The Essex Amphibious Ready Group (ARG) with the embarked 15th Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) entered the U.S. 5th Fleet area of operations (AOO), June 21.
While deployed to the region, the Essex ARG and 15th MEU will conduct maritime security operations, participate in theater security cooperation efforts and provide ready forces that help maintain conditions for security and promote regional stability.
The Essex ARG and 15th MEU team will provide combatant commanders a versatile sea-based, expeditionary force that can be tailored to a variety of missions, including quick reaction crisis response options in maritime, littoral and inland environments in support of the nation’s maritime strategy.
U.S. 5th Fleet AOO encompasses about 2.5 million square miles and includes the Arabian Gulf, Arabian Sea, Red Sea, Gulf of Oman, Gulf of Aden and parts of the Indian Ocean.
Image: US Navy