USS Bataan Transits Suez Canal, Enters U.S. 5th Fleet (Persian Gulf)

[jpak]

http://www.globalsecurity.org/military/library/news/2007/01/mil-070130-nns01.htm

USS BATAAN, At Sea (NNS) -- The multipurpose amphibious assault ship USS Bataan (LHD 5) and the Sailors and Marines of the 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) successfully transited the Suez Canal on Jan. 30 and entered the U.S. 5th Fleet area of operations.

While in the region, the Bataan Expeditionary Strike Group (ESG) will conduct maritime security operations (MSO).

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

U.S. 5th Fleet’s area of operations encompasses 2.5 million square miles of water and includes the Persian Gulf, Arabian Sea, Red Sea, Gulf of Aden, Gulf of Oman and parts of the Indian Ocean.

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[denverbill]

1. Why would we need to launch an 'amphibious assault' on a country we've already taken?

They could just as easily have taken a passenger liner.

[originalpckelly]

2. It's so sad that kills people...

because it is so cool.

[Ghost Dog]

3. Uh huh. Marine Expeditionary Strike Group (ESG) to Gulf.

Uh huh.

Looks like another Aircraft Carrier to me. And how many other vessels, how armed, in Group?

In the event of Iran operations, these would be specialists in 'countermeasures'?

[Ghost Dog]

4. Answer some of my own questions:

http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=26255
ATLANTIC OCEAN (NNS) -- Sailors and Marines with USS Bataan (LHD 5) Expeditionary Strike Group (ESG) are underway October and November for their Composite Training Unit Exercise (COMPTUEX) off the Atlantic Coast.

COMPTUEX is a pre-deployment certification that evaluates an ESG’s ability to conduct major combat operations using a three-week, scenario-based exercise.

...

“As the flagship and surface warfare commander for the ESG, Bataan’s responsibility is to defend the strike group against all surface threats,” said Looney. “Each command plays a vital role in the ESG and in making COMPTUEX a success. Vella Gulf serves as the air defense commander, Nitze as undersea warfare commander and Underwood as the maritime interdiction operations commander. Oak Hill and Shreveport also bring significant capabilities to the team.”

...

“This will be an intense few weeks,” said Looney. “Everyone can expect to be challenged to respond to the kinds of events that we might face when we deploy, such as small boat and air attacks, as well as maritime interdiction operations.”

Bataan ESG is comprised of embarked elements of Amphibious Squadron 2, the 26th MEU, USS Shreveport (LPD 12), USS Oak Hill (LSD 51), USS Underwood (FFG 36), USS Nitze (DDG 94), USS Vella Gulf (CG 72), and USS Scranton (SSN 756). Joining the Bataan ESG for COMPTUEX is the French ship, FS Degrasse (D612), providing invaluable coalition training, along with USS Hawes (FFG 53), USS Ashland (LSD 48) and USS Kaufman (FFG 59), who are deploying separately.

[Ghost Dog]

5. More:

http://www.globalsecurity.org/military/agency/usmc/26meu.htm
The 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit (Special Operation Capable), or MEU(SOC), is a unique organization designed to be the first on-scene in the event of crisis. It takes more than 2,100 men and women to form the 26th MEU (SOC) team. This force spends 26 challenging weeks training on how to respond to everything from disaster and humanitarian assistance to all out conflict, or war. This 2,100+ strong Marine Air-Ground Task Force is formed around a task organized command element, a reinforced infantry battalion, a composite squadron with helicopters and vertical/short take-off and landing fixed wing aircraft, and a versatile support element that carries with it 15 days of supplies to support operations ashore.

The 26th MEU(SOC) is a highly adaptive, quick response force that can execute multiple and concurrent missions within just six hours of notification. The core missions of the MEU include: conventional operations, tactical recovery of aircraft and personnel (TRAP), humanitarian assistance (HA), noncombatant evacuation operations (NEO), and security operations. In order to conduct these missions the men and women of the 26th MEU(SOC) undergo an intensive 26-week, standardized pre-deployment training program. Successful completion of this program allows the MEU to be designated ieSpecial Operations Capable.
...

