CAMP LEJEUNE, N.C. - Marines and sailors with the 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit deployed aboard the USS Wasp (LHD-1) on November 1 in support of Hurricane Sandy disaster relief efforts in New York and New Jersey.
The 26th MEU is able to provide generators, fuel, clean water, and helicopter lift capabilities to aid in disaster relief efforts.
“First and foremost, our thoughts and prayers go out to those impacted by Hurricane Sandy. The capabilities of the 26th MEU are augmenting the larger relief efforts currently being executed at the federal, state and local level. The Marines and sailors of the MEU are extremely motivated about assisting other Americans in a time of need. This deployment demonstrates the responsiveness of a MEU in support of a crises and the expeditionary nature of the Navy-Marine Corps Team,” said Col. Matthew G. St. Clair, commanding officer of the 26th MEU.
The 26th MEU is currently conducting pre-deployment training, preparing for their departure in 2013. As an expeditionary crisis response force operating from the sea, the MEU is a Marine Air-Ground Task Force capable of conducting amphibious operations, crisis response, and limited contingency operations.