Makin Island, Iwo Jima Amphibious Ready Groups Turnover Duties

USS MAKIN ISLAND, Gulf of Aden (NNS) -- The Makin Island Amphibious Ready Group (ARG) and the 11th Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) were relieved of their duties in the U.S. 5th Fleet area of responsibility (AOR) by the Iwo Jima ARG and the 24th MEU, May 5.

The Makin Island ARG deployed Nov. 14, 2011 and conducted maritime security operations, theater security cooperation engagements, and multiple bilateral military exercises with regional partners within the U.S. 5th Fleet AOR.

"I could not be more pleased with the hard work and dedication from every Sailor and Marine," said U.S. Navy Capt. Donald R. Cuddington, commander, Amphibious Squadron (PHIBRON) Five. "Each individual's outstanding professionalism and dedication to their training during our pre-deployment phase and through this deployment contributed greatly and was the key to the overall success of the Makin Island ARG and 11th MEU team."

Following the turnover, Makin Island ARG will depart the U.S. 5th Fleet AOR and return to their homeport of San Diego.

"As I look back, every ship had some challenges either before or during this deployment; however, each ship met every challenge or every mission with great commitment and determination to succeed," said Cuddington. "I would say the key to our success was, that the blue-green team always focused on the mission first. It was never a blue mission or a green mission. It was our mission."

The Makin Island ARG is comprised of PHIBRON Five, with detachments from Tactical Air Control Squadron (TACRON) 11, Fleet Surgical Team (FST) 5, Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron (HSC) 23, Beach Master Unit (BMU) 1, Assault Craft Unit (ACU) 1 and ACU 5.

The ships that make up the Makin Island ARG are San Diego-based amphibious assault ship Makin Island, amphibious transport dock ship USS New Orleans (LPD 18) and amphibious dock landing ship USS Pearl Harbor (LSD 52).

The 11th MEU major subordinate elements consist of Battalion Landing Team 3/1, Marine Medium Helicopter Squadron (VMM) 268 (Reinforced) and Combat Logistics Battalion (CLB) 11.

"The 11th Marine Expeditionary Unit has completed every task and exceeded expectations in supporting both U.S. Central Command and U.S. Navy Forces Central Command as a forward deployed Marine air-ground task force," said Col. Michael Hudson, 11th MEU's commanding officer. "The Marines and Sailors have continuously demonstrated the flexibility and adaptability of the Navy and Marine Corps team as they hit every pitch. This journey started over a year ago, during pre-deployment training and we leave here now proud of what we have accomplished.

"As we begin our voyage home to our friends and families in Southern California, we know that the 24th MEU, who is relieving us, is well led, trained and ready to take the next watch as America's forward deployed force," Hudson added.

The Iwo Jima ARG includes PHIBRON Eight, with detachments from TACRON 21, FST 4, HSC 22, BMU 2, ACU 2 and ACU 4. ARG ships include Norfolk-based amphibious assault ship USS Iwo Jima (LHD 7), amphibious transport dock ship USS New York (LPD 21) and Joint Expeditionary Base Little Creek-Fort Story-based amphibious dock landing ship USS Gunston Hall (LSD 44).

This is the maiden deployment for USS New York (LPD 21), built with seven-and-a-half tons of steel from the World Trade Center, symbolizing sacrifice while having the watch being forward deployed.

"We've been working hard to prepare for our new duties in our new theatre, as we recently completed exercise African Lion off the coast of Morocco shortly after departing for deployment, and we are looking forward to getting work done in the U.S. 5th Fleet AOR," said U.S. Navy Capt. Mark H. Scovill, commodore, PHIBRON Eight.

Embarked with the Iwo Jima ARG is the 24th MEU, a U.S. Central Command theater reserve force, comprised of major subordinate elements: Battalion Landing Team 1/2, VMM-261 (Reinforced) and CLB-24.

"The 24th MEU is manned, trained, equipped and ready to serve as U.S. 5th Fleet's forward deployed crisis response force," said Col. Frank Donovan, commanding officer, 24th MEU. "Teamed with our great Navy partners aboard the amphibious ships of PHIBRON Eight, we make a truly flexible, adaptable, decisive, and when required, lethal Navy and Marine Corps expeditionary force. We stand ready to take over for 11th MEU/PHIBRON Five and continue the superior work they have done across the U.S. 5th Fleet AOR. We wish them fair winds and following seas as they begin their transit home."

