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.

Iwo Jima ARG, 24th MEU Complete Strait of Gibraltar Transit

By Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Jamica Johnson, Amphibious Squadron 8 Public Affairs

STRAIT OF GIBRALTAR (NNS) -- The Iwo Jima Amphibious Ready Group (ARG) and the 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) completed their transit of the Strait of Gibraltar, April 24.

The Iwo Jima ARG, transiting the Strait of Gibraltar, includes Amphibious Squadron 8 (PHIBRON), USS Gunston Hall (LSD 44), USS Iwo Jima (LHD 7) and USS New York (LPD 21).

The Strait of Gibraltar is the entrance to the Mediterranean Sea from the Atlantic Ocean and is significant because it is the second busiest waterway in the world and one of five major choke points. The others include Strait of Malacca, Strait of Hormuz, Panama Canal and Suez Canal. New York, on her maiden deployment, now joins the ranks of many other historical ships that have navigated the Strait of Gibraltar, marking the first time she has officially entered the Mediterranean.

"The Strait transit is symbolic because it shows we aren't in the Atlantic any longer," said Cmdr. William C. Herrmann, New York's commanding officer. "Everyone on board is a little saltier now, for many, seeing the Rock of Gibraltar is something they will always remember."

"The historical relevance for our transit is quite significant," said Capt. Mark Scovill, commodore of the Iwo Jima ARG. "It not only shows the transition from the Atlantic to the Mediterranean, the evolution from not salty to salty Sailors, but it bridges a gap of time between us and history. So many have passed through these straits for example, Commodore Bainbridge and Lt. Decatur during our war with the Barbary pirates."

As well as being the first transit for the New York, for a lot of Sailors in the ARG, the experience is new as well.

"Before coming in the Navy, I would always hear the term 'join the Navy, see the world,' now going through the straits and being able to say I was a part of the Iwo Jima 2012 deployment is surreal and an honor," said Personnel Specialist 3rd Class Antonio Gagliardo, a Sailor aboard Iwo Jima.

To prepare for the two hour evolution, the ship's navigation department must plan the entire trip with exact precision, taking several elements into account.

"The first thing we do in preparation for this is take a look at the charts. We make sure in advance that we understand all the symbols, the weather and climatology. We then lay the track and come up with a speed and a plan for the transit," said Lt. Cmdr. Mark MacNamara, Iwo Jima's navigator. "In total, prior to the evolution, it takes 10 to 12 hours to prepare."

When executing special sea-and-anchor and navigational evolutions, the safe transit of the ship and her crew is a vital element in the planning process.

"Because we were passing through such a major choke point, the ships and the MEU combined forces to execute the protective stance known as Defense of the Amphibious Task Force (DATF)," said Scovill. "Although it was not a high threat level area, we prepared as such, so if there comes a day when we need to be at a higher alert level, we've already sharpened that skill set."

The level of readiness for a Navy ship transiting the Strait of Gibraltar could not be more secure if not for the presence of the Marine Corps.

"Transiting the Straits of Gibraltar aboard a U.S. Navy warship is a special honor for Marines," said Commanding Officer of the 24th MEU, Col. Frank Donovan, embarked aboard Iwo Jima. "We were founded in 1775 to operate aboard the ships of the Continental Navy. Our forefathers sailed through these Straits toward sea and land battles against the British, French and the Barbary pirates. Then, like today, the Navy and Marine Corps team was instrumental in protecting America's overseas interests and keeping the world's shipping lanes open for commerce."

The Gunston Hall was also in a ready-state for any type of action she may have encountered during her transit.

"The entire Navy and Marine Corps team aboard Gunston Hall did a fabulous job during the Strait of Gibraltar transit," said Gunston Hall's Commanding Officer Capt. Andy J. Loiselle.

"We were impressed with the professional mariners we encountered and were ready to respond to any contingency that occurred. The crew got to see some amazing sights and very much looks forward to a closer view on our return to homeport."

