17 OKINAWA, Japan – Rear Adm. Chris Engdahl assumed command of Expeditionary Strike Group (ESG) 7/Task Force (CTF) 76 from Rear Adm. Fred Kacher during a change of command ceremony at White Beach Naval Facility, Okinawa, May 12.
Presiding over the ceremony was Vice Adm. Bill Merz, Commander, U.S. 7th Fleet.
“Fred, you were exactly the right leader of Expeditionary Strike Group 7 when the Fleet needed you most. A tough year, I am thankful for your great work and the tremendous achievements of your team,” said Merz.
During Kacher’s time as commander, the Sailors and Marines of ESG 7 expanded naval integration and warfighting concepts, and combated the challenges of the pandemic throughout each deployment. In the past 18 months, the strike group executed four deployments covering a range of amphibious operations to include embarking and operating the F-35B Lighting II aircraft on USS America (LHA 6), integrating with Mark VI patrol boats and expeditionary m
US Navy/MCS2 Chad M. Butler
The Army s 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment is widely known for supporting special-ops missions.
But the Navy also has its own dedicated squadron for special operations Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron 85.
The Army s 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment is the primary aviation unit that flies in support of special operations.
When Rangers, Delta Force and Navy SEALs hunted Mohamed Farah Aidid in Somalia, the 160th supported them from the air. When the Navy SEALs took down Osama bin Laden, the Nightstalkers flew them in and out. When the British SAS and Navy SEALs rescued aid workers taken hostage by Afghan bandits during Operation Jubilee, well, you can guess who flew them.
During GQ, San Antonio conducted several training scenarios involving various damage control and medical training evolutions that helped prepare the Sailors aboard for real-life casualties.
“Preparing for real situations utilizing drills such as this is vital to the mission readiness and success of our ship,” said Capt. Robert Bibeau, commanding officer, USS San Antonio. “I am confident in our team’s response to what we drilled today.”
The combined IWOARG and 24th MEU have roughly 4,300 Sailors and Marines. The ARG-MEU is deployed to SIXTHFLT in support of regional NATO Allies and partners as well as U.S. national security interests in Europe and Africa.
USNI News Fleet and Marine Tracker: May 10, 2021 May 10, 2021 12:07 PM • Updated:
May 10, 2021 5:18 PM
USNI News Graphic
These are the approximate positions of the U.S. Navy’s deployed carrier strike groups and amphibious ready groups throughout the world as of May 3, 2021, based on Navy and public data. In cases where a CSG or ARG is conducting disaggregated operations, the chart reflects the location of the capital ship.
Total U.S. Navy Battle Force:
296
In Japan
Retail Services Specialist 3rd Class Fangfang Wen, originally from China, left, and Retail Services Specialist 3rd Class Chloe Nichole Luz Rodriguez, originally from the Philippines, right, recite the Oath of Allegiance aboard USS Mustin (DDG-89) during a United States Citizenship and Immigration Services naturalization ceremony on May 7, 2021. US Navy Photo
As the LMP was taking place, IWOARG’s crewmembers accessed quality-of-life amenities during their liberty period. MWR placed recreational tents at the installation softball field and provided tables and chairs for use by the IWOARG crew. The Navy Exchange (NEX) and NAVSTA’s Commissary offered exclusive use of the stores to IWOARG crewmembers. FLCSI Site Rota’s contracting team ensured all ship contracting requirements and last minute details were managed leading up to the IWOARG’s LMP.
“Contracts were awarded to procure Wi-Fi services for 3,000 personnel at pier 1 and the softball field and transportation vehicles for crewmembers,” said Jose Neto, FLCSI Site Rota supervisory contracting specialist. “Contracts for tug vehicles, and man-lift equipment were also awarded in support of ship repairs.”