The amphibious assault ship USS Peleliu (LHA 5), arrived in Okinawa, Japan, to embark the Okinawa-based 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) after embarking Amphibious Squadron (PHIBRON) 11 while in Sasebo, Japan Aug. 31.
Peleliu recently participated in Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC) Exercise 2014, as the flag ship for the RIMPAC Amphibious Task Force with PHIBRON 3 embarked. With 31st MEU and PHIBRON 11, Peleliu will be joined by the amphibious dock landing ship USS Germantown (LSD 42) to form the Peleliu Amphibious Ready Group (PEL ARG).
The addition of a full MEU contingent will also introduce many Sailors and Marines to sea service for the first time.
During this training evolution, Peleliu will host MV-22 tilt-rotor Osprey and AV-8B Harrier aircraft, two of the Marines’ more specialized aircraft. Additionally, considerations were made onboard Peleliu to receive more than 1,000 additional personnel.
Peleliu is on its final regularly scheduled Western Pacific deployment in the U.S. 7th Fleet area of responsibility supporting security and stability in the Indo-Asia-Pacific region before decommissioning early next year.