US Marines Embark On Navy Warships In Japan

U.S. Marines with the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) have embarked upon three U.S. Navy ships in Okinawa in preparation for a series of patrols and exercises in the Indo-Pacific region.

The Amphibious Ready Group-Marine Expeditionary Unit (ARG/MEU) is a 5,000-strong combined Navy and Marine Corps team based out of Sasebo, close to Nagasaki in Japan.

Last week the Marines boarded amphibious assault carrier USS America, amphibious transport dock ship USS San Diego, and amphibious dock landing ship USS Rushmore at the White Beach Naval Facility in Okinawa. 

The 31st MEU is headquartered at Camp Hansen, in Okinawa, Japan, and is made up of a command, an aviation combat group flying F-35B Lightning II aircraft, a combat logistics battalion and ground combat troops.

The ARG/MEU is now underway and will be conducting routine patrols and exercises in the U.S. 7th Fleet’s area of operations, with a continued declared aim of preserving a free and open Indo-Pacific region.

“We’re looking at a pretty large chunk of INDOPACOM’s ‘ready now’ combat power,” said U.S. Marine Corps Col. Chris Niedziocha, its commanding officer of the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit.

“Here in the first island chain, the ARG/MEU team competes every day with our opponent. It’s exhilarating to be this far forward, embarked aboard warships — deterring the adversary, reassuring our partners, and signalling resolve.”

• You can read further details on the DVIDS website