Bataan ARG Underway for Composite Training

ATLANTIC OCEAN  Senior Chief Gunner's Mate James Hoppa, assigned to the amphibious assault ship USS Bataan (LHD 5), fires a shot line to make contact with the fleet replenishment oiler USNS Joshua Humphreys (T-AO 188) during a replenishment-at-sea. Bataan is underway conducting composite training unit exercise with the Bataan Amphibious Ready Group in preparation for an upcoming deployment. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Caleb Strong/Released)

Bataan ARG Begins Composite Training Unit Exercise

By Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Gary Prill

ATLANTIC OCEAN (NNS) -- Sailors from the multipurpose amphibious assault ship USS Bataan (LHD 5) and Marines from 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) departed Naval Station Norfolk for a two-week underway in order to complete Composite Training Unit Exercise (COMPTUEX) off the East Coast of the United States.

COMPTUEX affords the Bataan Amphibious Ready Group the ability to interact with other ships including the George H.W. Bush Carrier Strike Group and smaller ships like the guided-missile destroyers USS Arleigh Burke (DDG 51), USS Truxtun (DDG 103) and the guided-missile cruiser USS Leyte Gulf (CG 55), among others.

During the exercise each ship will be assessed on command and control techniques, situational response, and a series of scenario-driven exercises including anti-submarine warfare, electronic warfare and maritime interdiction operations aimed at integrating the ships with the rest of the strike group.

Each scenario tests a different aspect of each ship's ability to face the possible challenges the strike group and the support ships might face while operating in the U.S. 5th and 6th Fleet area of responsibilities. Sailors will be testing nearly every action involved in the normal operation of a Navy vessel at sea, to include intelligence collections and response, visit board search and seizure, along with air and surface defense.

This exercise will test nearly every Sailor aboard the ship in one method or another. And testing will be the last step to fully certify and prepare Bataan for its upcoming deployment scheduled for early 2014.

"These exercises are extremely important for our Sailors and the ship while preparing for deployment; we need to knock this out of the park," said Bataan Command Master Chief Kevin M. Goodrich. "The evolutions we will see during the exercise are the same scenarios currently deployed ships are seeing in their normal operations. "

This exercise is scheduled as the last underway for Bataan's Amphibious Ready Group prior to her deployment and the last opportunity for the ships in her group to interact in a training environment prior to be tested by actual foreign interactions throughout the world.

Boxer Becomes First West Coast Ship to Deploy with Osprey

By Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Kenan O'Connor / Boxer Amphibious Ready Group Public Affairs

PACIFIC OCEAN (NNS) -- Sailors and Marines aboard amphibious assault ship USS Boxer (LHD 4) will become the first West Coast crew to deploy with the MV-22 Osprey this fall.

Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron (VMM) 166 (Reinforced) is embarked on Boxer as a part of the 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU), and will deploy with a complement of 12 Ospreys.

The Osprey is intended to replace the CH-46E Sea Knight, the platform the Marine Corps has used since the Vietnam War. The Osprey can carry more combat troops and has a further flight range than the Sea Knight.

"The incorporation of the MV-22 Osprey greatly expands our area of influence, and increases the speed with which the Marine Air Ground Task Force (MAGTF) Commander is able to respond to crises and mass forces on the Objective," said Maj. Frank Garner, 13th MEU air officer. "The unique flight capabilities of the Osprey provides unprecedented advantage to warfighters, allowing Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) Mission Essential Tasks (METs) to be accomplished more efficiently, while enhancing Marine Expeditionary Unit/Amphibious Ready Group (MEU/ARG) relevance in Combatant Commander (COCOM) Theaters," he added.

The Osprey is a tilt rotor aircraft flown by the U.S. Marine Corps, which utilizes vertical short takeoff and landing (V/STOL) capabilities. Until recently, the Osprey has seen limited use aboard large deck ships due to its unique design and the modifications required for large deck amphibious ships.

Although Boxer will be the first West Coast ship to deploy with Ospreys, the USS Bataan (LHD 5), stationed in Norfolk, became the first ship overall to deploy with Ospreys in an amphibious environment in 2009.

