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Essex Amphibious Ready Group arrives in Australia

7th Fleet

Release Date: 10/28/2003

Seventh Fleet public affairs

DARWIN, Australia -- The Essex Amphibious Ready Group with embarked 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit (Special Operations Capable) arrived here for a regularly scheduled port visit Oct. 25.

During the visit, the nearly 4,000 Sailors and Marines will have a chance to meet local citizens, experience the local customs and traditions, sightsee, shop and enjoy recreational activities.

The 31st MEU (SOC) is commanded by Col. Roy Arnold and is comprised of Battalion Landing Team 3/3, Marine Medium Helicopter Squadron 265, and MEU Service Support Group 31.

The Essex ARG is commanded by Capt. Richard B. Landolt, Commander, Amphibious Squadron Eleven, and is comprised of USS Essex (LHD 2) and USS Fort McHenry (LSD 43).

The Essex ARG and 31st MEU are forward deployed to Japan as a part of the U.S. Navy's only permanently forward deployed amphibious force.