The Iwo Jima and embarked 24th MEU will provide support for maritime security operations and theater security cooperation efforts in the U.S. 5th Fleet AOR.

Bataan and Makin Island Amphibious Ready Groups Turnover Duties

USS BATAAN, Gulf of Aden (NNS) -- Bataan Amphibious Ready Group (ARG) and the 22nd Marine Expeditionary Group (MEU) were relieved of their duties in the U.S. 5th Fleet area of responsibility (AOR) by the Makin Island ARG and the 11th MEU, Jan. 6.

The Bataan ARG deployed March 23, 2011 and since then has conducted maritime security operations, theater security cooperation actions, and joint military exercises with regional partners in both 5th and 6th fleet AORs.

"I am extremely proud of these outstanding Sailors and Marines and their dedication to mission and sustained support during these past several months," said Capt. Steve Yoder, commander, COMPHIBRON Six. "Regardless of the task assigned, they performed all duties with great professionalism, pride, and integrity."

Following the turnover, Bataan ARG will depart the U.S. 5th Fleet AOR and return to their respective homeports of Norfolk and Joint Expeditionary Base Little Creek - Fort Story, Va.

"This has been an epic deployment," said U.S. Marine Corps Col. Eric Steidl, commanding officer, 22nd MEU. "Not just in terms of duration, but for flexibility and adaptability the amphibious forces provide the combatant commander."

"The Sailors and embarked Marines of USS Bataan have worked hard during this deployment, which will be ten-and-a-half months long by the time we get home," said Capt. Erik M. Ross, commanding officer, USS Bataan. "After such a long and challenging at-sea period, it's good to know we're getting relieved by the exceptional Sailors, Marines and ships of the Makin Island ARG and 11th MEU."

This is the maiden deployment for USS Makin Island (LHD 8), the Navy's newest amphibious assault ship and the only U.S. Navy ship with a hybrid electric propulsion system.

"Since departing San Diego, our Navy and Marine Corps team in the Makin Island ARG has been executing a critical role in facilitating international maritime security cooperation," said Capt. Humberto L. Quintanilla II, PHIBRON 5 commander. "We have completed multiple ground centric theater security cooperation exercises from the sea with our regional partners in Cambodia, Malaysia and Singapore prior to arriving in the 5th Fleet."

Embarked on the Makin Island ARG, the 11th Marine Expeditionary Units major subordinate elements consist of Battalion Landing Team 3/1, Marine Medium Helicopter Squadron 268 (Reinforced) and Combat Logistics Battalion 11.

"We take the guideon from the Bataan ARG and 22nd MEU, ready to assume the watch as a forward deployed Marine air-ground task force," said Col. Michael Hudson, 11th MEU's commanding officer. "We wish our friends fair winds and following seas as they head home after a very successful deployment.

The Bataan ARG includes PHIBRON 6, with detachments from Naval Beach Group Two (CNBG) 2, Tactical Air Control Squadron (TACRON) 21, Fleet Surgical Team Six (FST) 8, Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron (HSC) 28 det 2, Beach Master Unit (BMU) 2, Assault Craft Unit (ACU) 2 and ACU 4. ARG ships include the Norfolk-based Bataan, amphibious transport dock ship USS Mesa Verde (LPD 19), and dock landing ship USS Whidbey Island (LSD 41), homeported at Joint Expeditionary Base Little Creek - Fort Story, Va.

The 22nd MEU is a Marine Air Ground Task Force comprised of the Command Element, Ground Combat Element, Battalion Landing Team, 2nd Battalion, 2nd Marine Regiment; Aviation Combat Element, Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 263 (Reinforced); Logistics Combat Element, and Combat Logistics Battalion 22.

The Makin Island ARG includes PHIBRON 5, with detachments from TACRON 11, FST 5, HSC 23, BMU 1, ACU 1 and ACU 5. ARG ships include San Diego-based amphibious assault ship USS Makin Island (LHD 8), amphibious transport dock ship USS New Orleans (LPD 18) and amphibious dock landing ship USS Pearl Harbor (LSD 52).

The 11th MEU is a Marine Air Ground Task Force comprised of the Command Element, Ground Combat Element, Battalion Landing Team, 3rd Battalion, 1st Marine Regiment; Aviation Combat Element, Marine Medium Helicopter Squadron 268 (Reinforced); Logistics Combat Element, Combat Logistics Battalion 11.

USS Makin Island, West Coast Amphibs Ready for Deployments, Blue/Green Exercises

SAN DIEGO (NNS) -- Later this year, the Navy will deploy one of its newest, most efficient and most capable amphibious assault ships, USS Makin Island (LHD 8).

