Amphibious transport dock ship USS San Antonio (LPD 17) returned to its homeport at Naval Station Norfolk April 25, after participating in its amphibious ready group marine expeditionary unit exercise (ARGMEUEX).

San Antonio participated in the exercise as part of the Wasp Amphibious Ready Group (ARG), which consists of Amphibious Squadron (PHIBRON) 6, the 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit, amphibious assault ship USS Wasp (LHD 1), San Antonio and amphibious dock landing ship USS Whidbey Island (LSD 41).

"ARGMEUEX tested our ability to carry out our mission," said Capt. Mike Patterson, commanding officer, San Antonio. "It tested our ability to react to situations as well as proved the effectiveness of our training during PHIBRON-MEU Integrated Training (PMINT) exercise."

During ARGMEUEX, San Antonio's ability to respond to different scenarios, such as noncombatant evacuations and visit board search and seizure (VBSS) exercises, was tested and evaluated by Carrier Strike Group 4. Sailors and marines had to work together to ensure the successful execution of these operations.

"It is important to further develop the blue-green relationships to ensure seamless operations," said Patterson. "There are missions that are inherently Navy, but there are many more that are inherently Marine. You have to find the balance and ARGMEUEX allows us to build that unit cohesion between the two."

San Antonio is scheduled to participate in composite training unit exercise (COMPTUEX), which is the final certification before deployment.

The Wasp ARG is scheduled to deploy in summer 2016.

For more news from USS San Antonio (LPD 17), visit www.navy.mil/.