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Bataan MED 07 Deployment
LHD-5 Bataan
"Big 5"

The multipurpose amphibious assault ship, USS Bataan (LHD 5), departed her homeport 04 January 2007 as the flagship of the Bataan Expeditionary Strike Group (ESG) for a regularly scheduled six-month deployment. Family members and friends were on the pier to bid teary-eyed farewells and express their pride to their Sailors and Marines. The deployment marks the first time Bataan has deployed overseas since 2004. The Bataan ESG deployed to conduct maritime security operations in support of the ongoing rotation of forward-deployed forces. Together with the Marines, the Bataan ESG is an ample force to show presence, agility and mobility.

Bataan is the flagship of the Bataan ESG, which is comprised of the Bataan Strike Group and the 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU). The Bataan Strike Group includes Amphibious Squadron 2, Bataan, USS Shreveport (LPD 12), USS Oak Hill (LSD 51), USS Vella Gulf (CG 72), USS Nitze (DDG 94), USS Underwood (FFG 36), and USS Scranton (SSN 756). The 26th MEU is based out of Camp Lejeune, N.C., and is commanded by Col. Gregg Sturdevant. The list of exercises and certifications the crew completed in 2006 included ESG Integration Exercise (ESGINT), Composite Training Unit Exercise (COMPTUEX), and Certification Exercise (CERTEX).

The Bataan Expeditionary Strike Group (ESG) entered U.S. 6th Fleet's area of operations 10 January 2007 in support of Commander, U.S. Naval Forces Europe's initiative to strengthen emerging and enduring partnerships with the nations and navies of Greece, France, Morocco, Italy, Spain, Turkey and Malta. While in theater, approximately 6,000 U.S. Sailors and Marines assigned to the ships, submarine and the 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit provide the combatant commander a versatile sea-based force that can be tailored to a variety of missions. The Bataan ESG has the capabilities to support maritime security operations, combat operations, humanitarian assistance and disaster relief.

Chronology