Makin Island will make its maiden deployment as the flagship for Amphibious Squadron (CPR) 5 and the 11th Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU). Well into next year, CPR 5 and the 11th MEU will work together as they respond as a global force for good, to crisis around the world.

"The leadership from CPR5, the 11th MEU and Makin Island has formed a unique team," said Col. Scott Carhart, deputy commander, Expeditionary Strike Group (ESG) 3. "They've taken 'integration' and 'cooperation' to a new level and its reflected across their team of 4,000 plus Sailors and Marines. Well over a year ago, these commanders, Commodore Humberto Quintanilla (CPR 5), Col. Michael Hudson, (11th MEU) and Capt. James Landers (Makin Island), started forging their relationship with one goal in mind...to be successful at all assigned missions. So far, I'd say their formula is working out well as the ARGMEU team just completed a very successful certification exercise."

The waters off the coast of Camp Pendleton were home to the majority of the Navy's West Coast amphibious fleet Sept. 29. Boxer Amphibious Ready Group (BOXARG) was returning from a scheduled deployment to the Middle East, Makin Island Amphibious Ready Group was conducting her certification exercises and USS Bonhomme Richard (LHD 6) was participating in Exercise Dawn Blitz. This collection of ships has not occupied the same water since 2010 and was a great opportunity for the eight ships and more than 8,000 Sailors and Marines involved.

Staff members from the ESG-3 and 1st Marine Expeditionary Brigade embarked Bonhomme Richard, an amphibious assault ship, and USS Rushmore (LSD 47) an amphibious dock landing ship, to conduct a joint exercise, Dawn Blitz, directed by Commander, U.S. 3rd Fleet and the 1st Marine Expeditionary Force. This exercise was conducted to exercise staff integration between the Navy and Marine Corps team.

Both ships participated and interacted with Carl Vinson Carrier Strike Group in JTFX while they were off the coast of Camp Pendleton. ESG-3 and 1st MEB commanders saw this as a perfect opportunity to exercise the blue/green team. Rear Adm. Gerard P. Hueber, ESG-3 commander said that this is the, "first at sea opportunity for Expeditionary Strike Group Three and 1st Marine Expeditionary Brigade to exercise our Commander Amphibious Task Force and Commander Landing Force command and control responsibilities of the Amphibious Force. This Blue/Green team assembled off the coast is a testimony to our coordinated efforts and commitment to reestablish our amphibious warfare core competencies at sea."

"Dawn Blitz was a great chance to strengthen the Navy-Marine Corps relationship, and allowed 1st Marine Expeditionary Brigade the ability to practice the skills it takes to remain ready to perform amphibious operations anywhere around the globe," said Maj. Gen. Melvin Spiese, 1st MEB commander.

BOXARG consists of amphibious assault ship USS Boxer (LHD 4), amphibious dock landing ship USS Comstock (LSD 45) and amphibious transport dock ship USS Green Bay (LPD 20). BOXARG, commanded by Commander, Amphibious Squadron 1, Capt. Curtis Shaub, was returning from a Western Pacific and U.S. Central Command area of responsibility. BOXARG provided continuous detailed planning and support to combatant commanders, fleet commanders and numerous country teams. They were operating near Camp Pendleton conducting their offload from their deployment.

"I couldn't imagine a more rewarding deployment than the one we're returning from," said Shaub.

"Our Sailors and Marines are the finest in the world and I couldn't be more proud of their exploits. They executed a multitude of complex tactical operations across an extremely demanding theater of operations during one of the most challenging times in our world's history."

Makin Island Amphibious Ready Group consisting of amphibious assault ship Makin Island, amphibious dock landing ship USS Pearl Harbor (LSD 52) and amphibious transport dock ship USS New Orleans (LPD 18) and commanded by Capt. Humberto Quintanilla, commander, Amphibious Squadron 5, conducted amphibious assault training during certification exercise off the coast of Camp Pendleton.

"Our Navy and Marine Corps team plays a critical role in facilitating international maritime security cooperation. Global maritime security can only be achieved through the unity of international and regional maritime integration, awareness, and response initiatives. The safety and economic interests of the United States and our allies and partner nations depend on unimpeded trade across the world's oceans," said Quintanilla.

Makin Island Amphibious Ready Group and 11th MEU Underway for CERTEX

USS MAKIN ISLAND, At sea (NNS) -- The Makin Island Amphibious Ready Group (ARG), along with the embarked 11th Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU), departed San Diego Sept. 29 to begin a MEU certification exercise (CERTEX) in preparation for an upcoming deployment.

