The Wasp Amphibious Ready Group (ARG) completed the on-load of over 2,500 Marines and equipment from the 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) June 28.

This is the ARG's final step before heading across the Atlantic for deployment to the Navy's 5th and 6th Fleet areas of operation.

"Loading an entire MEU onto three ships is a complicated operation involving the coordinated movements of aircraft, amphibious craft, personnel, and equipment," said Chief Warrant Officer 3 Mark Chapman, USS Wasp's combat cargo officer. "Our crew made it look easy and kept everyone safe in the process."

The Wasp ARG/22nd MEU team will provide combatant commanders a versatile sea-based force that can be tailored to a variety of maritime missions, ranging from amphibious assaults to humanitarian relief.

"The Sailors and Marines in this ARG are a winning team that is trained to fight," said Deputy Commodore, Amphibious Squadron 6 Daniel Blackburn. "We worked very hard during the last several months to form a cohesive unit and look forward to operating together during our deployment."

The Wasp ARG is comprised of Commander, Amphibious Squadron (PHIBRON) 6, the 22nd MEU, 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.

The ARG also includes detachments from the Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron 22, Tactical Air Control Squadron 22, Fleet Surgical Team 2, and Assault Craft Unit 4.

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