The crew members aboard Boxer and VMM-166 have trained in several technical areas, such as airframes, hydraulics and avionics, electrical systems, maintenance control to prepare for Boxers upcoming deployment.

"The biggest challenge is the amount of training that we had to accomplish," said Cpl. Neal Helfrey, a flight line mechanic attached to VMM-166. "Half the squadron hasn't deployed before, so the most difficult thing was putting all this training into the timeframe allotted."

The Boxer Amphibious Ready Group (ARG) is underway off the coast of Southern California completing a Certification Exercise (CERTEX). CERTEX is the final evaluation of the 13th MEU and Boxer ARG prior to their Fall deployment and is intended to certify their readiness to conduct integrated missions across the full spectrum of military operations.

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.

Marines Deploy to Libya

More than 2,000 Marines from the 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit, 2nd Marine Expeditionary force, deployed along with Amphibious Squadron 6 for Libya Tuesday.

Bataan Amphibious Ready Group To Deploy

By Commander, U.S. 2nd Fleet Public Affairs

NORFOLK, Va. (NNS) -- The Bataan Amphibious Ready Group (ARG) will deploy March 23 as part of U.S. maritime forces supporting U.S. and international contingency planning associated with the crisis in Libya.

The Bataan ARG will deploy ahead of its original schedule in order to relieve units from the Kearsarge ARG currently positioned in the Mediterranean Sea.

The Bataan ARG and the 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) are prepared to conduct a variety of missions, including forward naval presence, maritime security operations, theater security cooperation, humanitarian assistance and disaster response, as directed by fleet and joint task force commanders.

The Bataan ARG is made up of amphibious assault ship USS Bataan (LHD 5), amphibious transport dock ship USS Mesa Verde (LPD 19) and dock landing ship USS Whidbey Island (LSD 41). Bataan and Mesa Verde are homeported in Norfolk, and Whidbey Island is homeported at Joint Expeditionary Base Little Creek - Fort Story, Va. Supporting the Bataan ARG are Amphibious Squadron 6, the 22nd MEU, Tactical Air Control Squadron 22, Fleet Surgical Team 8 and Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron 28.

Bataan, 22nd MEU, Amphibious Ready Group Arrive Off Haiti Coast

ABOARD USS BATAAN (NNS) -- The ships of the USS Bataan (LHD 5) Amphibious Ready Group (ARG) and embarked elements of the 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) arrived off the coast of Haiti Jan. 19 to provide humanitarian assistance and disaster relief for earthquake survivors and bolster relief operations already underway in support of Operation Unified Response.

MEU and ARG leadership met with Rear Adm. Ted Branch, commander, USS Carl Vinson (CVN 70) Carrier Strike Group and his staff on board Vinson to discuss future operations.

According to 22nd MEU commanding officer, Col. Gareth F. Brandl, the Navy and Marine Corps units will begin providing assistance as soon as possible.

"We are here to support the Haitian people in an area that has been hard hit by this disaster." said Brandl. "As relief operations continue, we will further assess the needs of people in the area and refine how we can best support them with the capabilities we bring."

The major earthquake destroyed buildings and caused devastation throughout Port Au Prince and the surrounding areas Jan. 12. The 22nd MEU was ordered to assist the next morning and was fully embarked and underway aboard the ships Bataan, USS Fort McHenry (LSD 43) and USS Carter Hall (LSD 5) Jan. 16 in the morning hours. The ships of the Bataan ARG were underway from Norfolk to pick up the Marines and their equipment on Jan. 14.

"Something that normally would take weeks to plan execute happened in a matter of days," said Capt. Sam Howard, commanding officer of Bataan.

This sea-based force will bring added capabilities to aid the relief efforts without taxing the already strained infrastructure ashore. Comprised of heavy-lift and utility helicopters, trucks and humvees, assault amphibian vehicles, and logistics capabilities to include water purification and limited medical support, the 22nd MEU will further enhance the humanitarian relief efforts ashore.

