ATLANTIC OCEAN –
The Kearsarge Amphibious Ready Group (ARG) and embarked 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit concluded routine operations in the U.S. 6th Fleet (C6F) area of responsibility (AOR) on July 8, 2019.
During the ARG’s time in the C6F AOR, naval forces on the amphibious dock landing ship USS Fort McHenry (LSD 43) represented the U.S. Navy and Marine Corps’ amphibious capabilities as part of the multinational maritime focused Baltic Sea defense exercise, BALTOPS 2019.
“No nation can confront today’s challenges alone,” said USS Kearsarge (LHD 3) ARG Commodore Capt. Joseph O’Brien. “Participation in multinational exercises like BALTOPS enhances our professional relationships and improves overall coordination with allies and partner militaries during times of crisis.”
Sailors and Marines on the amphibious assault ship Kearsarge and amphibious transport dock ship USS Arlington (LPD 24) enjoyed time in Rota, Spain, for a scheduled port visit.
"The crew had a great time in Rota, and I'm proud of the way our Sailors and Marines conducted themselves while on liberty,” said Capt. Jason Rimmer, Kearsarge Commanding Officer. “There are many benefits to serving in the Navy, and getting to spend recreational time in places like Spain is definitely one of them."
The Kearsarge ARG also conducted maritime security patrols while in the C6F AOR.
“The Kearsarge ARG deployed to the [U.S.] 6th Fleet as part of an ongoing rotation of forward-deployed forces to support maritime security operations and to help preserve strategic influence in this key region of the world,” said O’Brien. “Our nation and Navy are committed to our regional partners to safeguard waterways critical to the global economy while also being positioned to provide the ability to react to emerging crises.”
The Kearsarge ARG was deployed to the C6F AOR in support of regional allies and partners as well as U.S. national security interests in Europe and Africa.
The Kearsarge ARG, which also consists of Fleet Surgical Team (FST) 2 and FST 8, Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron 26, Tactical Air Control Squadron 21, components of Naval Beach Group 2 , including Assault Craft Unit (ACU) 2, ACU 4 and Beachmaster Unit 2 and the embarked staff of Amphibious Squadron 6.
The 22nd MEU’s mission is to provide the United States with a forward-deployed, amphibious force-in-readiness capable of executing missions across the full spectrum of combat and military operations other than war, and consists of four basic elements, the Command Element, Ground Combat Element, Air Combat Element and the Logistics Combat Element.
C6F conducts the full spectrum of joint and naval operations, often in concert with allied and interagency partners, to advance U.S. national interests, security and stability in Europe and Africa.