The amphibious transport dock ship USS Arlington (LPD 24) celebrated the U.S. Navy's 240th birthday while underway Oct. 13.

Arlington is on her maiden deployment as part of the Kearsarge Amphibious Ready Group (ARG), comprised of multi-purpose amphibious assault ship USS Kearsarge (LHD 3), amphibious dock landing ship USS Oak Hill (LSD 51), amphibious transport dock ship USS Arlington (LPD 24), and embarked Marines from the 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU).

"It's only fitting that on Arlington's maiden deployment we find ourselves once more moving as a team into harm's way, demonstrating to the world that the United States Navy is ready and capable of defending our shores, protecting the interests of our nation and our allies throughout the world in a maritime domain," said Capt. Sean Bailey, commanding officer, USS Anchorage (LPD 24). "So tonight, as we pause to celebrate today, I hope you share with me the inspiration of our naval heritage and personal pride that comes with being part of the Navy's future."

While in U.S. 6th Fleet, the Kearsarge ARG will participate in theatre security cooperation events and exercises before continuing to 5th Fleet.

USS Arlington was commissioned on April 6, 2013. Amphibious transport dock ships are warships that embark, transport, and land elements of a landing force for a variety of expeditionary warfare missions.

U.S. 6th Fleet, headquartered in Naples, Italy, conducts the full spectrum of joint and naval operations, often in concert with allied, joint, and interagency partners, in order to advance U.S. national interests and security and stability in Europe and Africa

For more news from Commander, U.S. Naval Forces Europe and Africa/U.S. 6th Fleet, visit www.navy.mil/.