Bataan Amphibious Ready Group To Deploy

[Someoneforyou]

UNITED STATES - 18 MARCH 2011

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.

File Photos: U.S. Navy Wasp-class amphibious assault ship USS Bataan (LHD 5). Length: 257 m.

The Wasp class amphibious assault ship is a group of United States Navy ships designed to land forces on hostile shores and transport troops by helicopter for the United States Marine Corps. The class's ships are the largest vessels of this type in service anywhere in the world.

Each Wasp-class warship has a hospital with 600 patient beds and six operating rooms. All Wasp-class ships have been built at the Ingalls Shipbuilding company, in Pascagoula, Mississippi.

U.S. Navy Wasp-class amphibious assault ships (LHD):

USS Wasp (LHD-1)
USS Essex (LHD-2)
USS Kearsarge (LHD-3)
USS Boxer (LHD-4)
USS Bataan (LHD-5)
USS Bonhomme Richard (LHD-6)
USS Iwo Jima (LHD-7)
USS Makin Island (LHD-8)

 

[Someoneforyou]

USS Bataan Underway Following Successful Palermo Port Visit
1 June 2011

PALERMO, Italy -- More than 2,500 Sailors and embarked Marines aboard the multipurpose amphibious assault ship USS Bataan (LHD 5) departed Palermo, Italy, May 31 following a successful four-day port visit.

The crew had the opportunity to sightsee and experience the city's hospitality and culture through tours and excursions in Palermo and around the Sicilian Island.

"The people of Palermo welcomed the crew with open arms," said Capt. Steve Koehler, Bataan's commanding officer. "Many of our Sailors and Marines joined the Navy to see the world, and a city like Palermo with everything it has to offer, is exactly what they had in mind. After more than two months at sea, it was an ideal first stop during our current deployment."

A host of Morale, Welfare and Recreation (MWR) tours provided the crew an opportunity to expand their appreciation for the local Italian culture. Sailors and Marines enjoyed walking tours throughout the city and guided tours of Agrigento, Taormina and San Vito Lo Capo, and an event that also included a wine tasting in one of the region's vineyards.

"I'm getting to meet new people and see places I have never been before," said Personnel Specialist 3rd Class Juan Perdomoramirez, who visited Taormina. "It was exciting seeing all of the beautiful scenery, taking pictures and touring the city. This is something the crew will get to share with their friends and family."

Bataan's Sailors and Marines also cheered on the local Palermo soccer team during their Italian Cup matchup against Inter Milan, an event played in Rome but broadcast to thousands in the Palermo city center.

Palermo lost the match, but the crew left with souvenirs and lasting memories of the population's passion for the sport.

"The way the fans were cheering was like a sport of its own," said Lance Cpl. Stephan Hammond, a member of the 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) who watched the game. "It was awesome to see how much pride the city of Palermo has in their soccer team. I'll never forget it."

Bataan is the command ship of the Bataan Amphibious Ready (ARG) group, supporting maritime security operations and theater security cooperation efforts in the U.S. 6th Fleet area of responsibility.

MEDITERRANEAN SEA (June 1, 2011) The multipurpose amphibious assault ship USS Bataan (LHD 5) conducts small boat operations with the guided-missile destroyer USS Barry (DDG 52) (not pictured). Bataan is the command ship of the Bataan Amphibious Ready Group conducting maritime security operation and theater security cooperation efforts in the U.S. 6th Fleet area of responsibility.

MEDITERRANEAN SEA (May 21, 2011) An AV-8B Harrier assigned to Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron (VMM) 263 (Reinforced) prepares to land aboard the multipurpose amphibious assault ship USS Bataan (LHD 5) during flight operations. Bataan is the command ship of the Bataan Amphibious Ready Group conducting maritime security operations and theater security cooperation efforts in the U.S. 6th Fleet area of responsibility.

MEDITERRANEAN SEA (May 18, 2011) Marines participate in a .50 caliber live-fire exercise on the flight deck of the San Antonio-class amphibious transport dock ship USS Mesa Verde (LPD 19). Mesa Verde is deployed as part of the Bataan Amphibious Ready Group, supporting maritime security operations and theater security cooperation efforts in the U.S. 6th Fleet area of operations.

MEDITERRANEAN SEA (May 21, 2011) The amphibious transport dock ship USS Mesa Verde (LPD 19) transits the Mediterranean Sea as a UH-1N Huey helicopter from Marine Medium Tiltroter Squadron (VMM) 263 passes overhead during a visit, board, search and seizure exercise aboard the amphibious dock landing ship USS Whidbey Island (LSD 41) (not pictured). Mesa Verde and Whidbey Island are deployed as part of the Bataan Amphibious Ready Group supporting maritime security operations and theater security cooperation efforts in the U.S. 6th Fleet area of responsibility.

