Posted on 07/05/2006 5:38:28 PM PDT by SandRat
USS IWO JIMA, At Sea (NNS) -- The Iwo Jima (LHD 7) Expeditionary Strike Group (ESG) passed through the Suez Canal, July 4, entering the U.S. 5th Fleet area of operations (AOO).
The ESG will conduct maritime security operations (MSO) throughout the region and support further tasking from the U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM).
“We're ready to begin our taskings in support of [MSO],” said Capt. Sinclair M. Harris, commodore of Amphibious Squadron 4. “Our months of training will be used to support [U.S. Naval Forces Central Command].”
MSO help set the conditions for security and stability in the maritime environment, as well as complement the counter-terrorism and security efforts of regional nations. MSO deny international terrorists the use of the maritime environment as a venue for attack or to transport personnel, weapons, or other materials.
Using a supported-supporting relationship between the Navy and Marine Corps commanders, the ESG composition adds to the combat-proven amphibious and Marine expeditionary unit capabilities with increased defenses, strike, power projection, and a range of unique combined capabilities. These capabilities provide the combat commander a wide variety of options and enables sustained independent operations in dynamic environments.
“We're prepared for what lies ahead and ready to put our many months of integrated training to use,” said Harris.
The ESG includes approximately 6,000 Sailors and Marines aboard seven vessels. In addition to Iwo Jima, the strike group includes the guided-missile cruiser USS Philippine Sea (CG 58), amphibious transport dock USS Nashville (LPD 13), dock landing ship USS Whidbey Island (LSD 41), attack submarine USS Albuquerque (706) and guided-missile destroyers USS Bulkeley (DDG 84) and USS Cole (DDG 67). The 24th MEU (Special Operations Capable) embarked aboard the ships, is composed of its command element, 1st Battalion, 8th Marines; Marine Medium Helicopter Squadron 365 (Reinforced), and the MEU Service Support Group 24.
The ESG departed Norfolk, Va., June 6, for a scheduled six-month deployment.
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