US Navy amphibious ready group deploys to Middle East

U.S. Navy sailors and marines assigned to ships from the Bataan Amphibious Ready Group (BAT ARG) deployed for operations in Europe and the Middle East.

Amphibious transport dock USS Mesa Verde (LPD 19) deployed from Naval Station Norfolk on February 24 and amphibious dock landing ship USS Carter Hall (LSD 50) deployed from Joint Expeditionary Base Little Creek-Fort Story on February 25.

The last to deploy was amphibious assault ship USS Bataan (LHD 5), setting sail from Naval Station Norfolk on February 28.

The three ships have over 4,000 sailors and marines assigned to the many detachments and squadrons.

Bataan ARG ships are scheduled to spend the next seven months deployed.