DUBLIN, Ireland –
Sailors and Marines from the San Antonio-class amphibious transport dock ship USS Mesa Verde (LPD 19) arrived in Dublin for a regularly scheduled port visit, Aug. 25, 2023.
Mesa Verde is the first U.S. ship to arrive in Dublin in over a decade, and the visit is in conjunction with the U.S. Naval Academy versus University of Notre Dame football game set to take place on Aug. 26 at the Aer Lingus stadium. During the visit, Sailors and Marines will also have a chance to experience the rich culture and history of Ireland.
"The Sailors and Marines aboard USS Mesa Verde are excited for the unique opportunity to visit Dublin, Ireland,” said Capt. Marc E. Davis, commanding officer of USS Mesa Verde. “This visit provides a chance to learn and enjoy a new culture to many Sailors and Marines. As well as a chance to engage and work with like-minded partners."
The ARG/MEU team recently departed the East Coast of the United States for a scheduled deployment in the U.S. Sixth Fleet area of operations to support maritime stability and security and defense of U.S., Allied, and Partner interests.
As like-minded partners, the United States and Ireland share a commitment to promoting peace and stability in the European theater. This port visit highlights the United States and Ireland’s strong relationship and shared values, enabling enduring engagement and training that will support regional stability and security.
The Bataan ARG consists of the of the amphibious assault ship USS Bataan (LHD 5), San amphibious transport dock ship USS Mesa Verde (LPD 19), and dock landing ship USS Carter Hall (LSD 50). Embarked commands include Commander, Amphibious Squadron 8, Fleet Surgical Team 8, Tactical Air Control Squadron 21, Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron 26, Assault Craft Unit 4, Beach Master Unit 2, and the 26th MEU (SOC).
The 26th MEU (SOC) consists of the Command Element; Aviation Combat Element, Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 162 (reinforced); Ground Combat Element, Battalion Landing Team 1/6; and Logistics Combat Element, Combat Logistics Battalion 22.
The Bataan ARG and embarked 26th MEU (SOC), under the command and control of Task Force 61/2, is on a scheduled deployment in the U.S. Naval Forces Europe area of operations, employed by U.S. Sixth Fleet to defend U.S., allied and partner interests.
For over 80 years, U.S. Naval Forces Europe-U.S. Naval Forces Africa (NAVEUR-NAVAF) has forged strategic relationships with allies and partners, leveraging a foundation of shared values to preserve security and stability.
Headquartered in Naples, Italy, NAVEUR-NAVAF operates U.S. naval forces in the U.S. European Command (USEUCOM) and U.S. Africa Command (USAFRICOM) areas of responsibility. U.S. Sixth Fleet is permanently assigned to NAVEUR-NAVAF, and employs maritime forces through the full spectrum of joint and naval operations.