Mighty MEU Mega Thread (MMMT)

[HeyJoe]

030420-N-2515C-091 North Arabian Gulf (Apr. 20, 2003) - The amphibious assault ships of Commander, Task Force Fifty One (CTF-51) come together in an unprecedented formation during operations in the North Arabian Gulf. This marked the first time that six large deck amphibious ships from the East and West coasts have deployed together in one area of operation. Led by the flag ship USS Tarawa (LHA 1), the ships are (from left to right): USS Bonhomme Richard (LHD 6), USS Kearsarge (LHD 3), USS Bataan (LHD 5), USS Saipan (LHA 2), and USS Boxer (LHD 4). CTF-51 led Navy amphibious forces in the Arabian Gulf region during Operation Iraqi Freedom. The 32 ships of CTF-51 composed the largest amphibious force assembled since the Inchon landing, during the Korean War. Operation Iraqi Freedom is the multinational coalition effort to liberate the Iraqi people, eliminate Iraq's weapons of mass destruction and end the regime of Saddam Hussein. U.S. Navy photo by Photographer's Mate 2nd Class Larry S. Carlson. (RELEASED)

090710-N-9950J-722 CORAL SEA (July 10, 2009) Sailors assigned to the amphibious assault ship USS Essex (LHD 2) move a CH-46E Sea Knight helicopter on the ship's flight deck during force integrated training in preparation for exercise Talisman Saber 2009. Talisman Saber is a biennial combined training activity hosted by the Australian Defense Force designed to train Australian and U.S. forces in planning and conducting combined task force operations. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Greg Johnson/Released)

 

[webmaster]

I can't decide which is uglier, the ship, or that junk they are about to push over the side.

 

[KBayDog]

I can't decide which is uglier, the ship, or that junk they are about to push over the side.

webmeister, don't let the last thing you see on this earth be me with a KaBar

heyjoe - Any pics of MMT, to go on the MMMT thread? Didn't think so...

 

[HeyJoe]

090708-N-3925A-004 PACIFIC OCEAN (July 8, 2009) The Amphibious assault ship USS Bonhomme Richard (LHD 6), top, pulls away from the Military Sealift Command fleet replenishment oiler USNS Yukon (T-AO 202) after a replenishment at sea. Bonhomme Richard, the flagship for the Bonhomme Richard Amphibious Ready Group, is at sea conducting an initial integration exercise with the 11th Marine Expeditionary Unit (11th MEU). (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Grant P. Ammon/Released)

 

[Uncle Fester]

I'm not as up on the Gator Navy as I could be... what are those open rectangular hatches directly aft of the whaleboat?

 

[HeyJoe]

31st MEU working with Australian counterparts

090710-N-9950J-661 CORAL SEA (July 10, 2009) The amphibious assault ship USS Essex (LHD 2) is underway during force integrated training in preparation for exercise Talisman Saber 2009. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Greg Johnson/Released)

090708-N-0120A-056 CORAL SEA (July 8, 2009) Marines assigned to the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) turn their Amphibious Assault Vehicle (AAV) around in the well deck of the forward-deployed amphibious assault ship USS Essex (LHD 2). Essex is the lead ship of the only forward-deployed expeditionary strike group and serves as the flagship for CTF 76, the Navy's only forward-deployed amphibious force commander. Task Force 76 is headquartered at White Beach Naval Facility, Okinawa, Japan, with a detachment in Sasebo, Japan. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Mark R. Alvarez/Released)

090708-N-6692A-034 CORAL SEA (July 8, 2009) U.S. and Royal Australian Navy lighter amphibious resupply cargo (LARC) vessels prepare to conduct launch and recovery training exercises aboard the amphibious dock landing ship USS Tortuga (LSD 46). Tortuga is part of the Essex Amphibious Ready group, underway for Summer Deployment and participating in military exercise Talisman Saber 2009. Talisman Saber is a biennial combined training activity hosted by the Australian Defense Force designed to train Australian and U.S. forces in planning and conducting combined task force operations. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Geronimo Aquino/Released)

090708-N-9950J-006 CORAL SEA (July 8, 2009) Sailors assigned to Assault Craft Unit One (ACU-1), Detachment Western Pacific (WESTPAC), guide a lighter amphibious re-supply cargo (LARC) vehicle into the well deck of the forward-deployed amphibious assault ship USS Essex (LHD 2). The recovery was a part of force integrated training in preparation for exercise Talisman Saber 2009. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Greg Johnson/Released)

 

[HeyJoe]

22nd MEU in action

090624-N-1831S-108 MIDDLE EAST (June 24, 2009) Amphibious assault vehicles from the 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit (22nd MEU), launched from the amphibious dock landing ship USS Fort McHenry (LSD 43), transit the Red Sea to conduct a bilateral training exercise in the U.S. 5th Fleet area of responsibility. Fort McHenry is on a scheduled deployment with the Bataan Amphibious Ready Group supporting maritime security operations in the U.S. 5th and 6th Fleet areas of responsibility. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Ash Severe/Released)