Now in Mediterranean waters, the Iwo Jima ARG/ 24th MEU team assumes the watch, of keeping the waterways safe, acting as responsible ambassadors ashore and promoting a global force for good.

"We are in Sixth Fleet now," said Capt. Grady Banister, Iwo Jima's commanding officer. "We've worked together, done the training and our Blue/Green team is prepared and on standby to carryout any mission we are tasked with."

The Iwo Jima ARG with the embarked 24th MEU is currently deployed in support of maritime security operations and theater security cooperation efforts in the U.S. 6th Fleet area of responsibility.

Iwo Jima ARG, 24th MEU Complete African Lion

Three landing craft air cushion (LCAC) assigned to Assault Craft Unit (ACU) 4 operate in the coastal waters of Agadir, Morocco while deployed with the multipurpose amphibious assault ship USS Iwo Jima (LHD 7). The Iwo Jima Amphibious Readiness Group is deployed and participating in Exercise African Lion 2012, a bilateral exercise between U.S. and Moroccan forces, in the U.S. 6th Fleet area of responsibility. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Heather W. Hines/Released)

By Mass Communications Specialist 2nd Class Jamica Johnson, Amphibious Squadron 8 Public Affairs

USS IWO JIMA, At Sea (NNS) -- The 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU)in conjunction with the Iwo Jima Amphibious Ready Group (ARG completed joint and bilateral exercise CJCS Exercise African Lion 2012, April 17.

The exercise between the Kingdom of Morocco and the U.S. military services served as integrated field training for the ARG/MEU team, prior to arriving at their operational station for deployment 2012.

"This exercise gave us a chance to do a couple of things," said Col. Frank Donovan, 24th MEU commanding officer. "We set sail on deployment across the Atlantic, straight into a large scale exercise where we were able to hone our abilities of ship-to-shore, ship-to-objective maneuvering, air and surface operations with the blue-green team, doing bi-lateral operations with the Moroccans, in turn, developing partners and allied relationships. It was a great way to start a deployment."

The Joint Task Force (JTF), led by Marine Forces Africa (MARFORAF), were designated as JTF-MOROCCO and a Task Force (TF) led by 14th Marine Regiment, 4th Marine Division were designated as TF-African Lion, giving the exercise great historical and operational importance, being one of the first times an ARG/MEU team has been carried out as an all land based operation.

"This year's exercise was unique in two ways," said Lt. Cmdr. Mike Fabrizio, PHIBRON 8's operations officer. "First, Morocco was one of the first countries to acknowledge American independence when initially becoming a country, so we have had long historical ties with them. The importance of the IWO ARG /24 MEU team's participation in African Lion is that, in previous years, the exercise participants were all land based. This was the first year when a sea based MEU, operating from an ARG at sea, participated in the exercise."

The preparation for the large scale bi-national exercise was concurrent with the ARG/MEU team's work up cycle for deployment. It took various levels of planning and acute attention to detail. Some planners from PHIBRON 8 and 24th MEU met with planning teams in the U.S. 6th Fleet area of responsibility as early as Aug. 2011.

"It took a lot of rapid planning and planning adjustments to be able to take advantage of opportunities to operate in a very foreign environment," said Donovan. "To prove that the skill-set we have does work and at the end we were able to meet, train with and establish a relationship with our partners, the armed forces of Morocco was an amazing opportunity."

In order to accomplish missions of the 24th MEU, USS Iwo Jima (LHD 7), USS Gunston Hall (LSD 44) and USS New York (LPD 21)executed a combined total of 38 ship-to-shore movements. This included 24 landing craft air cushion (LCAC's) movements and 14 amphibious assault vehicle (AAV's) landings in order to transport the Marines and their equipment. Also, 51 vehicles were moved ashore aboard the LCACs for the Marines to accomplish their mission in the exercise.

