DVIDS – News – USS Kearsarge (LHD 3) arrives in Tallinn, concludes Hedgehog 22

TALLINN, Estonia — The Wasp-class amphibious assault ship USS Kearsarge (LHD 3), flagship of the Kearsarge Amphibious Prepared Group (ARG) and twenty second Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU), arrived in Tallinn, Estonia for a scheduled port go to, Might 27, 2022.

The U.S. Navy and Marine Corps Staff’s presence within the Estonian port metropolis demonstrates the USA’ dedication, alongside regional Allies and Companions, to preserving Baltic regional safety and stability.

Parts of the Kearsarge ARG and twenty second MEU lately accomplished their participation in Estonian nationwide army train Siil (Estonian for Hedgehog). This coaching occasion is designed to train battalion-level command and management of amphibious operations that improve Allied interoperability within the Baltic area with a deal with defensive maneuvers.

“The ARG-MEU workforce is trying ahead to visiting Estonia after coaching alongside the Estonian Protection Forces Reserve items,” mentioned Capt. David Guluzian, commander of the Kearsarge ARG and Amphibious Squadron SIX. “The chance to take part in train Hedgehog 22 with our Estonian counterparts is proof of our unified power and mixed fight arms proving our militaries as a prepared, postured, and nicely ready Allied pressure.”

The ARG-MEU workforce, alongside some 15,000 personnel from Estonia and different Allied nations, participated in quite a lot of train occasions, underscoring the potential and capability of the ARG-MEU. Commander, Process Drive (CTF) 61/2 led U.S. pressure participation, which consisted of amphibious items connected to the Kearsarge ARG and 22 MEU, 2nd Reconnaissance Battalion, Mild Armored Reconnaissance Battalion and II Marine Expeditionary Drive Data Group.

“All through the train, we have been capable of execute the amphibious capabilities of the ARG-MEU workforce in addition to prepare to offensive and defensive duties in a multi-domain atmosphere towards a nicely ready and tactically sound opposing pressure,” mentioned Col. Paul Merida, twenty second MEU commanding officer. “The deployment of forces to assist workout routines like Hedgehog is proof that the twenty second Marine Expeditionary Unit and the Kearsarge Amphibious Prepared Group are postured and nicely ready to function with our Allies and Companions to reply to any risk that comes our means.”

Whereas in port Tallinn, management of the Kearsarge ARG and twenty second MEU will host a dinner aboard Kearsarge with Commodore Jüri Saska, Chief of Estonian Navy, and members of his employees. The ship may also host a media availability and ship excursions for members of the U.S. Embassy in Tallinn, Estonian Navy Police, and the Protection Attaché Workplace whereas Sailors and Marines benefit from the Estonian tradition via native excursions and visits to historic websites.

The Kearsarge ARG and embarked twenty second MEU are beneath 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 Staff 2, Fleet Surgical Staff 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 army 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 aid.