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031029-N-6939M-004 North Arabian Gulf (Oct. 29, 2003) -- Visit Board Search and Seizure (VBSS) teams, supported by the USS Port Royal (CG 73) and a Marine boarding element provided by the 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU), board the Raj Ratan in search of suspected Al Quaida personnel believed to be attempting a personnel transfer at sea. Port Royal and the 13th MEU are deployed with Expeditionary Strike Group One (ESG-1) in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. U.S. Navy photo by Photographer's Mate 2nd Class Christopher Mobley. (RELEASED)

031006-N-6895M-002 Arabian Sea (Oct. 6, 2003) -- A CH-53E "Super Stallion" from the “Ridge Runners” of Marine Medium Helicopter Squadron One Six Three (HMM-163) is about to lift off from the flight deck of USS Peleliu (LHA 5) during daily flight operations. Peleliu is part of Expeditionary Strike Group (ESG) 1 which left Aug. 22 from Naval Station San Diego. The ESG, the first in the Navy, consists of Peleliu, USS Germantown (LSD 42), USS Ogden (LPD 5), USS Jarrett (FFG 33) and USS Decatur (DDG 73), as well as the Marines of the 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit (Special Operations Capable). The strike group centers on the flexibility and readiness of a combined expeditionary unit and an amphibious readiness group (ARG); in this case, the 13th MEU and the Peleliu Amphibious Ready Group. Augmenting the ARG, three surface combatants - a destroyer, frigate and cruiser - and a fast-attack submarine arm the group with capabilities similar to that of a carrier battle group. The additional four vessels give ESG-1 operational freedom and expanded warfare capabilities, not only by land with embarked Marines, but at sea, as well. U.S. Navy photo by Photographer’s Mate 2nd Class James K. McNeil. (RELEASED)

031006-N-6939M-008 North Arabian Gulf (Oct. 6, 2003) -- Marines assigned to the 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) Expeditionary Strike Group One (ESG-1), drill on Visit Board Search and Seizure (VBSS) techniques aboard the guided missile cruiser USS Port Royal (CG 73) used during Maritime Interdiction Operations (MIO), designed to counter the smuggling of Iraqi oil. ESG-1 is deployed to the U.S. Fifth Fleet in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. U.S. Navy photo by Photographer’s Mate 2nd Class Christopher Mobley. (RELEASED)