The 26th MEU (SOC) is trained to conduct missions during the day, at night or in limited visibility. This flexibility, coupled with the ability to travel by both surface or air, give 26th MEU talents that are in demand. For example, in May of 1999 26th MEU provided security to refugee camps in Fier, Albania (Operation Shining Hope). At the same time Marines still aboard USS Kearsarge acted as the Tactical Recovery of Aircraft and Personnel (TRAP) Force as AV-8B Harriers showed their strength overhead by participating in the NATO bombing campaign over the former Republic of Yugosalvia (Operation Allied Force). Only one month later and in historic fashion the 26th MEU (SOC) again heard the nation's call. Ordered to be the First to Fight, they acted as the initial entry force for the Kosovo Force (KFOR) and peace support operations into Kosovo (Operation Joint Guardian). Following this successful mission, the Marines and Sailors redeployed aboard Amphibious Ready Group shipping to continue their vigil in the Mediterranean. Less than a month later 26th MEU services were needed again after a massive earthquake in Turkey (Operation Avid Response). The 26th MEU (SOC) assisted the Turkish government by providing tents, fresh water, supplies and medical attention.

For more than 20 years, the 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit has served as "America's Force in Readiness" in the Mediterranean Region. Established in the early 1970s as the 36th Marine Amphibious Unit, the MEU has deployed 14 times and participated in numerous contingency operations and training exercises.

and

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/26th_Marine_Expeditionary_Unit
The 26th MEU is made up of four elements:

* Command Element (CE) - consists of the MEU headquarters elements and contains administration, communications, intelligence, public affairs, logistics, aviation liaisons, and force protection sections, as well as the senior leadership of the unit.
* Ground Combat Element (GCE) - also known as the Battalion Landing Team (BLT). It consists of a reinforced infantry battalion and contains components ranging from riflemen to the M1A1 Abrams. Also included is a M198 155mm Medium Howitzer battery; a Combined Anti-Armor Team (CAAT) platoon armed with TOW wire-guided missiles; an Amphibious Assault Vehicle (AAV) detachment; and a Light Armored Reconnaissance detachment made up of LAV-25s.
* Aviation Combat Element (ACE) - consists of a composite, or reinforced, medium helicopter squadron of CH-46 Sea Knight medium-lift helicopters. Attachments include CH-53E Super Stallion heavy-lift helicopters, AH-1W Super Cobra attack helicopters, UH-1N Huey utility helicopters, and AV-8B Harrier fast attack aircraft.
* Logistics Element - composed of a Combat Logistics Battalion (CLB).

and

http://www.eucom.mil/english/FullStory.asp?art=1228
ABOARD USS BATAAN, At Sea – The Bataan Expeditionary Strike Group (ESG) entered the European area of operations Jan. 10 in support of initiatives to strengthen emerging and enduring partnerships with the nations and armed forces of Greece, France, Morocco, Italy, Spain, Turkey and Malta.

While deployed here, approximately 6,000 U.S. Sailors and Marines assigned to the seven ships and the embarked 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit provide a versatile sea-based force that can be tailored for a variety of missions. The Bataan ESG has the capabilities to support maritime security operations, combat operations, humanitarian assistance and disaster relief.

“Our top mission is theater security cooperation engagements, which we execute with some exciting port visits,” said Navy Capt. Donna Looney, Commander, Bataan Strike Group/Amphibious Squadron TWO.

Sailors and Marines from the Strike Group’s seven ships are scheduled to make various port visits during their time here.

“We’re looking forward to successful visits that reinforce our long-standing friendships. The Sailors and Marines of the ESG are our best ambassadors, and they are looking forward to this opportunity to see this part of the world", she said.

Looks like their mission was 'suddenly' changed, then...

[blues90]

6. Perhaps this great carrier would have made all the difference N.O's

In new orleans and the miss gulf . all that could have saved many lives but no , we use all this for killing and war efforts .

[Ghost Dog]

7. Yes indeed! Plus a hospital ship or two...

:hi:

[Ghost Dog]

8. "We’ll be conducting varsity-level operations"

...“Bataan ESG’s presence in the U.S. 5th Fleet will require the crew to conduct what it does best: well deck and flight deck operations,” said (Cmdr) Carriglitto. “We’ll be conducting varsity-level operations, but much of it falls right in line with our ongoing training, so I know we’re ready to meet those challenges.” (link at OP)

I take that to imply 'advanced' operations. Not exercises, operations.