Along with the sense of achievement and accomplishment in the air, is the weighted and despondent feeling in the hearts of many on board.

"I think the ARG/MEU team did a great job. It was a great balance of what we trained for," said Donovan. "We were able to pick up where we left off in our pre-deployment training and continue on. The tough part is, obviously, we had a crash during the exercise and you can't go without always thinking about the families and condolences, thoughts and prayers that we need to continue for them back home."

"I do not think you can overstate how important our relationship with Morocco is to our national security," said Capt. Mark H. Scovill, commander of Iwo Jima ARG. "This is a key ally, and we need to prove we are inter-operable with them, especially in view of their strategic location."

The Straits of Gibraltar, separating the Kingdom of Morocco and Spain, is 7.7 nautical miles wide and thousands of merchant and U.S. Navy ships pass through annually. This location is of the utmost strategic importance in the region for the freedom, safety and security of world-wide merchant shipping and U.S. Navy ships transiting.


The ARG/MEU team set aside time during the operation to honor and grieve their fallen brothers-in-arms, assuring each other that although the mission would go on, their memory would be celebrated and not forgotten.

"Losing men makes it very hard to think about how dangerous this job is," said Donovan. "It also provides us an opportunity to step back and say, are we focused and diligent enough, while doing my job on the daily basis to ensure the best chance for success and safety during the mission? It shows how every single day we must show incredible levels of courage, honor strength and skill, in every task."

By the conclusion of African Lion, more than 87 bi-lateral training events and demonstrations had been achieved with the Royal Moroccan and U.S. military. In total, more than 345 flight hours had been logged. For both surface and air movements, more than 70 people had been transported with more than 600 items, totaling more than 45,000 pounds between the shore and ships, including food and parts for aircraft, ships and vehicles.

"This was a great way to warm up before a long deployment. It was very successful and very rewarding in a lot of cases," said Donovan.

The Iwo Jima ARG with the embarked 24th MEU is currently deployed in support of maritime security operations and theater security cooperation efforts in the U.S. 6th Fleet area of responsibility.

Iwo Jima Amphibious Ready Group, 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit Deploy

By Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Apprentice Scott Youngblood, PHIBRON 8 Public Affairs

NORFOLK, Va. (NNS) -- More than 4,000 Sailors and Marines from the Iwo Jima Amphibious Ready Group (IWO ARG) and 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit (24 MEU) departed for deployment from Norfolk and Camp Lejeune, N.C., March 27.

The team got underway as part of a regularly scheduled deployment to support Maritime Security Operations, provide crisis response capability, increase theater security cooperation and provide forward naval presence in the 5th and 6th Fleet areas of operation.

The IWO JIMA ARG/24 MEU is comprised of Amphibious Squadron (PHIBRON) 8, multipurpose amphibious assault ship USS Iwo Jima (LHD 7), amphibious transport dock USS New York (LPD 21), and amphibious dock landing ship USS Gunston Hall (LSD 44); Battalion Landing Team, 1st Battalion, 2nd Marine Regiment (BLT 1/2); Aviation Combat Element, Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 261 (Reinforced); Logistics Combat Element, Combat Logistics Battalion 24.

In preparation for deployment, the IWO JIMA ARG/24 MEU underwent a six-month work up cycle that included successful completion of an Amphibious Squadron/Marine expeditionary unit integration (PMINT), a composite training unit exercise (COMPTUEX) and a certification exercise (CERTEX).

"Due to around-the-clock training and an aggressive work up schedule, we have no doubt in our minds that we are ready and capable for the missions ahead," said Commander PHIBRON 8, Capt. Mark H. Scovill.

The IWO ARG/24 MEU provides the combatant commander a versatile sea-based force that can be tailored to a variety of missions, including quick reaction crisis response options in maritime, littoral and inland environments in support of U.S. policy.

