Iwo Jima Expeditionary Strike Group Enters U.S. 6th Fleet

Navy NewsStand ^ | Lt. Karen E. Eifert

[SandRat]

ABOARD USS IWO JIMA, At Sea (NNS) -- The USS Iwo Jima (LHD 7) Expeditionary Strike Group entered the U.S. 6th Fleet’s area of operations June 12, supporting Commander, U.S. Naval Forces Europe's strategic initiative to strengthen emerging and enduring partnerships with the nations and navies of Greece, France, Cyprus, Italy, Spain and the United Kingdom.

While in the theater, the approximately 6,000 U.S. Sailors and Marines assigned to the ships, submarine and the 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) will provide combat power and work alongside coalition naval forces to deny European waters to maritime security threats.

“The Sailors and Marines of Iwo Jima Strike Group have worked very hard to prepare themselves for this deployment and look forward to representing their nation and Navy,” said Capt. Sinclair Harris, commander, Iwo Jima Strike Group.

The strike group can support a wide range of missions, such as combat operations, maritime security and humanitarian assistance/disaster relief. It provides a wide variety of options in support of maritime security and stability goals in concert with regional allies.

Homeported in Norfolk, Va., the Iwo Jima Strike Group consists of the amphibious assault ship Iwo Jima, guided-missile cruiser USS Philippine Sea (CG 58), amphibious transport dock USS Nashville (LPD 13), attack submarine USS Albuquerque (SSN 706), dock landing ship USS Whidbey Island (LSD 41), and guided-missile destroyers USS Bulkeley (DDG 84) and USS Cole (DDG 67). The 24th MEU is composed of the 1st Battalion, 8th Marines, Marine Medium Helicopter Squadron 365 and the MEU Service Support Group 24.

[SandRat]

PHOTO ALBUM

[SandRat]

USS IWO JIMA STRIKE GROUP

[Dumpster Baby]

A good friend of mine spent many years aboard the Guadalcanal, and told me a lot of hilarious stories about life on an LPH. My favorite is when a group of sailors would line up in front of a locked door as if they were waiting in line. You had to wait in line for anything good on that ship. After a sufficient number of Marines were "captured" and also standing in line waiting for whatever it was, the sailors would gripe about the time it was taking, I'm due on watch, etc, and would wander off, leaving the Marines waiting in line for .... nothing. LOL

[Porterville]

I'm finishing the book "Fly Boys" ... those Japanese were animals during WWII. On Chichi Jima they'd chop off the heads of captured fly boys and eat their livers. This was common. In New Guinea they'd eat slain American soldiers, natives, and draw lots to see who would be eaten amoung their own troops.

[Tahoe3002]

While aboard the USS Iwo Jima, as part of 36th Marine Amphib. Unit, the ship had numerous mechanical and other problems. One evening while waiting dinner in the officers mess, one of my USMC buddies turned to me and stated loudly, "I thought the Iwo was named after the famous WWII battle in the Pacific." "And it's not?" I asked. By now everyone was listening in, "No, it is really an acronym: I Want One Jammed In My A$$". Needless to say, the Navy officers were NOT amused.

[Tahoe3002]

BTW, the Iwo was about 20-25 years old then, and that was 25 years ago. My USMC cover is off to those dedicated Sailors, Soldiers, Airmen and Marines who continually repair, maintain and operate our fleets of ships, aircraft, trucks, etc.

Thank you for your service and dedication!