The upkeep interval, termed a mid-deployment voyage restore (MDVR), permits the ship to finish corrective and preventative upkeep that can’t be achieved whereas at sea. This essential work permits the ship and her crew to proceed their mission within the U.S. Naval Forces Europe (NAVEUR) space of operations.
“Kearsarge is grateful to the French Navy and town of Brest for welcoming us,” stated Capt. Tom Foster, commanding officer of USS Kearsarge (LHD 3). “We’re on the mid-point of our deployment and can execute a lot wanted repairs, repairs and re-supply whereas in port. We admire the cooperative relationships between our two nations as we work collectively to offer assist to our NATO allies and companions, and guarantee peace within the area.”
Since arriving in theater in March 2022, the Kearsarge ARG and twenty second Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) have participated in a wide selection of workouts and operations with companions and allies all through the U.S. Naval Forces Europe-Africa (NAVEUR-NAVAF) space of operations.
Kearsarge has operated primarily in northern European waters, conducting port visits in Tromsø, Norway; Tallinn, Estonia; and Stockholm, Sweden whereas collaborating in a bilateral coaching occasion in Norway, workouts Hedgehog 22 and BALTOPS 22, and NATO vigilance exercise Neptune Defend 22.
Many of those workouts and actions have introduced Kearsarge along with parts of the French navy. The go to to Brest gives yet one more alternative to study from and achieve a deeper understanding of French tradition and historical past. Whereas in port in Brest, the crew will conduct Morale, Welfare, and Recreation (MWR) journeys throughout France to the Musee D-Day Omaha, Normandy American Cemetery, Mount Saint Michel, and the Omaha Seaside Memorial. ARG and MEU leaders will take part in workplace calls with the French Commander of Atlantic Maritime Zone, VAE Olivier Lebas and the Mayor of Brest François Cullandre On July 4th, along with French authorities and representatives from the U.S. Consulate in Rennes, USS Kearsarge will take part in a wreath laying ceremony on the American Battlefield Monuments Commissions’ Naval Monument at Brest, which honors the greater than 700,000 American service members who transited the port of Brest throughout World Warfare I. The unique American Naval Monument was destroyed by the Nazis throughout their occupation of Brest and rebuilt by the USA after World Warfare II.
“The mid-deployment voyage restore is our time to reset the power,” stated Col. Paul Merida, commanding officer of the twenty second MEU. “We see the MDVR as a possibility to get off the ship and practice every time doable, conduct car, tools and weapons upkeep, be sure that our gear and property is accounted for in addition to bettering administrative, medical and dental readiness. Ideally, the MDVR additionally gives an opportunity for the Marines to get a while off-shore to replicate on the historical past of the area whereas constructing an appreciation for the native inhabitants and French tradition.”
The Kearsarge ARG and embarked twenty second MEU are underneath the command and management of Process Drive 61/2. The ARG consists of Wasp-class amphibious assault ship USS Kearsarge (LHD 3); San Antonio-class amphibious transport dock ship USS Arlington (LPD 24); and Whidbey Island-class dock touchdown ship USS Gunston Corridor (LSD 44).
Embarked instructions with the Kearsarge ARG embody Amphibious Squadron SIX, twenty second MEU, Fleet Surgical Group 2, Fleet Surgical Group 4, Tactical Air Management Squadron 22, Helicopter Sea Fight Squadron 22, Helicopter Sea Fight Squadron 28, Assault Craft Unit 2, Assault Craft Unit 4, Naval Seaside Group 2, and Seaside Grasp Unit 2.
Amphibious prepared teams and bigger amphibious activity forces present navy commanders a variety of versatile capabilities together with maritime safety operations, expeditionary energy projection, strike operations, ahead naval presence, disaster response, sea management, deterrence, counter-terrorism, data operations, safety cooperation and counter-proliferation, and humanitarian help and catastrophe reduction.
For over 80 years, U.S. Naval Forces Europe-U.S. Naval Forces Africa (NAVEUR-NAVAF) has solid strategic relationships with allies and companions, leveraging a basis of shared values to protect safety and stability.
Headquartered in Naples, Italy, NAVEUR-NAVAF operates U.S. naval forces within the U.S. European Command (USEUCOM) and U.S. Africa Command (USAFRICOM) areas of accountability. U.S. Sixth Fleet is completely assigned to NAVEUR-NAVAF, and employs maritime forces via the total spectrum of joint and naval operations.
