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Expeditionary Strike Group 8 Transits Suez Canal

Navy NewsStand

Story Number: NNS051128-07
Release Date: 11/28/2005 4:27:00 PM

From Commander, U.S. Naval Forces Central Command/Commander, U.S. 5th Fleet Public Affairs

ABOARD USS NASSAU (NNS) -- Expeditionary Strike Group (ESG) 8 passed through the Suez Canal Nov. 26, entering the U.S. 5th Fleet area of operations (AOO) to conduct maritime security operations (MSO) and support further tasking from the U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM).
 
ESG-8 left Norfolk, Va., Nov. 7 for a scheduled six-month deployment. 
 
“We are finally to the AOR that we have been training to get to in our deployment in support of maritime security operations,” said Capt. Martin Allard, commander, ESG-8. “Our initial mission is to support the 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit (Special Operations Capable) (MEU (SOC)), and we will conduct other maritime security operations as assigned by CENTCOM.”
 
ESG-8 will fully support MSO while operating in the 5th Fleet AOO.
 
Using a supported/supporting relationship between the Navy and Marine commanders, the ESG composition adds to the proven amphibious and Marine Expeditionary Unit capabilities with increased defenses, strike, power projection, and a range of unique combined capabilities. These capabilities provide the combatant commander a wide variety of options and enables sustained independent operations in dynamic environments.
 
“We are well prepared for any mission assigned to us by CENTCOM,” said Allard.
 
As the amphibious assault ship USS Nassau (LHA 4), flagship for ESG-8, passed through the Suez Canal, some Sailors and Marines were topside to observe the landscape.
 
“This is a very cool experience that I know many people would like to have the opportunity to see,” said Storekeeper Seaman Jason Aristizabal, aboard Nassau. “This is my third time through, and I am just looking to see if I recognize anything from last time. It does look a little bit different.”
 
ESG-8 includes 6,000 Sailors and Marines aboard six ships. In addition to Nassau, the strike group includes the guided-missile cruiser USS Cape St. George (CG 71), the amphibious transport dock USS Austin (LPD 4), the dock landing ship USS Carter Hall (LSD 50), the guided-missile destroyer USS Winston Churchill (DDG 81) and the attack submarine USS Norfolk (SSN 714). The 22nd MEU(SOC), embarked aboard the ships, is composed of its command element, 1st Battalion, 2nd Marines; Marine Medium Helicopter Squadron 261 (Reinforced), and the MEU Service Support Group 22.

MSO set the conditions for security and stability in the maritime environment as well as complement the counter-terrorism and security efforts of regional nations. MSO deny international terrorists use of the maritime environment as a venue for attack or to transport personnel, weapons, or other material.