U.S. Marine Corps Cpl. Gustavo Baxton (left), and Cpl. Nahson Aboytes (right), with the 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit (Special Operations Capable) (MEU(SOC)) embrace their loved ones after returning from deployment with the 26th MEU(SOC), Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, Mar. 17, 2024. Marines and Sailors assigned to the 26th MEU(SOC) returned home after completing an eight-month deployment embarked aboard the Bataan Amphibious Ready Group (BAT ARG). During its deployment, the BAT ARG and 26th MEU(SOC) team participated in a wide array of exercises with NATO Allies and regional partners spanning across the Tri-Geographic Combatant Command to enhance interoperability, MAGTF readiness, and provide crisis response options. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Rafael Brambila-Pelayo)
Marines and Sailors assigned to the 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit (Special Operations Capable) will return home in several waves beginning Mar. 16, 2024 after successfully completing an extended eight-month deployment embarked aboard the amphibious warships of the Bataan Amphibious Ready Group (BATARG) in U.S. Naval Forces Europe and Africa/6th Fleet and U.S. Naval Forces Central Command/5th Fleet areas of operations.
The BATARG is comprised of the Wasp-class amphibious assault ship USS Bataan (LHD 5), the San Antonio-class amphibious transport dock ship USS Mesa Verde (LPD 19), and the Harpers Ferry class dock landing ship USS Carter Hall (LSD 50).
Upon leaving the east coast of North Carolina for deployment in July 2023, the...