US Navy Amphibious Ready Group starts Western Pacific operations

From Update.Ph (Feb 29): US Navy Amphibious Ready Group starts Western Pacific operations  

United States Navy Boxer Amphibious Ready Group (ARG) with the 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) began operating in US 7th Fleet area of operations February 27, the US Navy reports. The naval group departed Naval Base San Diego in California February 12 for series of missions in US 3rd, 5th and 7th Fleet areas of operations.

In 7th Fleet, the ARG/MEU team will participate in exercise US-South Korea Ssang Yong 2016, work to strengthen ties with allies, deter conflict and conduct operations in support of the Asia-Pacific Maritime Security Strategy. Five of the seven US Mutual Defense Treaties are with countries in 7th Fleet area of operation which are Philippines, Australia and New Zealand (ANZUS Treaty), Republic of Korea, Japan, and Thailand.

The mission of the Boxer ARG is to help provide deterrence, promote peace and security, preserve freedom of the seas and provide humanitarian assistance/disaster response as well as support the Navy’s maritime strategy when forward deployed.

Boxer ARG is comprised of Amphibious Squadron 1, amphibious assault ship USS Boxer (LHD 4), amphibious transport dock USS New Orleans (LPD 18) and amphibious dock landing ship USS Harpers Ferry (LSD 49).

The mission of the 13th MEU is to provide a forward deployed, flexible sea-based Marine Air Ground Task Force capable of conducting amphibious operations, crisis response and limited contingency operations, including enabling the introduction of follow on forces and designated special operations in order to support the theater requirements of geographic combatant commanders. The 13th MEU is comprised of a ground combat element, Battalion Landing Team 2nd Battalion, 1st Marine Regiment; an aviation combat element, Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 166 (Reinforced); a logistics combat element, Combat Logistics Battalion 13; and a command element.

“Few regions in the world are as important to America’s interest as the Pacific and 7th Fleet’s area of responsibility. The Boxer ARG, 13th MEU team contributes to the security and stability of our partners and allies throughout the region by engagement and cooperation,” said Col. Anthony Henderson, commanding officer of the 13th MEU.

Other elements of the BOXARG include: Fleet Surgical Team 3; Tactical Air Control Squadron 11; Assault Craft Unit 1; Assault Craft Unit 5, Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron 23 Detachment 1, and Beachmaster Unit 1.

http://www.update.ph/2016/02/us-navy-amphibious-ready-group-starts-western-pacific-operations/2895