Led by Commander, Amphibious Squadron (PHIBRON) 5, the Makin Island ARG consists of the Navy's newest amphibious assault ship USS Makin Island (LHD 8), the amphibious-transport dock ship USS New Orleans (LPD 18), and the dock-landing ship USS Pearl Harbor (LSD 52).

"The success of this final stage of pre-deployment training will prove that we are now deployable worldwide in support of a wide-range of missions," said Capt. Humberto Quintanilla, PHIBRON 5 commander.

"It will take extensive Blue-Green team efforts, from all the Navy and Marine Corps ranks, to make this event a success," said Quintanilla. "I am confident that our combat skills honed during previous ARG-MEU integrated training events will deliver the levels of expertise and operational art required to master the unforeseen and blind missions that will be thrown at us during CERTEX. It's time to line up and snap the ball."

Quintanilla said the CERTEX is expected to include the evaluation of multiple evolutions, including small boat raids; visit, board, search, and seizure training; helicopter and mechanized amphibious raids; mass casualty responses; and a non-combatant evacuation operation.

"The certification exercise is a validation of ARG-MEU capabilities by observers who will evaluate both our ability to conduct missions under real time conditions and variables beyond our control. The end product will be a finely tuned combat force ready to deploy," said Col. Michael R. Hudson, 11th MEU's commanding officer.

Hudson said the outcome of the exercise will be captured in a report and presented to the commanding general of the First Marine Expeditionary Force. If the 11th MEU's performance meets the standard, it will be certified to deploy.

"This exercise solidifies best practices and is the capstone event for the MEU before we deploy," said Hudson. "The certification process ensures that the 11th MEU will have the most up-to-date training to support the commanders we will work for overseas."

The Makin Island ARG is scheduled for a routine deployment later this year.

Commissioned in 2009, Makin Island is the Navy's newest amphibious assault ship capable of utilizing surface and air assets to move Marine forces ashore. The ship is named in honor of the daring World War II raid carried out by Marine Raider Companies A and B, Second Raider Battalion, on Japanese held Makin Island Aug. 17-18, 1942. LHD 8 is the second ship to bear the name "USS Makin Island."

BHR ARG, 11th MEU Leave 7th Fleet to End Deployment

PACIFIC OCEAN (NNS) -- Sailors and Marines of the Bonhomme Richard Amphibious Ready Group (ARG) and embarked 11th Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) departed U.S. 7th Fleet Area of Responsibility (AOR) April 1 for the final leg of a seven-month deployment.

More than 4,300 members of the San Diego-based ARG/MEU team set sail last September in support of maritime security operations and theater security cooperation initiatives in the 5th and 7th Fleet AORs.

While transiting 7th Fleet in March, ARG ships – USS Bonhomme Richard (LHD 6), USS Cleveland (LPD 7), and USS Rushmore (LSD 47) – made scheduled port calls to Phuket, Thailand; Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia; and Fukuoka, Japan.

"Our port visits in 7th Fleet not only fostered goodwill and cultivated positive exchanges, but also produced dynamic experiences that our Sailors and Marines will reflect on for years to come," said Capt. Tim Wilson, commander of the Bonhomme Richard ARG.

More than 150 service members from Rushmore and Cleveland completed improvement projects at two schools, an orphanage and a local hospital while visiting Phuket, Thailand. During Bonhomme Richard's visit to Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, more than 70 Sailors and Marines spent time interacting with local youngsters at a day care center for disabled children.

"The Marines and Sailors of the 11th Marine Expeditionary Unit truly enjoyed their time in 7th Fleet and once again demonstrated the utility of well-trained forces embarked aboard multipurpose ships," said Col. Gregg Olson, commander of the 11th MEU.

During a goodwill visit to Fukuoka, Japan, March 16 - 21, more than 30 service members stationed aboard Rushmore visited young patients at Fukuoka Children's Hospital. Japanese patients were giddy with excitement when two Sailors and a Marine led a lively version of the hokey-pokey, strumming acoustic guitars and dancing in the hospital's entertainment room.

"Marines and Sailors had opportunity to contribute their labor to those in need during community service projects. They upheld the highest traditions of the naval services and spent time ashore as good ambassadors of the United States," said Olson.

Over the course of deployment, ARG/MEU personnel volunteered in over 20 community service projects during port visits to Guam, Thailand, Singapore, Malaysia, Timor-Leste, Japan and in the Persian Gulf.

