(Amerika) United States Navy

[Schneemann]

Bataan Amphibious Ready Group Deploys

[...] NORFOLK (NNS) -- More than 4,000 Sailors and Marines from the Bataan Amphibious Ready Group (BAT ARG) and 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) departed from Naval Station Norfolk for an eight-month deployment, Feb. 8. [...]

The deployment is part of a regular rotation of forces to support maritime security operations, provide crisis response capability, and increase theater security cooperation and forward naval presence in the U.S Navy's 5th and 6th Fleet AOR. BATARG is commanded by Capt. Neil A. Karnes, commodore, Amphibious Squadron (PHIBRON) 6, and is comprised of multipurpose amphibious assault ship USS Bataan (LHD 5) and amphibious transport dock USS Mesa Verde (LPD 19), both homeported at Naval Station Norfolk, and amphibious dock landing ship USS Gunston Hall (LSD 44) homeported at Joint Expeditionary Base Little Creek-Fort Story, Va.

"BATARG Sailors and Marines stand ready to accomplish our nation's calling," Karnes said. "After months of extensive training, our Navy and Marine Corps have proven themselves to work together seamlessly."

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Schneemann.