USS Bataan Begins ARG Exercise

Sailors from the Bataan Amphibious Ready Group (ARG) and Marines assigned to the 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) are participating in Amphibious Ready Group Marine Expeditionary Unit Exercises (ARGMEUEX), commencing Oct. 23, 2013.

ARGMEUX is a three-and-a-half week exercise that is designed to strengthen Navy and Marine Corps amphibious capabilities in preparation for deployment.

The Bataan ARG consists of the multipurpose amphibious assault ship USS Bataan (LHD 5), the amphibious transport dock ship USS Mesa Verde (LPD 19), the amphibious dock landing ship USS Gunston Hall (LSD 44), Amphibious Squadron (PHIBRON) SIX, 22nd MEU embarked with the ARG and multiple units and ships participating in ARGMEUX.

ARGMEUX consists of thousands of Sailors and Marines attached to ships, aviation squadrons, medical units, and a Marine Expeditionary Unit training together for global security.

“We have over 25 Navy and Marine Corps commands and detachments teaming up and participating in the BAT ARGMEUEX,” said Commodore, Amphibious Squadron Six, Capt. Neil A. Karnes. “This incredibility talented and diverse group of hard charging Sailors and Marines are dedicated to the safe and successful execution of this extremely complex and realistic training opportunity, both at sea and on the beach.”

The BATARG is scheduled to train to a multitude of scenarios designed to test the abundant capabilities of the amphibious force. The core of amphibious ops is ship to shore movement with MV-22, tilt-rotor aircraft and high speed hovercraft, or Landing Craft Air Cushion (LCAC). Additionally, the exercise will assess many other aspects of maritime operations to include boarding, non combatant evacuations, and rescue missions.

“Amphibious operations are highly demanding, it takes flight crews, boat crews, bridge teams, as well as well deck and flight deck crews, staffs and the steely eyed Sailors and hard charging Marines of the Bataan ARG to pull it all together into a choreographed blue/green team of unmatched capability,” said Karnes. “The exercise will further develop communication and at-sea experience, working together as Sailors and Marines toward a common goal of combat readiness.”

“Bataan Sailors and Marines must always be ready” said Capt. George J. Vassilakis, Bataan’s commanding officer. “ARGMUEEX will test us and help strengthen our capabilities to execute complicated and realistic amphibious operations.”

Press Release, October 29, 2013; Image: US Navy