The 22nd MEU is a multimission capable force comprised of Aviation Combat Element, Marine Heavy Helicopter Squadron 461 (Reinforced); Logistics Combat Element, Combat Logistics Battalion 22; Ground Combat Element, Battalion Landing Team, 3rd Battalion, 2nd Marine Regiment; and its command element.

In addition to Bataan, the Amphibious Relief Mission also includes Carter Hall, Fort McHenry, USS Gunston Hall (LSD 44) and detachments from Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron 22, Helicopter Mine Countermeasure Squadron 15, Tactical Air Control Squadron 21, Fleet Surgical Team 8, Assault Craft Unit 4 and Beachmaster Unit 2.

Bataan ARG Returns from Deployment

Marines assigned to the 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit (22nd MEU) prepare to depart the multi-purpose amphibious assault ship USS Bataan (LHD 5) after completing a seven-month deployment with the Bataan Amphibious Ready Group. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Kelvin Edwards/Released)

NORFOLK, Va. (NNS) -- Sailors and Marines of the Bataan Amphibious Ready Group (ARG) completed a successful seven-month deployment Dec. 8 when USS Bataan (LHD 5) and USS Ponce (LPD 15) arrived at Norfolk Naval Station and USS Fort McHenry (LSD 43) returned to Joint Expeditionary Base Little Creek, Va.

"Completing a successful deployment and bringing all of the Sailors and Marines safely back home to their families accomplished one of my major goals," said Capt. Paul McElroy, commander of the Bataan ARG. "The support of our families is the foundation that has carried us through these seven challenging months, so it's great to reunite with them before the holidays."

"It's hard being out at sea for such a long time, but my wife has been the core of my support," said Information Systems Technician 1st Class Michael Spicer, from Virginia Beach, Va. "She has handled all of the responsibilities I had at home and has done an exceptional job."

The Bataan ARG began its deployment May 13 with a primary mission of conducting maritime security operations in the U.S. 5th and 6th Fleet areas of responsibility while the 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU), embarked on the ARG ships, served as the theater reserve force. They also engaged in seven theater security cooperation engagements and exercises, including Bright Star 2009, 5th Fleet's largest multinational exercise.

"Every mission, every exercise and every port visit conducted by these Sailors and Marines made a lasting impact throughout the maritime domain," said Bataan's commanding officer, Capt. Sam Howard. "I'm extremely proud of their performance, professionalism and accomplishments."

The Bataan ARG and 22nd MEU was the first ARG/MEU to deploy with the MV-22B Osprey, a tiltrotor aircraft with the ability to fly and hover like a helicopter or tilt its wing-mounted propellers forward to fly like an airplane. Bataan launched 10 MV-22B Ospreys from Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 263 (Reinforced), 22nd MEU, to fly into Camp Bastion, Afghanistan, Nov. 6, marking the first time the aircraft were used in support of Operation Enduring Freedom.

The Bataan ARG/22nd MEU also had the opportunity to host several distinguished visitors while they were deployed, including the 75th secretary of the Navy, Raymond Maybus, who visited Fort McHenry and Bataan, and the Chief of Naval Operations Adm. Gary Roughead, who attended a reception held in his honor aboard Ponce.

The Bataan ARG is composed of the Bataan, who served as the flagship for the ARG, Ponce, Fort McHenry, Amphibious Squadron 2, Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron 22 Detachment 4, Fleet Surgical Team 6, Tactical Air Control Squadron 21 Detachment 1, and detachments from Assault Craft Unit (ACU) 2, ACU 4 and Beachmaster Unit 2.

Navy Pic of the Day - USS Bataan LCAC

A landing craft air cushion (LCAC) from Assault Craft Unit (ACU) 4 returns to the well deck of multipurpose amphibious assault ship USS Bataan (LHD 5) after offloading Marines and equipment from the 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit (22nd MEU), following a seven-month deployment with the Bataan Amphibious Ready Group. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Kelvin Edwards/Released)

Bonhomme Richard Amphibious Ready Group Enters 5th Fleet

The aft lookout stands the watch as a landing craft, air cushion prepares to enter the well deck of the amphibious assault ship USS Bonhomme Richard (LHD 6). (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Eva-Marie Ramsaran/Released)

INDIAN OCEAN (NNS) -- After transiting the western Pacific Ocean, the Bonhomme Richard Amphibious Ready Group (ARG) entered the U.S. 5th Fleet Area of Operations this week to relieve the Bataan ARG.

