Nassau Expeditionary Strike Group MED 02 Deployment
LHA-4 Nassau
"First from the Sea" / "Top Gator"
ex-Leyte Gulf
NASSAU returned to the Mediterranean Sea in 2001 for Exercises ATLAS HINGE and CAPO TEULADO. In 2002, NASSAU participated in a series of exercises and work ups before deploying in late August.
Nassau Expeditionary Strike Group deployed August 26, 2002 for a routine seven month deployment. They participated in exercises and operations in Kosovo, Djibouti, Kenya, the Arabian Gulf, and Iraq. After the start of Operation Iraqi Freedom March 20, Nassau received word that the ship would remain in the Arabian Gulf longer than scheduled, and that the Marines of 24th MEU (SOC) were needed ashore to join coalition forces fighting in Iraq.
The first bombing raids on Baghdad began on March 20, 2003, and OPERATION IRAQI FREEDOM was underway. Though due to return to the U.S., NASSAU remained on station and provided support to ongoing U.S. operations. The Marines of 24th MEU (SOC) spent more than a month in Iraq participating in Operation Iraqi Freedom prior to rejoining Nassau. The ship departed from Kuwait April 30 to begin its return voyage.
The USS Nassau (LHA 4) Amphibious Readiness Group arrived at Morehead City, N.C., May 26 to offload embarked Marines and equipment. NASSAU returned to Norfolk on May 29, completing its longest deployment to date, 277 days, and earning the right to fly the Homeward Bound Pennant on the journey home.
Chronology
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29 May 2003 - Return to Norfolk
26 May 2003 - Offloads 24th MEU in NC
25 Apr 2003 - Embark 24th MEU
31 Mar 2003 - Offloads 24th MEU @ Camp Patriot
19 Mar 2003 - OPERATION IRAQI FREEDOM
26 Aug 2003 - Deployed
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