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Navy, Marine Corps Team Returns to Amphibious Ready Group Deployment Construct

Navy NewsStand

Story Number: NNS090512-13
Release Date: 5/12/2009 6:24:00 PM

From U.S. Fleet Forces Public Affairs

NORFOLK (NNS) -- Navy and Marine Corps leaders recently announced the return to the amphibious ready group/Marine expeditionary unit (ARG/MEU) deployment construct as the routine, rotational amphibious force deployment package supporting geographic combatant commanders.

The change results from a study kicked off in January, during which the Navy and Marine Corps reviewed amphibious deployment plans to ensure U.S. naval forces were efficiently supporting geographic combatant commander requirements.

"This new approach will change the way amphibious forces are requested and packaged within the joint global force management process," said Vice Adm. Pete Daly, deputy commander, U.S. Fleet Forces Command.

"The change will ensure the most efficient and effective employment of amphibious combat assets while supporting geographic combatant commanders."

The ARG/MEU routine amphibious force packages will include an amphibious squadron (PHIBRON), an amphibious assault ship (LHA/D), an amphibious transport dock (LPD), a dock landing ship (LSD), embarked naval support elements and an embarked MEU, totaling approximately 5,000 Sailors and Marines.

When deploying as an expeditionary strike group (ESG), the combat forces effectively supported combatant commander requirements but rarely as a single ESG unit. Now, ARG/MEU force packages will be referred to as an expeditionary strike group only when mission requires a flag or general officer lead an ARG/MEU.

ARG/MEUs and surface combatants will continue certifying to conduct integrated operations through their regular training and pre-deployment certification process. The flexible nature of U.S. naval forces enables the ARG/MEU to still deploy and operate with surface combatants, submarines or a variety of other capabilities depending on the identified mission requirements.

Existing ESG staffs -- ESG 2, 3, and 7 -- will retain a combination of amphibious warfare and Navy composite warfare expertise while serving as the Navy's amphibious operational experts. Additionally, a key mission for ESG staffs will be ensuring Navy and Marine Corps amphibious warfare equities through direct coordination with their Marine Corps counterparts.

The Navy and Marine Corps ESG Working Group conducting the review will continue to define the roles, missions, capabilities and training applicable to this force structure. The chief of naval operations and commandant of the Marine Corps retain final approval of all recommendations.