MEDITERRANEAN SEA (May 21, 2011) The amphibious transport dock ship USS Mesa Verde (LPD 19) transits the Mediterranean Sea during a visit, board, search and seizure exercise aboard the amphibious dock landing ship USS Whidbey Island (LSD 41) (not pictured). Mesa Verde and Whidbey Island are deployed as part of the Bataan Amphibious Ready Group supporting maritime security operations and theater security cooperation efforts in the U.S. 6th Fleet area of responsibility.

MEDITERRANEAN SEA (May 16, 2011) A Marine assigned to Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron (VMM) 263 (Reinforced), 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit (22nd MEU), observes flight operations aboard the multipurpose amphibious assault ship USS Bataan (LHD 5) from an MV-22B Osprey. Bataan is the command ship of the Bataan Amphibious Ready Group and is conducting maritime security operations and theater security cooperation efforts in the U.S. 6th Fleet area of responsibility.

MEDITERRANEAN SEA (May 16, 2011) A landing signal enlisted assigned to the multipurpose amphibious assault ship USS Bataan (LHD 5) guides an MV-22B Osprey assigned to Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron (VMM) 263 (Reinforced), 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit (22nd MEU), onto the flight deck. Bataan is the command ship of the Bataan Amphibious Ready Group and is conducting maritime security operations and theater security cooperation efforts in the U.S. 6th Fleet area of responsibility.

MEDITERRANEAN SEA (May 14, 2011) Rigid-hull inflatable boats and a UH-1N Huey helicopter assigned to the San Antonio-class amphibious transport dock ship USS Mesa Verde (LPD 19) provide support during a visit, board, search and seizure exercise. Mesa Verde is deployed as part of the Bataan Amphibious Ready Group, supporting maritime security operations and theater security cooperation efforts in the U.S. 6th Fleet area of responsibility.

 

[Someoneforyou]

U.S., Spain Complete Bilateral Amphibious, Aviation Exercise
29 June 2011

USS BATAAN, At Sea -- Sailors and Marines of the Bataan Amphibious Ready Group (BATARG) and 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) completed the bilateral Spanish Amphibious Landing Exercise (PHIBLEX) 2011 off the coast of Spain June 29.

The exercise, which began June 22, partnered 800 Spanish service members with 4,000 Sailors and Marines from the BATARG/22nd MEU for combined joint air and amphibious operations from the sea and on the shores of Spain.

"It was great to be out here conducting valuable training with our long-standing Spanish partners," said Capt. Steve Yoder, commander, Amphibious Squadron (PHIBRON) 6. "Over the past several days we've tested our amphibious capabilities as a bilateral team, and I could not be more proud of how each Sailor and Marine performed. This was truly a graduate-level exercise, and every person rose to the challenge by accomplishing each task smoothly, safely and professionally."

PHIBLEX was specifically developed to improve interoperability, increase readiness and develop professional relationships between the two forces.

"It was an absolute success," said Capt. Steve Koehler, USS Bataan (LHD 5) commanding officer. "Having the opportunity to integrate with the Spanish naval forces throughout the planning and the execution of this exercise has built invaluable mutual trust and cooperation that our navies will be able to build upon for years to come. It was a tremendous experience for our Sailors and Marines."

PHIBLEX took weeks of planning and coordination between Spanish and U.S. forces.

"PHIBLEX was the culmination of over six months of very deliberate planning and coordination between 22nd MEU, [U.S.] 6th Fleet, U.S. Embassy [Spain], and Spanish planners that paid off over the last 10 days with some tremendously valuable military-to-military training," said Col. Eric Steidl, 22nd MEU commanding officer. "Sharing the common bond found between brothers-in-arms, we and our Spanish counterparts developed lasting relationships and took away many valuable lessons learned. This was truly a great experience and one that will be remembered for a long time. Congratulations to the Marines and Sailors of BATARG/22nd MEU for the safe and timely execution of a very dynamic and complex exercise."

PHIBLEX events included amphibious operations from the well decks of Bataan, dock landing ship USS Whidbey Island (LSD 41) and amphibious transport dock USS Mesa Verde (LPD 19), flight operations ashore and from the flight deck of Bataan, as well as parachute, fast rope, medical evacuation and non-combatant evacuation training from a military training facility in the area of Sierra Del Retin, Spain.

"It's always a benefit when our two countries can work together," said Spanish Marine Corps Major Carlier Grana, Commander Naval Group 2 operations officer. "In our current international environment, emerging risks exist that make it extremely important for us to be familiar with one another."

