Pacific: 7th Fleet, 3rd Fleet Beef Up U.S. Presence in South China Seas

A U.S. Navy guided-missile destroyer joined ships from the Indian Navy, Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force, and the Philippine Navy to sail through the South China Sea, May 2-8.

Transiting through international waters were USS William P. Lawrence (DDG 110), Indian Navy destroyer INS Kolkata (D 63) and tanker INS Shakti (A 57), JMSDF helicopter-carrier JS Izumo (DDH 183) and destroyer JS Murasame (DD 101), and Philippine Navy patrol ship BRP Andres Bonifacio (PS 17).

“Our team was really excited to take part in this multi-lateral event,” said Cmdr. Andrew J. Klug, commanding officer, USS William P. Lawrence. “Professional engagements with our allies, partners and friends in the region are opportunities to build upon our existing, strong relationships, as well as learn from each other.”

The ships conducted formation exercises, communication drills, passenger transfers and held a leadership exchange aboard JS Izumo.

U.S. 7th Fleet provides security alongside allies and partners throughout a free and open Indo-Pacific. As the U.S. Navy’s largest forward-deployed fleet, 7th Fleet operates roughly 50-70 ships and submarines and 140 aircraft with approximately 20,000 Sailors.

Latest Deployment 3rd Fleet.

Sailors, Marines of Boxer Amphibious Ready Group deploy from San Diego From U.S. 3rd Fleet

Sailors and Marines from Boxer Amphibious Ready Group (ARG) and 11th Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) departed their homeport of Naval Base San Diego, May 1, for a regularly scheduled deployment.

While deployed, the Boxer ARG/11th MEU team will conduct maritime security operations, crisis response operations, theater security cooperation and forward naval presence operations.

“It has been incredible to see the interoperability of the Boxer ARG/11th MEU as they have come together to form a cohesive team, operating from all ships within the ARG,” said Capt. Brad Arthur, commander of Amphibious Squadron (PHIBRON) 5. “Having completed the arduous unit-level and integrated certification cycles I am confident that we are trained and ready to accomplish critical mission areas needed to operate across the globe.”

Boxer ARG is comprised of amphibious assault ship USS Boxer (LHD 4), San Antonio-class amphibious transport dock USS John P Murtha (LPD 26), and Harpers Ferry-class amphibious dock landing ship USS Harpers Ferry (LSD 49). Embarked commands include “Blackjacks” of Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron (HSC) 21, Assault Craft Unit 5, Naval Beach Group 1, Beachmaster Unit 1, Fleet Surgical Team 5, and Tactical Air Control Squadron 11.

“Our blue-green team is ready to deploy,” said Col. Fridrik Fridriksson, 11th MEU commander. “We have trained, on land, in the air and at sea, to respond to events across the range of military operations and we will be prepared if and when we are called to respond.”

11th MEU consists of the Command Element; the Aviation Combat Element comprised of Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 163 (Reinforced); the Ground Combat Element comprised of Battalion Landing Team 3/5; and the Logistics Combat Element comprised of Combat Logistics Battalion 11.

The Boxer ARG/11th MEU will provide senior U.S. military leadership and coalition partners with a flexible, tailorable force which can rapidly respond to contingencies and crises within a region. With ships, aircraft, troops, and logistical equipment, the ARG/MEU is a self-contained and self-sustained task force capable of conducting missions from combat operations to providing humanitarian assistance.

“The crew is ready to execute any mission. I’m proud of the work by our Sailors to build the right mindset needed for success. And now the Boxer team is excited to carry our nation’s flag across the globe,” said Capt. Ronald Dowdell, Boxer’s commanding officer.

The 11th MEU is part of I Marine Expeditionary Force, which provides a globally responsive, expeditionary and fully scalable Marine Air Ground Task Force (MAGTF), capable of generating, deploying, and employing ready forces and formations for crisis response, forward presence, major combat operations and campaigns.

The Boxer ARG is part of Expeditionary Strike Group 3, and U.S. Third Fleet. Third Fleet leads naval forces in the Pacific and provides realistic, relevant training necessary for an effective global Navy.

Sailors and Marines of the Boxer Amphibious Ready Group (ARG) and 11th Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) are embarked on USS Boxer (LHD 4), USS John P Murtha (LPD 26) and USS Harpers Ferry (LSD 49) on a regularly-scheduled deployment. Joined together, the 11th MEU, Amphibious Squadron (PHIBRON) 5 and ships are designated as an Amphibious Ready Group (ARG).