"We are extremely proud of the seamless integration of Sailors and Marines and their above-and-beyond performance for the certifications preparing the ship for deployment," said Commanding Officer USS Iwo Jima (LHD 7), Capt. Grady T. Banister.

As the ARG/MEU team sails toward the eastern horizon, the blue-green unit focuses its sights on defending our Nation and prevailing in the face of adversity with strength, determination and dignity.

"My expectation for the ARG/MEU team during deployment is to work together like we trained to complete any and all missions," said Deputy Commander PHIBRON 8, Capt. Arturo M. Garcia.

Iwo Jima Amphibious Ready Group, 24th Marine Expeditionary to Deploy

NORFOLK, Va. (NNS) -- More than 4,000 Sailors and Marines from the Iwo Jima Amphibious Ready Group (IWO ARG) and 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit (24 MEU) will deploy from Norfolk and Camp Lejeune, N.C., March 27.

The deployment is part of a regular rotation of forces to support maritime security operations, provide crisis response capability, and increase theater security cooperation and forward naval presence in the 5th and 6th Fleet areas of operation.

The IWO ARG is commanded by Capt. Mark H. Scovill, Commodore, Amphibious Squadron (PHIBRON) 8, and is comprised of multipurpose amphibious assault ship USS Iwo Jima (LHD 7) and amphibious transport dock USS New York (LPD 21), both homeported at Naval Station Norfolk, and amphibious dock landing ship USS Gunston Hall (LSD 44) homeported at Naval Amphibious Base Little Creek, Va.

The 24th MEU is commanded by Col. Francis L. Donovan and is comprised of the 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit, which includes a Ground Combat Element, Battalion Landing Team, 1st Battalion, 2nd Marine Regiment; Aviation Combat Element, Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 261 (Reinforced); Logistics Combat Element, Combat Logistics Battalion 24; and its Command Element.

Iwo Jima Amphibious Ready Group Completes PMINT

By Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Lauren G. Randall, Commander, Naval Surface Force, U.S. Atlantic Fleet Public Affairs

USS IWO JIMA, At Sea (NNS) -- Amphibious Squadron (PHIBRON) 8 and the 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit (24th MEU) conducted the PHIBRON-MEU Integrated Training (PMINT) from Oct. 24 through Nov. 3.

PMINT is the first integrated training between the Iwo Jima Amphibious Readiness Group (ARG) comprised of approximately 1,700 Sailors from amphibious assault ship USS Iwo Jima (LHD 7), amphibious dock-landing ship USS Gunston Hall (LSD 44) and amphibious transport dock ship USS New York (LPD 21), and approximately 1,200 Marines with the 24th MEU.

PMINT enhanced operability between the Sailors and Marines and began the process of forming a blue-green team during three phases and approximately two weeks of training exercises.

During the first phase, Sailors and Marines worked together to safely embark and integrate the 24th MEU including all of the aircraft, vehicles, gear and personnel throughout the three ships within the ARG.
Sailors and Marines conducted many well deck and flight deck operations during the first two days transporting 24th MEU gear from land to the ARG ships.

"PMINT is not new, we understood what we needed to do which is to bring the blue-green team together for the first time underway," said Marine Capt. Jeremey Wilkinson, MEU Battalion Landing Team (BLT) operations officer. "No matter how you cut the cake, green team cannot be successful without the blue and blue team cannot be successful without the green. So we have to learn how to work together to deliver the right solution around the world."

The second and longest phase was integrated training. Phase two of PMINT included a series of air defense exercises, surface gunnery, communication scenarios, boarding exercises, planning, co-mingling standard operating procedures and testing gear.

During the training exercises, Sailors and Marines worked on their driver training for the on and off loading of vehicles, dock landing qualifications, shipboard familiarization and overall team building.

"In the well decks, we've done a lot of integrated training, bringing different types of crafts and vehicles aboard," said Boatswain's Mate 1st Class (SW/AW/SCW) Kenyon Copeland, assigned to Iwo Jima.

