Wasp-class amphibious assault ship USS Essex (LHD-2) transits the Gulf of Aden during a vertical replenishment while on a regularly scheduled deployment of Essex Amphibious Ready Group (ARG) and 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU). US Navy Photo
USNI News: F-35B Allowed Essex ARG to Flex New Blue-Water Capabilities in Absence of Carrier Nearby
ARLINGTON, Virginia – The F-35B Joint Strike Fighter is not only changing the way Marine forces conduct their missions, it is also changing the way the amphibious navy can do its work in the absence of an aircraft carrier, leaders from the 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit and Essex Amphibious Ready Group said.
The Essex ARG and 13th MEU were the first to deploy from the United States with the F-35B, and they operated in the Pacific and Middle East from mid-July until their March 1 return home to San Diego. The deployment not only generated lessons learned on how to operate and sustain the F-35B jets as part of the Marine unit and in support of its objectives ashore, but also how to use the new jet to support blue-water Navy missions at sea, 13th MEU Commanding Officer Col. Chandler Nelms and Amphibious Squadron 1 Operations Officer Lt. Cmdr. David Mahoney told the Potomac Institute for Policy Studies on April 12.
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Update: The US is creating 'mini' carrier strike groups, and they are already proving their worth in combat (Business Insider)
WNU Editor: Not all missions require a super-carrier. A smaller version may just be as good.
2 comments:
Japan will follow this model.. they have helicopter carriers that now can be used for F35s too
An MEU (Marine expeditionary unit) with the expanded capability of the F-35 over the Harrier. And four more of them!
The Wasp is also equipped with a well deck that houses 3 LCACs with other assorted combat vehicles. And a battalion of Marines; ~2000. Add in another landing dock ship with still more vertical lift, vehicles and Marines. Also two DDG's with their arsenal of cruise and standard defense missiles.
Basically a fully mobile infantry with an enhanced air force.
An MEU typically consists of:
Marines:
One battalion-strength combat unit
One aviation squadron
One battalion-strength support unit (logistics/engineers/communications/medical)
Navy:
One Amphibious Assault Ship
One Landing Ship Dock
One Amphibious Transport Dock
Maybe a replenishment ship
Total strength: 2,500 - 2,800 personnel
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