Carrier Question

[dhafeman]

Do the Marines have their own aircraft carriers? I read somewhere awhile ago that they have 'smaller carriers' to carry supplies and launch helicopters and the Harrier from. Is this true? How about their FA-18's and A-6's. Do they just use the big Navy carriers?

 

[FrogFly]

The Marines don't own ships. They travel aboard Navy amphibs and carriers when attached to a MEU or airwing. Their own ships? I think not!

 

[Brodie143]

They do have some RHIBs and zodiacs though, albeit they are smaller than an F/A-18. Like the rest of us they have to rely on the surface Navy to get where they need to go. Fortunately there is always an Airedale in command.

 

[FrogFly]

Wait, I could have sworn that I saw a squadron of helos deploying on a rather large group of zociacs....

 

[Banjo33]

You're thinking of LHD's/LHA's/etc. They are Navy ships, but the Marines launch their 46's/53's/AH & UH 1's/Harriers off them. They transport troops and equipment for amphibious operations. They also carry LCAC's (hovercraft), amphibious vehicles, etc. within their hull. They are really impressive ships and vital for the ARG (amphibious ready group).

Couple side notes: It takes 3-5 amphib. ships to transport a MEU and 12-15 to transport a MEF size MAGTF. (Courtesy of Expeditionary Ops pub from TBS! And I thought they wouldn't ever come in handy!)

Don't let these other guys discourage you. Good question --- compared to some!

 

[Furloughed]

Easy way to remember: "MARINE=My Ass Rides In Navy Equipment"

Sorry guys, had to do it...

 

[Banjo33]

That's fine! As long as we can yell "TAXI" and you Navy boys come a runnin'. Hey, there's nothing wrong with carrying us and our crap where ever we want to go so long as we can kill s*** when we get there.

 

[jrklr]

how do the navy hornet squadrons and marine hornet squadrons differ when they're on the same carrier? do they have different missions or what?

 

[Brodie143]

The marines are supposted to do more air to ground and close air support for ground troops than the Navy guys. The Navy guys would get to do more air to air stuff then. In reality not much if any difference. Navy squadrons do both air to ground and air to air as well.

The reason the marines deploy is that there are not enough navy squadrons to fill every air wing. They are thinking about putting the marines in every air wing. Don't know if that got off the ground or not.

 

[jrklr]

Thanks, that makes sense.

 

[E5B]

Originally posted by jboomer

Courtesy of Expeditionary Ops pub from TBS! And I thought they wouldn't ever come in handy!)

What about packing paper???


Both MEU's I was on comprised of 3 ships: LHA, LPD and a LSD.

LAND MINES are equal opportunity weapons!!!

 

[Banjo33]

I let the military pay for my moves -- they pack me, move me, and unpack me. A little too crisp to replace the paper rolls in the head too.

 

[E5B]

TMO is a great thing.

 

[PharaelGA18]

Where are most marine pilots stationed on land or on board carriers??

 

[Brodie143]

All squadrons are stationed ashore, they just deploy aboard a boat or to another country. I take it that is what you mean, but I was just clarifying. As for the marines, It depends on the squadron. I believe most deploy aboard either a carrier or helo-carrier. Some do stay ashore and deploy to places like okinawa (sp?).