SAN DIEGO (March 1, 2019) Friends and family await the arrival of Wasp-class amphibious assault ship USS Essex (LHD 2) at Naval Base Coronado. Essex (LHD 2), flagship of the Essex Amphibious Ready Group, returned to its homeport of San Diego following a successful eight-month deployment to the U.S. 5th, 6th and 7th Fleet areas of operation. The deployment marked the first combat deployment of the Marine Corps F-35B Lightning II. U.S. Navy photo by MC3 Kryzentia Richards.

SAN DIEGO (March 1, 2019) The Wasp-class amphibious assault ship USS Essex (LHD 2) transits San Diego bay in route to its homeport of Naval Base Coronado. Essex (LHD 2), flagship of the Essex Amphibious Ready Group, returned to its homeport of San Diego following a successful eight-month deployment to the U.S. 5th, 6th and 7th Fleet areas of operation. The deployment marked the first combat deployment of the Marine Corps F-35B Lightning II. U.S. Navy photo by MC3 Jailene Casso.

Essex Amphibious Ready Group concludes deployment in S.D.
SAN DIEGO - Sailors and Marines of the Essex (LHD 2) Amphibious Ready Group (ARG) returned to their homeport of San Diego following a deployment to the Indo-Pacific, Middle East, Mediterranean, and Horn of Africa regions, March 1.
More than 4,500 Sailors and Marines of the Essex ARG and embarked 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) conducted maritime security operations and theater security cooperation efforts in support of regional security, stability, and the free flow of maritime commerce.
“This deployment was a great example of dynamic force employment,” said Capt. Gerald Olin, commander, Amphibious Squadron (PHIBRON) 1. “We were successful on our deployment because we operated the way we trained. Our team was manned, trained and equipped successfully so that we were able to meet mission requirements in every fleet.”
During the ARG/MEU’s deployment, the ships conducted subject matter exchanges and important theater security cooperation exercises with regional partners in 5th, 6th and 7th fleets as well as participated in military operations.
“Our dynamic Blue-Green team performed admirably and their accomplishments speak wonders to the resolve, resiliency and incredible sacrifice the Sailors, Marines, and their families made to make this a successful deployment,” said Olin. “I am proud to have been part of this deployment with this team, and after such a successful deployment, I know our Sailors and Marines, as well as their friends and families, are excited to be home.”
Essex ARG is comprised of Essex, amphibious transport dock Anchorage, and amphibious dock landing ship Rushmore, and embarked commands.

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