USS Makin Island Concludes Hong Kong Port Visit

HONG KONG (April 7, 2017) The amphibious assault ship USS Makin Island (LHD 8) arrives in Hong Kong for a scheduled port visit. Makin Island, the flagship for the Makin Island Amphibious Ready Group, with the embarked 11th Marine Expeditionary Unit, is operating in the Indo-Asia-Pacific region to enhance amphibious capability with regional partners and to serve as a ready-response force for any type of contingency. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Devin M. Langer)

The amphibious assault ship USS Makin Island (LHD 8) departed Hong Kong April 11, following a scheduled port visit.

Makin Island ARG Operating in the South China Sea

Aviation Boatswain's Mate (Handling) 2nd Class Leo Gonzales, from San Diego, signals for an MV-22B Osprey assigned to the Ridge Runners of Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron (VMM) 163 to take off from the flight deck of the amphibious assault ship USS Makin Island (LHD 8). Makin Island, the flagship for the Makin Island Amphibious Ready Group, with the embarked 11th Marine Expeditionary Unit (11th MEU), is operating in the Indo-Asia-Pacific region to enhance amphibious capability with regional partners and to serve as a ready-response force for any type of contingency. U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Devin M. Langer (Released) 170412-N-LI768-337

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.