NORFOLK (NNS) -- Kearsarge Amphibious Ready Group (ARG) ships are scheduled to return to Naval Station Norfolk May 16, following an extended deployment.
Kearsarge ARG, deployed Aug. 27, 2010, a month earlier than scheduled, to deliver humanitarian assistance to Pakistan in the wake of flooding that devasted that country.
Following the relief efforts, Kearsarge ARG/26th Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) team conducted maritime security operations in the U.S. 5th and 6th Fleet areas of responsibility and supported missions in Afghanistan and over Libya.
Kearsarge ARG is led by Commander, Amphibious Squadron 4, and is comprised of Norfolk-based amphibious assault ship USS Kearsarge (LHD 3) and amphibious transport dock ship USS Ponce (LPD 15); and dock landing ship USS Carter Hall (LSD 50) homeported at Joint Expeditionary Base Little Creek - Fort Story, Va. Also attached to the ARG are Fleet Surgical Team 6, Tactical Air Control Squadron 21-det. 1, Assault Craft Unit 4, Beach Master Unit 2 detachments.