The U.S. ambassador to Kuwait and members of the Kuwait Naval Force visited the amphibious assault ship USS Makin Island (LHD 8), March 15.

Ambassador Lawrence Silverman, Kuwaiti Navy Col. Nayef al-Askar, members of the U.S. Embassy-Kuwait, and Kuwaiti Navy staff toured the ship and met with Sailors and Marines. They came to visit to gain a better understanding of the capabilities and missions of the Amphibious Ready Group (ARG) and the embarked 11th Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU).

The guests were transported to the ship via a landing craft air cushion (LCAC) assigned to Assault Craft Unit (ACU) 5.

"The U.S. military shares a long-standing relationship with Kuwait, and we're privileged to welcome our guests aboard today," said Capt. Mark Melson, Makin Island's commanding officer. "This opportunity strengthens partnerships while allowing our partners to see firsthand the capabilities the ARG-MEU brings to the region."

Distinguished visitor embarks provide an opportunity to show ARG-MEUs are a self-sustained, versatile force capable of conducting a range of military operations to resolve conflict, conduct humanitarian assistance, or combat the enemy in remote, austere environments.

The San Diego-based Makin Island ARG/11th MEU is currently conducting maritime security operations and theater security cooperation efforts during deployment to the U.S. 5th Fleet area of operations.

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For more news from USS Makin Island (LHD 8), visit http://www.navy.mil/.