U.S. SIXTH FLEET AREA OF RESPONSIBILITY – The 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit and Iwo Jima Amphibious Ready Group (ARG) have been extended due to operational commitments in the U.S. Sixth Fleet area of responsibility until further notice.
Late last week the 24th MEU and IWO ARG were directed to stay in theater until otherwise directed delaying the 24th MEU’s and IWO ARG’s return to their home bases at Camp Lejeune, N.C. and Norfolk, Va., after their regularly scheduled deployment that started in March.
There are currently no specific plans for the 24th MEU or IWO ARG to be employed but their continued presence in the region is a prudent measure to allow the Navy/Marine Corps team to respond to any crisis or contingency, if directed.
The 24th MEU consists of 2,300 Marines and Sailors embarked across the three amphibious assault ships of the IWO ARG - USS Iwo Jima (LHD 7), USS Gunston Hall (LSD 44) and USS New York (LPD 21).
For more information or for imagery and video of the 24th MEU, visit the unit's websites:
http://www.24thmeu.marines.mil/
http://www.facebook.com/24thmeu
http://www.flickr.com/24meu
http://www.dvidshub.net/units/24meu
http://www.twitter.com/24thmeu