While deployed to the region, Sailors and Marines from the Bonhomme Richard ARG and the embarked 11th Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) will conduct Maritime Security Operations (MSO), which help set conditions for security and promote regional stability and global prosperity.

"We've been training for the MSO mission in this region for quite some time," said Capt. Rodney Clark, the ARG's commodore. "We're ready to execute when tasked."

While transiting the U.S. 7th Fleet AOR en route to the 5th Fleet AOR, the ARG/MEU team participated in humanitarian projects during Marine Exercise 2009, sending Sailors and Marines ashore in Indonesia and Timor-Leste to provide medical and dental care to more than 2,000 patients in cooperation with local health care officials.

Sailors and Marines also volunteered in over a dozen community service projects during four port visits in the area. Projects ranged from cleaning kennels at an animal shelter in Guam, repairing playground structures in Phuket, Thailand, and interacting with children at orphanages in Dili, Timor-Leste.

Maritime Security Operations develop security in the maritime environment and complement the counterterrorism and security efforts of regional nations. From security arises stability that results in global economic prosperity. These operations seek to disrupt violent extremists' use of the maritime environment to transport personnel and weapons or serve as a venue for attack.

The Bonhomme Richard ARG consists of three ships – amphibious assault ship USS Bonhomme Richard (LHD 6); amphibious transport dock ship USS Cleveland (LPD 7); and amphibious dock landing ship USS Rushmore (LSD 47).

In addition, the ARG includes the command element, Amphibious Squadron 7; Tactical Air Control Squadron 12, Detachment 1; Helicopter Sea Combat 23, Detachment 3; Assault Craft Unit 1, Detachment B; Assault Craft Unit 5, Detachment F; Beachmaster Unit 1, Detachment B; and Fleet Surgical Team 9.

Bataan ARG/22nd MEU Departs 5th Fleet

A video report on this story is available by clicking here

USS BATAAN, At Sea (NNS) -- The Bataan Amphibious Ready Group (ARG) and the 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) officially departed 5th Fleet and entered 6th Fleet's Area of Operations when the multipurpose amphibious assault ship USS Bataan (LHD 5) transited the Suez Canal and entered into the Mediterranean Sea recently.

The Bataan ARG, which had been conducting maritime security operations in 5th Fleet's Area of Operations, and the 22nd MEU, which served as the theater reserve force for U.S. Central Command, participated in several theater security cooperation engagements and exercises, including Bright Star 2009, 5th Fleet's largest multinational exercise, held every two years.

"The 5th Fleet Area of Operations is one of the most critical regions in the maritime security environment," said Capt. Paul McElroy, commanding officer of Bataan ARG. "The operations we conducted and the exercises we participated in were all geared towards strengthening our regional partnerships and improving security and stability within the region."

5th Fleet's Area of Responsibility encompasses 2.5 million square miles of water and includes the Persian Gulf, the Arabian Sea, the Red Sea, the Gulf of Aden, the Gulf of Oman and parts of the Indian Ocean.

The Bataan ARG is comprised of Amphibious Squadron 2, Bataan, the flagship for the ARG, amphibious dock landing ship USS Fort McHenry (LSD 43), amphibious transport dock USS Ponce (LPD 15), Tactical Air Control Squadron 21, Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron 22, Fleet Surgical Team 6, Assault Craft Unit (ACU) 2, ACU 4 and Beachmaster Unit 2.

The 22nd MEU, led by Col. Gareth Brandl, is a scalable, multipurpose force of more than 2,200 Marines and Sailors. It is composed of its Ground Combat Element, Battalion Landing Team, 3rd Battalion, 2nd Marine Regiment; Aviation Combat Element, Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 263 (Reinforced); Logistics Combat Element, Combat Logistics Battalion 22; and its Command Element.