The exercise culminated during a full-scale amphibious landing demonstration that combined surface, amphibious and flight operations.

"What we do is train to go to war," said Marine Corps Capt. John Bradley, PHIBRON-6 combat cargo officer. "So this is important when it comes time to go to war and do your job in the military. It equips us to train as a team; to train to fight, so if we actually get the call in a real-world situation to debark Marines, go ashore and fight in harms way "¦ then the amphibious portion that takes place is not going to be an issue.

PHIBLEX required the movement of approximately 1,400 Marines, 134 vehicles and tons of equipment. Bradley coordinated with combat cargo teams from the Spanish military and aboard all three ships to conduct the massive offload ashore and keep the movement as smooth as possible.

"A lot of people were involved," said Bradley. "We've learned so much from the planning process, to the communications from higher headquarters and the ships, to the Marines on the beach. All of those came together. Everybody got some experience together as a team, and we got to work together as a team on a large scale. That can only make our next exercise that much better."

The BATARG and 22nd MEU deployed three months ahead of their original schedule to relieve the Kearsarge ARG and 26th MEU. The blue-green team conducted integrated training throughout April to arrive on station and provide the combatant commander with a versatile sea-based force that can be tailored to a variety of missions.

Bataan is the command ship of the BATARG, supporting maritime security operations and theater security cooperation efforts in the U.S. 6th Fleet area of responsibility.


SIERRA DEL RETIN, Spain (June 28, 2011) A landing craft air cushion (LCAC) assigned to Assault Craft Unit (ACU) 4, embarked aboard the multipurpose amphibious assault ship USS Bataan (LHD 5), prepares to land on a beach in Spain during an amphibious assault as part of the bilateral Spanish Amphibious Landing Exercise (PHIBLEX) 2011.

ATLANTIC OCEAN (June 23, 2011) Aviation Boatswain's Mate (Handling) 3rd Class Edward Toby directs an AH-1W Cobra attack helicopter assigned to the Thunder Chickens of Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron (VMM) 263 (Reinforced) as it powers down aboard the amphibious transport dock ship USS Mesa Verde (LPD 19). Mesa Verde is deployed as part of the Bataan Amphibious Ready Group participating in the Spanish Amphibious Landing Exercise 2011 off the coast of Spain.

ATLANTIC OCEAN (June 24, 2011) A Sailor aboard the multipurpose amphibious assault ship USS Bataan (LHD 5) guides an MV-22B Osprey assigned to Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron (VMM) 263 (Reinforced) onto the ship's flight deck. Bataan is the command ship of the Bataan Amphibious Ready Group participating in the bilateral Spanish Amphibious Landing Exercise 2011 off the coast of Spain.

ATLANTIC OCEAN (June 25, 2011) A Sailor conducts final pre-flight checks on an AV-8B Harrier assigned to the 9th Spanish Harrier Squadron (9 FS) prior to launching aboard the multipurpose amphibious assault ship USS Bataan (LHD 5). Bataan is the command ship of the Bataan Amphibious Ready Group participating in the bilateral Spanish Amphibious Landing Exercise 2011 off the coast of Spain.

ATLANTIC OCEAN (June 23, 2011) A landing craft air cushion (LCAC) assigned to Assault Craft Unit (ACU) 4, embarked aboard the multipurpose amphibious assault ship USS Bataan (LHD 5), approaches the Bataan's well-deck. Bataan is the command ship of the Bataan Amphibious Ready Group, participating in the bilateral Spanish Amphibious Landing Exercise (PHIBLEX 2011) off the coast of Spain.

ATLANTIC OCEAN (June 23, 2011) Amphibious assault vehicles assigned to Battalion Landing Team, 2nd Battalion, 2nd Marine Regiment, 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit (22nd MEU), operate near the amphibious dock landing ship USS Whidbey Island (LSD 41). Whidbey Island is participating with the Bataan Amphibious Ready Group in the Spanish Amphibious Landing Exercise (PHIBLEX) 2011 off the coast of Spain.

ATLANTIC OCEAN (June 23, 2011) The amphibious transport dock ship USS Mesa Verde (LSD 19) prepares to conduct amphibious operations while participating with the Bataan Amphibious Ready Group in the Spanish Amphibious Landing Exercise (PHIBLEX) 2011 off the coast of Spain.

ATLANTIC OCEAN (June 21, 2011) The visit, board, search and seizure (VBSS) team assigned to the amphibious dock landing ship USS Whidbey Island (LSD 41) returns to the ship after boarding the Spanish navy landing platform dock ship Castilla (L 52) during the bilateral Spanish Amphibious Landing Exercise (PHIBLEX) 2011. Whidbey Island is deployed as part of the Bataan Amphibious Ready Group participating in PHIBLEX off the coast of Spain.