"We've worked together with the MEU, the watercraft crews and ships company to stage them to see what kind of storage we can have, and if we would be able to fit any more and still get around."

Post exercise evaluations were held after each operation. All training evolutions were reviewed and critiqued in order to identify any problems and improvement possibilities.

"This is to basically get everyone on the same page before deployment, so that we can operate safely and complete our mission," said Copeland. "All the trainings have gone well; we've worked well together and kept our heads on a swivel."

The debarkation process involved off-loading embarked personnel, aircraft, watercraft and vehicles from the Iwo Jima ARG.

Senior Chief Aviation Boatswain's Mate (Handling) Joshua D. Kramer said Sailors and Marines worked well together and expects similar cohesiveness during the next training exercises.

Upon completion of PMINT the Iwo Jima ARG plans to conduct composite unit training exercise (COMPT2X) and a certification exercise (CERTEX) in preparation to deploy in 2012.

USS Nassau ARG/24th MEU Depart Haiti

ABOARD USS NASSAU, At Sea (NNS) -- The USS Nassau Amphibious Ready Group (ARG) with embarked 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) departed Haiti Feb. 7, continuing on its originally scheduled deployment to the U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) area of responsibility (AOR).

The Nassau ARG includes ships from Amphibious Squadron (PHIBRON) 8: the multipurpose amphibious assault ship USS Nassau (LHA 4), the amphibious transport dock ship USS Mesa Verde (LPD 19) and the amphibious dock landing ship USS Ashland (LSD 48).

The three ships and nearly 2,000 Sailors departed Virginia Jan. 18 on a deployment to the CENTCOM AOR, but were diverted to Haiti to provide assistance to the victims of the earthquake that struck the country Jan. 12, after on-loading more than 2,300 Marines of the 24th MEU.

Air Force Gen. Douglas Fraser, commander of U.S. Southern Command (SOUTHCOM), released the ARG/MEU from the mission after assessments made from leadership of the multinational interagency effort indicated that ground-based relief efforts had drastically improved.

"Thanks to the expeditionary capabilities of the Nassau ARG with embarked 24th MEU, we were able to help the government of Haiti, UN and international relief workers mitigate the immediate impact of the earthquake on communities both near and further away from the epicenter," Fraser said. "The ongoing contributions of U.S. and international relief organizations with extensive experience and expertise in helping nations recover from disasters has lessened the need for units with capabilities like those of the Nassau ARG and the 24th MEU, so I have released them from this mission with our utmost gratitude for their timely support to this important humanitarian mission."

While on the ground in Haiti, the Marines of the 24th MEU were instrumental in assisting the World Food Program (WFP) in Carrefour and Maison Lecrai. WFP is conducting a targeted and systematic food distribution to the Haitian people at 16 distribution sites around Haiti.

The 24th MEU also assisted Joint Task Force (JTF) Haiti with the construction of a 250-bed interim aftercare medical facility in Port-au-Prince that will be turned over to the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) to provide follow-on care for convalescent patients recovering from surgeries.

Medical and dental personnel from the 24th MEU treated more than 100 Haitians on the island of Gonave. Additionally, medical personnel aboard Nassau and Mesa Verde treated 16 Haitian earthquake victims aboard shipboard medical facilities.

"I'm very grateful and blessed that I could help make a really big difference in a time of need," said Hospital Corpsman 3rd Class Laketta Thomas of Nassau. "It means so much to me to know that I have provided care, support and understanding to those that needed help."

Lance Cpl. Brian O. Melendez echoed similar thoughts.

"The satisfaction of being able to help here means a lot," he said. "The Haitian people needed our help, and we were able to do a lot for them."

The Nassau ARG/24th MEU are en route the U.S. 5th Fleet AOR to conduct theater security cooperation missions and serve as 5th Fleet's Theater Reserve, relieving the USS Bonhomme Richard ARG and 11th MEU.

