More than 4,000 Sailors and Marines from the Wasp Amphibious Ready Group (ARG) and 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit (22 MEU) departed from Norfolk and Little Creek, Virginia, and Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, June 25.

The deployment is part of a regular rotation of forces to support maritime security operations, provide crisis response capability and increase theater security cooperation while providing a forward naval presence in the U.S Navy's 5th and 6th Fleet areas of operation.

The Wasp ARG is commanded by Capt. F. Bryan Ogden, commodore, Amphibious Squadron (PHIBRON) 6 and is comprised of amphibious assault ship USS Wasp (LHD 1), amphibious transport dock ship USS San Antonio (LPD 17), both homeported at Naval Station Norfolk, and amphibious dock landing ship USS Whidbey Island (LSD 41), homeported at Joint Expeditionary Base Little Creek-Fort Story, Virginia.

"Every Sailor and Marine has worked tirelessly in preparation for this deployment," said Ogden. "After months of training this Navy and Marine Corps team has come together and is a very capable amphibious force."

The 22nd MEU, consisting of more than 2,200 Marines, is commanded by Marine Col. Todd P. Simmons. Prior to deployment, the unit spent 26 weeks training in mission areas such as security operations, humanitarian relief and amphibious raids.

The Wasp ARG/22 MEU team will provide combatant commanders a versatile sea-based force that can be tailored to a variety of missions, including quick reaction crisis response options on sea, shore, and land in support of the nation's maritime strategy.

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