090624-N-5345W-024 MIDDLE EAST (June 24, 2009) A medium tactical vehicle replacement is lifted from the well deck of the amphibious dock landing ship USS Fort McHenry (LSD 43) by the ship's 60-ton crane as Marines from the 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit (22nd MEU) offload vehicles and equipment for a bilateral training exercise in the U.S. 5th Fleet area of responsibility. Fort McHenry is currently deployed with the Bataan Amphibious Ready Group supporting of maritime security operations (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Kristopher Wilson/Released)

090624-N-1831S-103 MIDDLE EAST (June 24, 2009) Amphibious assault vehicles from the 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit (22nd MEU), launched from the amphibious dock landing ship USS Fort McHenry (LSD 43), transit the Red Sea to conduct a bilateral training exercise in the U.S. 5th Fleet area of responsibility. Fort McHenry is on a scheduled deployment with the Bataan Amphibious Ready Group supporting maritime security operations in the U.S. 5th and 6th Fleet areas of responsibility. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Ash Severe/Released)

 

[HeyJoe]

31st MEU ACE

090627-N-6692A-057 PACIFIC OCEAN (June 27, 2009) Marines from the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) fast-rope from a CH-46 Sea Knight helicopter during visit board search and seizure training aboard the amphibious dock landing ship USS Tortuga (LSD 46). Tortuga is part of the Essex Amphibious Ready Group, underway for Summer Deployment and scheduled to participate in military exercise Talisman Saber 2009 with the Australian Defense Forces. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Geronimo Aquino/Released)

090622-N-5253W-014 PACIFIC OCEAN (June 22, 2009) Marines assigned to the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit (31st MEU) fast-rope onto the flight deck of the amphibious assault ship USS Essex (LHD 2) from a CH-46E Sea Knight helicopter from Marine Medium Helicopter Squadron (HMM) 262. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Gabriel S. Weber/Released)

 

[HeyJoe]

22nd MEU ACE in action

090609-N-5345W-125 MEDITERRANEAN SEA (June 9, 2009) A Marine from the 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) Visit, Board, Search and Seizure (VBSS) team aboard USS Bataan (LHD 5) fast ropes from a CH-53 Super Stallion, assigned to Thunder Chickens of Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron (VMM) 263, to the flight deck of the amphibious dock landing ship USS Fort McHenry (LSD 43) during a VBSS drill. The Fort McHenry is deployed with the Bataan Amphibious Ready Group (ARG) in support of maritime security operations in the 5th and 6th Fleet areas of responsibility. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Kristopher Wilson/Released)

090609-N-5345W-029 MEDITERRANEAN SEA (June 9, 2009) Marines assigned to the 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) fast rope from a CH-53 Super Stallion, assigned to Thunder Chickens of Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron (VMM) 263, to the flight deck of the amphibious dock landing ship USS Fort McHenry (LSD 43) during a Visit, Board, Search and Seizure (VBSS) drill. The Fort McHenry is deployed with the Bataan Amphibious Ready Group (ARG) in support of maritime security operations in the 5th and 6th Fleet areas of responsibility. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Kristopher Wilson/Released)

090609-N-5345W-071 MEDITERRANEAN SEA (June 9, 2009) A 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) Visit, Board, Search and Seizure (VBSS) team from the amphibious assault ship USS Bataan (LHD 5) crosses the flight deck of USS Fort McHenry (LSD 43) during a VBSS drill. The Fort McHenry is deployed with the Bataan Amphibious Ready Group (ARG) in support of maritime security operations in the 5th and 6th Fleet areas of responsibility. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Kristopher Wilson/Released)

090609-M-3205D-055 MEDITERRANEAN SEA (June 9, 2009) Marines assigned to Lima Company, Battalion Landing Team, 3rd Battalion, 2nd Marine Regiment, 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit (22 MEU), set up security as their fellow Marines fast-rope to the deck of the amphibious dock landing ship USS Fort McHenry (LSD 43) during a visit, board, search and seizure exercise. The 22nd MEU was certified to conduct VBSS during the training mission and has added the capability to the MEU's already robust multi-mission arsenal. The 22nd MEU, embarked aboard ships of the Bataan Amphibious Ready Group, is serving as the theater reserve force for U.S. European Command. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Maj. Timothy Davis/Released)

 

[HeyJoe]

090615-N-9950J-127 OKINAWA, Japan (June 15, 2009) Marines assigned to the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) unload sea bags on the pier before embarking aboard the forward-deployed amphibious assault ship USS Essex (LHD 2). The 31st MEU embarked Essex in preparation for exercise Talisman Saber 2009, a biennial, joint, combined exercise sponsored by U.S. Pacific Command and the Australian Defense Force that focuses on the planning and execution of contingency response operations. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Greg Johnson/Released)