BATARG, 22nd MEU Demonstrates Amphibious Capabilities During Bright Star

A landing craft, air cushion (LCAC) from Assault Craft Unit (ACU) 4 approaches the shore for an amphibious beach assault demonstration near Alexandria, Egypt during Exercise Bright Star 2009, as two CH-53E Sea Stallion helicopters fly overhead. The multinational exercise is designed to improve readiness and interoperability among U.S., Egyptian and participating forces. The biennial exercise is conducted by U.S. Central Command. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Stephen Oleksiak/Released)

An updated video report on Bright Star 2009 is available at http://www.navy.mil/swf/mmu/mmplyr.asp?id=13332

By Marine Capt. Clark Carpenter, 22nd MEU Public Affairs

ALEXANDRIA, Egypt (NNS) -- Coalition forces along with Marines and Sailors from the 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) and Bataan Amphibious Ready Group (ARG) stormed Egyptian beaches near Alexandria during a major amphibious assault demonstration Oct. 12 as part of Exercise Bright Star.

The simulated assault combined the forces of the Egyptian army and navy, Pakistani marines, Kuwaiti marines, and U.S. Navy and Marine Corps forces from the MEU and ARG.

"The amphibious assault demonstration was not only a great demonstration of the cooperation of regional militaries, but it highlighted the amphibious expertise of the Marine Corps, Navy and coalition partners," said Col. Gareth F. Brandl, commanding officer of the 22nd MEU and native of Virginia Beach, Va.

According to MEU operations officer, Lt. Col. David Owen, the MEU has been planning for the exercise since June. Final details of the amphibious assault demonstration were coordinated between coalition participants upon arrival earlier in the week, he added.

"There was a significant amount of detailed planning that went into this event to ensure success," said Owen. "This is a great example of how we can work together with our partner nations in this region, regardless of any language barrier, and plan and execute very complex mission sets like the amphibious assault demonstration today."

Although the demonstration did not begin until mid-day, movement of aircraft, personnel and equipment began before dawn. The previous day included a full rehearsal to ensure the precise timing of the landing.

Twelve aircraft from the MEU, five landing craft from the Bataan ARG, two Egyptian landing craft utilities, six amphibious assault vehicles, five Egyptian amphibious tracked vehicles and a host of forces from other partner nations participated in the event.

"This was a team effort," said Brandl. "Conducting operations like this with our partner nations now will help ensure we can conduct future missions in a proficient and professional manner."

The day's event began as a team of Egyptian special forces inserted on the beach, simulating beach reconnaissance prior to the assault. Shortly after, four AV-8B Harriers from Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 263 (VMM) (Reinforced), attached to 22nd MEU, streaked over the viewing stand to simulate the targeting of enemy positions on the beach.

The next waves of forces consisted of AAVs and Egyptian amphibious assault craft which displayed the maneuverability and firepower amphibious vehicles can deliver on enemy positions ashore. The last waves brought the MEU's light-armored vehicles and the Humvees of the unit's Combined Anti-Armor Team to the beach aboard landing craft utility vessels from Assault Craft Unit 2 and Landing Craft Air Cushioned transports from Assault Craft Unit 4.

"This type of training is important because it shows us what we can accomplish working with other forces from around the world," said Cpl. Gabriel T. Church, native of Marion, N.C., and a vehicle commander with Combined Anti-Armor Team, Weapons Company, 3rd Battalion, 2nd Marine Regiment, 22nd MEU. "As the theater reserve force, there are endless possibilities of what we may be asked to do - non-combatant evacuations, humanitarian relief or combat operations. This training helps keep our edge sharpened if the situation calls for it."

Bright Star, the longest running exercise in the U.S. Central Command's Area of Operations, was established in 1981 as a result of the Camp David Peace Accords. The CENTCOM and Egyptian co-sponsored exercise is designed to strengthen military-to-military relationships and improve readiness and interoperability between U.S., Egyptian, and coalition forces.

