USS KEARSARGE, At Sea (NNS) -- The Kearsarge Strike Group and 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) Special Operations Capable (SOC) returned to the 6th Fleet area of operations New Year's Day after transiting the Suez Canal.
Since deploying in late-July of last year, the strike group has performed multiple missions, including humanitarian assistance and disaster relief operations in Bangladesh.
"I am extremely proud of how each and every Sailor and Marine of this strike group has performed in a variety of operations," said Capt. Frank L. Ponds, commander, Kearsarge Strike Group. "The new maritime strategy is clear that maritime forces must take actions that prevent war, foster cooperation, and enable security, stability and prosperity. Our actions this deployment have done just that."
The Kearsarge Strike Group consists of the amphibious assault ship USS Kearsarge (LHD 3), guided-missile destroyer USS Porter (DDG 78), guided-missile frigate USS Carr (FFG 52), dock landing ship USS Gunston Hall (LSD 44), amphibious transport dock USS Ponce (LPD 15), and fast-attack submarine USS Miami (SSN 755).
"The world is increasingly interconnected and changing, and our maritime strategy reflects that maritime forces – in particular the deployed forces of the Kearsarge Strike Group – will play a key role in supporting this new global landscape," said Ponds. "We look forward to operating in the 6th Fleet with our emerging and enduring partners at providing regional security."
The 22nd MEU (SOC), embarked aboard Ponce, Gunston Hall and Kearsarge, is a Marine Air Ground Task Force that is designed to respond to any number of contingencies including non-combatant evacuations, combat operations, and humanitarian assistance operations. In Bangladesh, the unit used heavy- and medium-lift helicopters to deliver tons of water, food, medical supplies and other relief supplies.
The 22nd MEU (SOC) consists of its Ground Combat Element, Battalion Landing Team, 3rd Battalion, 8th Marine Regiment; Aviation Combat Element, Marine Medium Helicopter Squadron 261 (Reinforced); Logistics Combat Element, Combat Logistics Battalion 22; and Command Element.
While deployed in 6th Fleet, the Kearsarge Strike Group will continue to help set the conditions for security and stability in the maritime environment. The group's efforts will focus on making the oceans more transparent and secure and strengthening regional maritime partnerships.