Gunston Hall deploys

ATLANTIC OCEAN, USAFRICOM, AT SEA

02.09.2014

Courtesy Story

USS Gunston Hall (LSD44)

By Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Jesse A. Hyatt

AT SEA- The amphibious dock-landing ship USS Gunston Hall (LSD 44) departed Naval Station Norfolk, Feb. 8, beginning an eight-month deployment as part of the Bataan Amphibious Ready Group (ARG).

More than 4,000 sailors and Marines from the Bataan ARG and 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) are deployed supporting maritime security operations, providing crisis response capability, increasing theater security cooperation and a forward naval presence in the U.S Navy's 5th and 6th Fleet Area of Responsibility.

Bataan ARG is commanded by Capt. Neil A. Karnes, commodore, Amphibious Squadron (PHIBRON) 6, and consists of the multipurpose amphibious assault ship USS Bataan (LHD 5) and amphibious transport dock ship USS Mesa Verde (LPD 19), both homeported at Naval Station Norfolk, and amphibious dock landing ship USS Gunston Hall (LSD 44) homeported at Joint Expeditionary Base Little Creek-Fort Story, Va.

"The sailors and Marines of the Bataan ARG have excelled in training and qualifications, and are more than ready to answer the Nation's call across a very wide range of mission sets to be executed around the globe,” Karnes said. "America's sons and daughters are the heart and soul of the Bataan ARG, and I am extremely proud of their accomplishments, dedication, and enthusiasm. They make it happen every single day. It's a great Navy Marine Corps team."

The 22nd MEU is commanded by Marine Col. William R. Dunn and is comprised of the 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit, which includes a ground combat element, Battalion Landing Team, 1st Battalion, 6th Marine Regiment; aviation combat element, Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 263; logistics combat element, Combat Logistics Battalion 22; and its command element.

The Gunston Hall will deploy under the command of Capt. Timothy C. Kuehhas. Senior leadership of the Gunston Hall will also include Executive Officer Cmdr. Sean Burke and Command Master Chief (SW/AW) Beryl O'Connor.

“What I consider the great thing about an ARG is Marines and sailors working together,” Kuehhas said. ”I get to watch young people mature and get excited about the work we do.”

• Date Taken: 02.09.2014
• Date Posted: 02.09.2014 13:39
• Story ID: 120349
• Location: ATLANTIC OCEAN, USAFRICOM, AT SEA