The 22nd MEU, led by Col. Gareth F. Brandl, is a scalable, multipurpose force of more than 2,200 Marines and Sailors. The unit is composed of its ground combat element, Battalion Landing Team 3/2 (commanded by Lt. Col. Robert C. Fulford); aviation combat element, (VMM) 263 (Reinforced) (commanded by Lt. Col. Paul P. Ryan); logistics combat element, Combat Logistics Battalion 22 (commanded by Lt. Col. Gary F. Keim); and its command element. The unit is serving as the theater reserve force for U.S. Central Command.

The Bataan ARG, led by Capt. Jack Sotherland, is composed of the multipurpose amphibious assault ship USS Bataan (LHD 5), amphibious transport dock USS Ponce (LPD 15), amphibious dock landing ship USS Fort McHenry (LSD 43), Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron 22, Fleet Surgical Team 6, Assault Craft Unit (ACU) 2, ACU 4, and Beachmaster Unit 2.

Bataan ARG/22MEU Participate in Bright Star 2009

USS BATAAN, At Sea (NNS) -- Bataan Amphibious Ready Group (ARG) and 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) began participation in an Egyptian and U.S. Central Command-sponsored exercise near Alexandria, Egypt Oct. 10.

Exercise Bright Star is a major, joint/coalition training exercise that encompasses naval surface and amphibious operations, command and control training, aviation operations, combined arms training and several other multilateral training events Oct. 10-20. The exercise is designed to strengthen military-to-military relationships and improve readiness and interoperability between U.S., Egyptian and coalition forces.

Bataan Amphibious Ready Group is scheduled to participate in a number of coalition events throughout the naval exercise portion of Bright Star.

"Exercise Bright Star will provide the ARG/MEU another important opportunity to reinforce positive relationships and gain experience in operating with coalition counterparts," said Col. Gareth F. Brandl, commanding officer of the 22nd MEU. "Since May, the MEU has participated in five bilateral training events with countries in Europe and the Middle East. Bright Star is will be another chance for us to showcase the naval character, amphibious expertise and flexibility of the Navy and the Marine Corps."

For the first time, the MV-22B Osprey will appear at Bright Star. The aircraft from Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 263 (Reinforced) are scheduled to provide assault support lift. Today, the aircraft were part of an amphibious assault demonstration.

Bright Star, the longest running exercise in the United States Central Command's Area of Operations, was established in 1981 as a result of the Camp David Peace Accords. Highlights of this year's exercise will include a naval exercise, a multinational amphibious assault demonstration, a multinational paratrooper jump involving 600 Soldiers and a combined arms live-fire exercise.

"The presence of Bataan Amphibious Ready Group will provide a fitting backdrop for the events of Bright Star as the U.S. continues to show its commitment and resolve for regional security and cooperation with our partner nations," said Capt. Jack Sotherland, commanding officer of Amphibious Squadron 2. "Having U.S. and coalition units train together will enhance future interoperability, develop better understanding between both land and maritime forces, and most importantly, strengthen bonds between nations."

The Bataan ARG, led by Sotherland, is composed of the multipurpose amphibious assault ship USS Bataan (LHD 5), the amphibious transport dock USS Ponce (LPD 15), the amphibious dock-landing ship USS Fort McHenry (LSD 43), Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron 22, Fleet Surgical Team 6, Assault Craft Unit (ACU) 2, ACU 4 and Beachmaster Unit 2.

The 22nd MEU, led by Brandl, is a scalable, multi-purpose force of more than 2,200 Marines and Sailors. The unit is composed of its Ground Combat Element, Battalion Landing Team, 3rd Battalion, 2nd Marine Regiment (commanded by Lt. Col. Robert C. Fulford); Aviation Combat Element, Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 263 (Reinforced) (commanded by Lt. Col. Paul P. Ryan); Logistics Combat Element, Combat Logistics Battalion 22 (commanded by Lt. Col. Gary F. Keim); and its Command Element.