MAHE ISLAND, Seychelles – Marines from the 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit, along with sailors assigned to USS Nassau, participated in a liberty port stop here June 25-28 to take some time off and visit the east-African island after being deployed at sea for approximately five months without a port call.
USS Nassau anchored off the island’s east coast late on June 24, a few miles offshore where it staged to ferry Marines and sailors to and from shore using Landing Craft Utility boats that made continuous trips carrying approximately 200 service members each time over the next four days.
Service members participated in a variety of activities while in the Seychelles including touring and shopping in the capital city of Victoria, volunteering at an orphanage, running in a Hash Run organized between the Marines and the local Hash Run club, and relaxing on the tropical beaches throughout the island. Service members also got a taste of the local culture at festivals in Victoria where they watched local bands perform and had the opportunity to taste local cuisine from various vendors.
“This was a well-deserved break for our Marines and sailors after being at sea for a very long time,” said Col. Pete Petronzio, commanding officer, 24th MEU. “I am very proud of how they conducted themselves and how graciously we were received.”
“The locals were friendly, the beaches were beautiful, and the food was fantastic. We thank the people of Seychelles for the warm welcome,” added Petronzio.
The 24th MEU is made up of the following units: Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 162 (Reinforced) (based out of New River Air Station N.C.), Battalion Landing Team 1st Battalion, 9th Marine Regiment (based out of Camp Lejeune, N.C.), and Combat Logistics Battalion 24 (based out of Camp Lejeune, N.C.). They are currently deployed on ships from Amphibious Squadron 8 (PHIBRON 8): the multipurpose amphibious assault ship USS Nassau (LHA 4), the amphibious transport dock ship USS Mesa Verde (LPD 19) and the amphibious dock landing ship USS Ashland (LSD 48).
The 24th MEU has been conducting various training exercises throughout the Middle East since late February, many of which have been bi-lateral with militaries from partnered nations throughout the region.
The unit is on a regularly scheduled, seven-month deployment with the Nassau Amphibious Ready Group and is embarked on USS Nassau, USS Mesa Verde, and USS Ashland. They currently serve as the theater reserve for the Central Command Area of Operations.