WSP ARG-24th MEU (SOC) Heroes Welcome Home After 7-Month Mission

The USS Wasp Amphibious Ready Group (ARG), including flagship USS Wasp (LHD 1) and USS New York (LPD 21), has returned to Naval Station Norfolk after a successful deployment. The USS Oak Hill (LSD 51) is scheduled to return shortly to Joint Expeditionary Base Little Creek. The 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) Special Operations Capable team also concluded their mission, returning to Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, on December 3.

Captain Nakia Cooper of Amphibious Squadron 4 highlighted the deployment’s success in showcasing the adaptability and power of the U.S. amphibious forces. Engaging in activities under Task Force 61/2, the ARG-MEU participated in pivotal exercises such as Baltic Operations 2024 in the Baltic Sea and Neptune Strike 24.2 in the Eastern Mediterranean. The units regularly trained with the Republic of Cyprus National Guard, strengthening ties and regional security.

Throughout the deployment, extensive port visits bolstered international partnerships. The fleet docked in Klaipeda, Lithuania, and Kiel, Germany, while participating in BALTOPS 24. Stops in Rota, Spain, and Skagen, Denmark allowed for necessary refueling and resupply operations. In commemorating the 80th anniversary of D-Day, the fleet also visited Brest and Cherbourg, France. Engagements with NATO ally Türkiye were marked by visits to Aksaz and Izmir, underscoring collaboration with the Turkish military. Additional training took place in Greece and Cyprus, solidifying strategic alliances.

Colonel Todd Mahar, commanding officer of the 24th MEU, commended the adaptability and professionalism of both Marines and Sailors. The deployment reinforced the ARG-MEU’s mission of regional stability and crisis response readiness, showcasing their ability to deter threats effectively.

The ARG-MEU’s success emanated from a comprehensive integration of sea, air, and land capabilities. Captain Cooper reiterated the vital role amphibious forces play in maintaining international commitments and defense readiness. The force’s deployment capability was validated following a rigorous eight-month pre-deployment training program, proving the operational readiness of the Navy and Marine Corps.

The WSP ARG encompassed the USS Wasp, New York, and Oak Hill, alongside an array of specialized units, including Fleet Surgical Team 4 and Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron 28. The 24th MEU (SOC) demonstrated its capacity as a Marine Air Ground Task Force, equipped with versatile combat and logistics components, ensuring comprehensive mission capability across varied military operations.