MEDITERRANEAN SEA (June 2, 2011) An AV-8B Harrier assigned to Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron (VMM) 263 (Reinforced), from the 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit (22nd MEU), launches from the multipurpose amphibious assault ship USS Bataan (LHD 5). Bataan is deployed as the flagship of the Bataan Amphibious Ready Group, supporting maritime security operations and theater security cooperation efforts in the U.S. 6th Fleet area of responsibility.

MEDITERRANEAN SEA (June 4, 2011) Marines assigned to the 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit (22nd MEU) prepare to conduct training exercises aboard the multipurpose amphibious assault ship USS Bataan (LHD 5). Bataan is the command ship of the Bataan Amphibious Ready Group supporting maritime security operations and theater security cooperation efforts in the U.S. 6th Fleet area of responsibility

MEDITERRANEAN SEA (June 4, 2011) An MV-22B Osprey assigned to Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron (VMM) 263 (Reinforced), 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit (22nd MEU), launches from the multipurpose amphibious assault ship USS Bataan (LHD 5) during routine flight operations. Bataan is the command ship of the Bataan Amphibious Ready Group, supporting maritime security operations and theater security cooperation efforts in the U.S. 6th Fleet area of responsibility.

 

[Someoneforyou]

MEDITERRANEAN SEA (July 8, 2011) An Aviation Boatswain's Mate (Handling), left, and a landing signal enlisted aboard the multipurpose amphibious assault ship USS Bataan (LHD 5) hold up a tote board to communicate with the pilot of an AV-8B Harrier assigned to Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron (VMM) 263 (Reinforced) as he prepares to launch. USS Bataan is the command ship of the Bataan Amphibious Ready Group, supporting maritime security operations and theater security cooperation efforts in the U.S. 6th Fleet area of responsibility.

MEDITERRANEAN SEA (July 8, 2011) Aviation Boatswain's Mates (Handling) aboard the multipurpose amphibious assault ship USS Bataan (LHD 5) prepare an AV-8B Harrier assigned to Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron (VMM) 263 (Reinforced) for launch. USS Bataan is the command ship of the Bataan Amphibious Ready Group, supporting maritime security operations and theater security cooperation efforts in the U.S. 6th Fleet area of responsibility.

MEDITERRANEAN SEA (July 8, 2011) A landing signal enlisted aboard the multipurpose amphibious assault ship USS Bataan (LHD 5) launches an AV-8B Harrier assigned to Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron (VMM) 263 (Reinforced). USS Bataan is the command ship of the Bataan Amphibious Ready Group, supporting maritime security operations and theater security cooperation efforts in the U.S. 6th Fleet area of responsibility.

MEDITERRANEAN SEA (July 3, 2011) Personnel Specialist 1st Class Darryl Thomas, from New Orleans, mans the rails aboard the amphibious dock landing ship USS Whidbey Island (LSD 41), as the ship anchors off the coast of Cannes, France, for a scheduled port visit. USS Whidbey Island is deployed as part of the Bataan Amphibious Ready Group supporting maritime security operations and theater security cooperation efforts in the U.S. 6th Fleet area of responsibility.

ATLANTIC OCEAN (June 30, 2011) An MV-22B Osprey assigned to Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron (VMM) 263 (Reinforced) approaches the multipurpose amphibious assault ship USS Bataan (LHD 5) during routine flight operations. USS Bataan is the command ship of the Bataan Amphibious Ready Group, conducting maritime security operations and theater security cooperation efforts in the U.S. 6th Fleet area of responsibility.

ATLANTIC OCEAN (June 30, 2011) An MH-53E Super Stallion helicopter assigned to the Thunder Chickens of Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron (VMM) 263 (Reinforced) approaches the flight deck of the multipurpose amphibious assault ship USS Bataan (LHD 5) during flight operations. USS Bataan is the command ship of the Bataan Amphibious Ready Group conducting maritime security operations and theater security cooperation efforts in the U.S. 6th Fleet area of responsibility.

ATLANTIC OCEAN (June 29, 2011) Amphibious assault vehicles carrying Marines assigned to the 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit (22nd MEU) return to the amphibious dock landing ship USS Whidbey Island (LSD 41) after taking part in an international exercise. USS Whidbey Island is deployed as part of the Bataan Amphibious Ready Group participating in the Spanish Amphibious Landing Exercise 2011 off the coast of Spain.

 

[indian_sukhoi]

Glad they didnt send a Whole Carrier Group, A Simple Wasp-class amphibious Ship is enough to deal with crisis in Libya.