USS Oak Hill Docks in Limassol for Crucial Mid-Deployment Overhaul

LIMASSOL, Cyprus—The Harpers Ferry-class amphibious landing dock ship USS Oak Hill (LSD 51) and Marines from the 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) arrived in Limassol on September 20, 2024, for scheduled maintenance.

This maintenance period, also known as a mid-deployment voyage repair (MDVR), enables corrective and preventative maintenance actions that are not feasible while at sea. The MDVR ensures USS Oak Hill maintains operational readiness in U.S. Naval Forces Europe-Africa regions.

“Sustained operations at sea impose significant wear and tear on the ship and its systems,” stated Cmdr. Jason Nowell, Oak Hill’s commanding officer. “Conducting maintenance in Cyprus will enable Oak Hill to operate at full readiness while fostering relationships with the local industrial base assisting with repairs and the Cypriots we encounter during our stay. This will benefit future deployments in the region.”

The last U.S. Navy ship to perform an MDVR in Limassol was the Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Ramage (DDG 61) in August 2023. The ability to carry out critical maintenance in allied countries like Cyprus significantly benefits U.S. Navy ships and the Forward Deployed Regional Maintenance Center (FDRMC) mission.

During their port stay, Marines of the 24th MEU will engage in bilateral training exercises with the Cypriot National Guard in Paphos and Larnaca. This training, scheduled as part of their deployment, focuses on maintaining the readiness and operational capabilities of Navy and Marine Corps forces.

Oak Hill is currently operating in the U.S. 6th Fleet area of operations, part of the Wasp Amphibious Ready Group (ARG)-24th MEU supporting U.S., Allied, and partner interests in the region, including the Eastern Mediterranean Sea, to promote regional stability and deter aggression.

The WSP ARG-24th MEU consists of the amphibious assault ship USS Wasp (LHD 1), San Antonio-class amphibious transport dock ship USS New York (LPD 21), Oak Hill, and the embarked 24th MEU. The 24th MEU includes a Marine Air-Ground Task Force (MAGTF) with a command element, an Aviation Combat Element, a Ground Combat Element, and a Logistics Combat Element.