The U.S. Navy’s amphibious dock landing ship USS Germantown (LSD 42), forward-deployed to Sasebo, Japan departed the city’s base and headed to Okinawa, Japan January 29.
Part of the Bonhomme Richard Amphibious Ready Group (ARG), Germantown is scheduled to participate in Amphibious Integration Training (AIT) and Certification Exercise (CERTEX) with the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU).
Commander Gary A. Harrington II , commanding officer of the USS Germantown, said: “Live training off the coast of Okinawa provides the best opportunity to hone the teamwork necessary to effectively execute our amphibious warfare skill-set and enables the embarked Marines to ramp up their operational experience conducting operations from the sea.”
Germantown, along with the amphibious assault ship USS Bonhomme Richard (LHD 6), the ARG’s flagship, will embark elements of the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU), as part of AIT and CERTEX.
AIT is designed to develop coordination between Sailors and Marines by conducting individual training events covering a set of amphibious missions in response to scenario driven events.
CERTEX is a graduation exercise with comprehensive training evolutions that combines the Navy and Marine Corps maritime and sea-to-shore capabilities. The ability of effectively conduct these events is assessed by the Marine Corps’ Special Operations Training Group (SOTG) and the MEU is certified capable to execute missions from medical evacuation (MEDEVAC) to forcible entry assaults and crisis response. Both AIT and CERTEX look to flex the capabilities of 31st MEU Marines and Germantown sailors.
Lieutenant Nowell , operations officer of USS Germantown, said: “Germantown is excited to be back underway after a productive maintenance availability. AIT/CERTEX provides a vital opportunity to exercise our ability to execute the expeditionary warfare mission and ensures the Blue-Green team is fully integrated and ready for our upcoming Spring Patrol.”
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