On Saturday, two other Navy ships, USS Normandy (CG 60) and USS Underwood (FFG 36), also completed operations in Haiti. On station for a total of 21 days, Normandy and its crew delivered meals donated by the not-for-profit organization "Kids Against Hunger," more than 1,000 gallons of water, and other food items to towns on the Haitian island of La Gonave.

Underwood and its attached Helicopter Anti-submarine Squadron Light (HSL) 60, Detachment 1, arrived in Haiti Jan. 16 and immediately began providing support to the Naval Oceanographic Center's critical survey, making it possible for relief ships to navigate safely in and out of the Port-au-Prince harbor. Underwood quickly became a lifeline for relief efforts, delivering hundreds of boxes including food and water, conducting 82 lifesaving medical evacuations and transporting approximately 600 personnel.

While these humanitarian assistance assets departed the theatre, another joined the mission, as SOUTHCOM deployed a team of logistics specialists from Army installations nationwide. The Joint Logistics Command (JLC) comprises 2,000 troops that will support the movement of relief supplies from ports of entry to distribution points with landing craft, cargo handling equipment and transport vehicles.

Nassau Amphibious Ready Group Begins COMPTUEX

Marines from the 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit (24th MEU) are transported by Landing Craft Unit 1655 (LCU 1655) into the well deck of the amphibious assault ship USS Nassau (LHA 4) for a Composite Unit Training Exercise (COMPTUEX). COMPTUEX is a routine training exercise conducted by U.S. 2nd Fleet off the East Coast from Virginia to Florida. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Brien Aho/Released)

USS NASSAU, At Sea (NNS) -- As part of its Composite Unit Training Exercise (COMPTUEX) 10-2 from Oct. 23-Nov. 17, the Nassau Amphibious Ready Group (NAS ARG), comprised of three ships and the 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit, have been hard at work training Sailors and Marines for its upcoming deployment.

NAS ARG is comprised of Commander, Amphibious Squadron 8, 24th MEU, the amphibious assault ship USS Nassau (LHA 4), the amphibious transport dock ship USS Mesa Verde (LPD 19) and the amphibious dock landing ship USS Ashland (LSD 48).

The exercise will serve as a deployment certification for ships, as well as offering Sailors the opportunity to execute maritime strategy.

The training scenarios will be realistic and challenging to enhance U.S. capabilities for maritime security. Exercise scenarios will be divided into phases and will challenge the NAS ARG Navy and Marine Corps team.

"It's important that our assessors certify us as deployable, not just as an amphibious strike group, but also as individual ships," said Lt. Cmdr. John Erickson, Amphibious Squadron 8 training officer.

Planned scenarios will test the group's ability to perform Maritime Security Operations (MSO), such as counterpiracy operations, and Maritime Interdiction Operations (MIO), which will enhance both global and theater maritime security.

Additionally, ships will simulate strait transits and conduct real world operations such as replenishments at sea and boardings.

In port, the NAS ARG maintained an aggressive training program, said Capt. Mark Scovill, deputy commander, Amphibious Squadron Eight. At sea, Sailors are building on their in port training and putting their surface warfare knowledge to the test.

The guided-missile cruiser USS San Jacinto (CG 56), the guided-missile destroyer USS Forrest Sherman (DDG 98), the amphibious dock landing ship USS Gunston Hall (LSD 44), the frigate USS Boone (FFG 28) are also participating in the exercise.

COMPTUEX, a routine training exercise taking place off the East Coast of the United States, from Virginia to Florida, was scheduled by Commander, U.S 2nd Fleet and is being conducted by a training team led by Commander, Strike Force Training Atlantic.

The exercise promotes Commander, U.S. 2nd Fleet's three focus areas: conducting safe and effective fleet operations to achieve mission, providing ready maritime forces for global assignment, and teaming with allies and partners in execution of the maritime strategy.