In addition, Sailors and Marines provided medical and dental care to more than 2,000 patients in Indonesia and Timor-Leste, working along side local healthcare officials during Marine Exercise 2009 in October.

"I could not be prouder of our Sailors and Marines. Their enthusiasm and desire to make a real difference speaks to the character of our team," said Wilson. "Every one of our positive interactions promoted trust and cooperation, which complemented stability and security efforts with each nation we visited. The ARG/MEU team truly was a goodwill ambassador for the United States."

Exercise Iron Magic Concludes in Arabian Gulf

By Lt.j.g. Jennifer Womble, Expeditionary Strike Group 5 Public Affairs

Arabian Gulf (NNS) -- The exercise was a culmination of the training conducted during the weeklong exercise which included host nation Marines training alongside the aviation combat element, ground combat element and logistics combat element of the 11th Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU).

Rear Adm. Sinclair Harris, commander ESG-5 commended the interoperability demonstrated during the exercise.

"The impressive skills exhibited by the host nation Marines ensured the success of this exercise," said Harris. "The relationships we are able to form during this annual exercise are invaluable, and we look forward to future training with them."

Harris also observed the Fleet Shock Trauma Platoon of Combat Logistics Battalion 11, the logistics combat element of the 11th MEU, instructing host nation Marines on basic lifesaving techniques. The surgical team is the first with shock trauma capability to be deployed with a MEU, and consists of two emergency medical physicians, a physician's assistant, a critical care nurse and about 20 corpsmen.

"There is a period known as the golden hour, which is the first 60 minutes following an injury for the medical team to stabilize the victim. That is where we excel by providing advanced care during the first moments following battlefield injuries. Once the patient is stabilized we are able to transport them to a full care hospital where they receive further treatment," said Lt. Brian Downing, emergency response doctor with the Shock Trauma Platoon.

The Marines and Sailors, part of the Bonhomme Richard Amphibious Ready Group, came ashore from amphibious transport dock USS Cleveland (LPD 7) and amphibious dock landing ship USS Rushmore (LSD 47), which departed San Diego Sept. 18, on a deployment to the Western Pacific and Middle East.

Bonhomme Richard, 11th MEU Underway for Final Certification Exercise

By Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Marcus Stanley, USS Bonhomme Richard Public Affairs

USS BONHOMME RICHARD, At Sea (NNS) -- The amphibious assault ship USS Bonhomme Richard (LHD 6) (BHR) and the 11th Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) got underway Aug. 10 for a certification exercise (CERTEX) to prepare for deployment later this year.

CERTEX is the last of a three-part pre-deployment exercise conducted to strengthen the MEU's ability to operate with the Navy and respond to situations that may arise.

"CERTEX tests both blue and green planning, execution and timeliness to see if we meet the standards to deploy," said Cmdr. Michael Dickson, Bonhomme Richard operations officer. "However, this exercise, unlike those previously completed, focuses mainly on the MEU's ability to carry out and properly execute their mission."

The MEU's mission as it is teams with the Bonhomme Richard includes providing a rapid-response force capable of conducting conventional amphibious and selected maritime operations from sea, by surface or air.

"Even though the focus of this exercise is geared mainly toward the Marines, it's the big BHR blue-green team, so this means Bonhomme Richard is operating at full swing in support of this mission and getting this certification under our belts so we can set our sights on a successful deployment," said Dickson.

Outside observers will assess the MEU through a series of individual evolutions that make up the overall mission of the MEU, including humanitarian and disaster relief assistance, long range helicopter recovery, non-combatant evacuation operations and amphibious assault operations.

"Marine inspectors from the First Marine Expeditionary Force will present us with situation and missions and observe our planning and execution throughout each evolution," said Dickson.

"This exercise builds on best practices and maintains continuity between the MEUs," said Col. Gregg P. Olson, the 11th MEU's commanding officer. "Standardization ensures that whichever combatant commander we may work for knows exactly what he is getting with a MEU."

Bonhomme Richard is the lead ship for the Bonhomme Richard Amphibious Ready Group, which includes Commander, Amphibious Squadron 7; USS Cleveland (LPD 7); USS Rushmore (LSD 47); Tactical Squadron 12 Detachment 2; Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron 23, Detachment 3; Assault Craft Unit 1 Detachments Bravo and Foxtrot, Beachmaster Unit 1 Detachment Bravo and Fleet Surgical Team 9.