090614-N-9950J-107 OKINAWA, Japan (June 14, 2009) Landing craft, air cushion (LCAC) 21, assigned to Assault Craft Unit (ACU) 5, Det. Western Pacific, enters the well deck of the forward-deployed amphibious assault ship USS Essex (LHD 2) during an embarking of the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU). The 31st MEU embarked Essex in preparation for exercise Talisman Saber 2009 (TS09). TS09 is a biennial, joint, combined exercise sponsored by the U.S. Pacific Command and the Australian Defense Force that focuses on the planning and execution of contingency response operations. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Greg Johnson/Released)

 

[HeyJoe]

090606-N-5345W-377 AEGEAN SEA (June 6, 2009) Cpl. Brian McDonald, assigned to the 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit (22 MEU) performs a bagpipe medley for the crowd during a morale, welfare and recreation (MWR) sponsored talent show on the flight deck of the amphibious dock landing ship USS Fort McHenry (LSD 43). (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Kristopher Wilson/Released)

090606-N-1831S-021 MEDITERRANEAN SEA (June 6, 2009) Embarked Marines from the 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit (22 MEU) leap off the stern gate of the amphibious dock landing ship USS Fort McHenry (LSD 43) into the Aegean Sea during a swim call off the eastern coast of Greece. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Ash Severe/Released)

090606-N-5345W-112 AEGEAN SEA (June 6, 2009) Sailors from the amphibious dock landing ship USS Fort McHenry (LSD 43) and Marines from the 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit (22 MEU) enjoy a swim call off the eastern coast of Greece. The Fort McHenry is deployed with the Bataan Amphibious Ready Group (ARG) in support of maritime security operations in the 5th and 6th Fleet areas of responsibility. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Kristopher Wilson/Released)

 

[HeyJoe]

090605-N-5345W-015 AEGEAN SEA (June 4, 2009) An amphibious assault vehicle from the 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit (22 MEU) splashes into the Aegean Sea as it exits the well deck of the amphibious dock landing ship USS Fort McHenry (LSD 43) as part of a joint amphibious exercise with USS Ponce (LPD 15), Greek military and police forces. USS Fort McHenry is deployed with the Bataan Amphibious Ready Group in support of maritime security operations in the 5th and 6th Fleet areas of responsibility. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Kristopher Wilson/Released)

090515-M-6935H-007 CAMP LEJEUNE, N.C. (May 15, 2009) A landing craft air cushion (LCAC) approaches the amphibious dock landing ship USS Fort McHenry (LSD-43) to embark vehicles from the 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit (22 MEU). The 22nd MEU is embarking aboard Fort McHenry for a scheduled 2009 deployment. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Matthew L. Hebert/Released)

090514-M-6935H-012 MOREHEAD CITY, N.C, (May 14, 2009) Sailors embark a high mobility, multiple-wheeled vehicle from the 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit (22 MEU) onto the amphibious dock landing ship USS Fort McHenry (LSD-43) at North Carolina State Port. The 22nd MEU is embarking aboard Fort McHenry for a scheduled 2009 deployment. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Matthew L. Hebert/Released)

090527-M-8752R-078 PALMA DE MALLORCA, Spain (May 27, 2009) Marines assigned to the 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit and sailors assigned to the amphibious assault ship USS Bataan man the rails as Bataan pulls into the port of Palma de Mallorca for the first port visit of their scheduled deployment. The 22nd MEU, embarked aboard the ships of the Bataan Amphibious Ready Group, is currently serving as the theater reserve force for U.S. European Command. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Theodore W. Ritchie/Released)

 

[HeyJoe]

090515-N-5345W-201 ATLANTIC OCEAN (May 15, 2009) A landing craft unit (LCU) from Assault Craft Unit 2 (ACU 2) approaches the well deck of the Whidbey Island-class amphibious dock landing ship USS Fort McHenry (LSD 43) during loading operations with the 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit (22 MEU) and Beach Master Unit 2 (BMU 2) off the coast of North Carolina. Fort McHenry is on a scheduled deployment with the Bataan Amphibious Readiness Group (ARG) supporting maritime security operations in the U.S. 5th and 6th Fleet areas of responsibility. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Kristopher Wilson/Released)

 

[KBayDog]

First Osprey image from the 2-2 MEU is a bunch of 'em folded in the forward slash.

When am I going to see images of "Phrogdriver's Flying Chunder Chickens" doing fastrope, VERTREP, etc.?

 

[HeyJoe]

First Osprey image from the 2-2 MEU is a bunch of 'em folded in the forward slash.

When am I going to see images of "Phrogdriver's Flying Chunder Chickens" doing fastrope, VERTREP, etc.?

Ask and ye shall receive...

090323-N-8154G-352 ATLANTIC OCEAN (March 23, 2009) Marines assigned to the 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) conduct a fast-rope exercise from an MV-22B Osprey onto the amphibious assault ship USS Bataan (LHD 5). Bataan is underway off the Atlantic coast with other elements of the Bataan Amphibious Readiness Group and the 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit conducting a Certification Exercise. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Jeremy L. Grisham/Released)