USS San Diego (LPD 22) conducts agricultural wash down

Photo By Lance Cpl. Jeremy Laboy | U.S. 5TH FLEET AREA OF OPERATIONS (Dec. 17, 2017) A landing craft air cushion assigned to the 15th Marine Expeditionary Unit’s Assault Craft Unit 5 debarks the San Antonio-class amphibious transport dock ship USS San Diego (LPD 22) during wash down operations. San Diego, with the embarked 15th Marine Expeditionary Unit, is deployed to the U.S. 5th Fleet area of operations in support of maritime security operations to reassure allies and partners and preserve the freedom of navigation and the free flow of commerce in the region. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Jeremy Laboy/Released)  

(UNDISCLOSED LOCATION)

12.16.2017

Story by 1st Lt. Maria Arnone 

15th Marine Expeditionary Unit

U.S. 5TH FLEET AREA OF OPERATIONS (Dec. 20, 2017) – As their deployment continues to inch toward the end, the San Antonio-class amphibious transport dock ship USS San Diego (LPD 22) conducted its agricultural wash down, Dec. 14-17, 2017.

To shed the months of accumulated dirt, grime and hard work that accumulated on the vehicles and equipment, Sailors and Marines assigned to the San Diego and the 15th Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) conducted the wash down of the ship’s vehicle stowage area.

The agricultural wash down and inspection process is a requirement for re-entry into the United States by the United States Department of Agriculture and Custom’s and Border Patrol. The purpose of the evolution is to ensure that no contraband or foreign invasive species in the form of dirt, debris or pests are introduced to the Unites States.

“As Marines, we hold ourselves to a high standard, and strive to be good stewards of our equipment and resources,” said Capt. Michael Smith, team embarkation officer for the landing force and wash down control center officer-in-charge for the evolution.” Making sure our vehicles and equipment are clean and free of any potential threats for our trip back home is important.”

Though a seemingly easy feat, the wash down was more logistically complex than it originally seemed. The Marines and Sailors had three days to clean all vehicles and gear, and one port to do it.
“Everyone did an excellent job finishing up the evolution. We finished ahead of schedule and everything went smoothly without incident,” said Smith. “I want to extend a thank you and a job well done to all who participated in making this happen.”

Once the wash downs are complete, the inspection process required for entry into the continental United States begins. The ship is required to turn over spaces and conduct baggage inspections, inventories, quarantines and paperwork in the weeks following, to ensure everything was thoroughly cleaned and free from potential threats that could be introduced to the United States.

“I think that the smoothness of this operation is a testament to how well our blue-green team has come together,” said Navy Lt. James Mosychuk, assistant operations officer aboard San Diego. “It really took a group effort to make sure this worked out.”

All ships of the America Amphibious Ready Group and embarked equipment of the 15th MEU will conduct a wash down prior to their return from deployment.

San Diego, with the embarked 15th MEU, is deployed to the U.S. 5th Fleet area of operations in support of maritime security operations to reassure allies and partners and preserve the freedom of navigation and the free flow of commerce in the region.

For more information on 15th MEU, visit: www.facebook.com/15thmarineexpeditionaryunit, www.twitter.com/15thmeuofficial, www.dvidshub.net/unit/15thmarineexpeditionaryunit, For more information on San Diego, visit: www.public.navy.mil/surfor/LPD22, http://www.facebook.com/LPD22. -

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• Date Taken: 12.16.2017
• Date Posted: 01.08.2018 18:19
• Story ID: 261585
• Location: (UNDISCLOSED LOCATION)