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USMC Commandant Visits 26th MEU, USS Bataan

Photo By Chief Petty Officer Stephen Oleksiak | Commandant of the Marine Corps Gen. James T. Conway speaks with Marines and Sailors...... read more read more

04.10.2007

Courtesy Story

U.S. Naval Forces Central Command / U.S. 5th Fleet

By Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class (SW) Joanne De Vera

USS BATAAN, At Sea – The commandant of the Marine Corps visited the 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) aboard the multi-purpose amphibious assault ship USS Bataan (LHD 5) while underway in the Arabian Gulf April 4.

Gen. James Conway arrived with Lt. Gen. Keith Stadler, commanding general, II Marine Expeditionary Force (MEF), Sgt. Maj. of the Marine Corps John Estrada and Rear Adm. Richard Jeffries, medical officer of the Marine Corps.

The visit began with a quick meeting with Col. Gregg Sturdevant, commanding officer, 26th MEU, while 26th MEU Marines and Sailors gathered on the ship's flight deck for a promotion ceremony with the general. Conway also had the chance to speak with his troops.

"It's great to be able to meet with the Marines and Sailors of the MEU," said Conway. "Bataan is a great ship of the line, and the salty sea air smells really good out here."

Conway gathered his troops around him to deliver words of encouragement.

"This Navy/Marine Corps team is what keeps this country going," said Conway. "There is no better patriot than each of you out here today. No matter where your future takes you, you can be proud because you served during a difficult time in history, and you made a difference."

Estrada also took the opportunity to speak about his upcoming retirement.

"During my last visit to this area of the world, I'm excited to see the world's finest warriors out at sea," he said.

Conway and Estrada then answered questions about policies, equipment and what lies ahead. Though they mainly spoke to the MEU, their words benefited Bataan Sailors as well.

"The visit was both an honor and an opportunity to showcase the Bataan Navy/Marine Corps team at sea and in action," said Capt. Rick Snyder, Bataan's commanding officer. "Since we are a team, their successes and challenges are our successes and challenges."

Conway and his staff also visited USS Oak Hill (LSD 51) and USS Shreveport (LPD 12), both part of the Bataan Strike Group.

Bataan left it'shomeport of Norfolk, Va., Jan. 4, on a regularly-scheduled deployment as the flagship of the Bataan Expeditionary Strike Group (ESG), which is comprised of the Bataan Strike Group, commanded by Commodore Donna Looney, commander, Bataan Strike Group/Amphibious Squadron (PHIBRON) TWO, and the 26th MEU, based out of Camp Lejeune, N.C., commanded by Col. Gregg Sturdevant. Bataan Strike Group includes PHIBRON 2, Bataan, USS Shreveport (LPD 12), USS Oak Hill (LSD 51), USS Vella Gulf (CG 72), USS Nitze (DDG 94), USS Underwood (FFG 36), and USS Scranton (SSN 756).