregg Sturdevant. Bataan Strike Group includes PHIBRON 2, Bataan, USS Shreveport (LPD 12), USS Oak Hill (LSD 51), USS Vella Gulf (CG 72), USS Nitze (DDG 94), USS Underwood (FFG 36) and USS Scranton (SSN 756).
