#Warfighting: PELARG, 15th MEU Enters 7th Fleet Area of Operations

PACIFIC OCEAN -- (NNS) -- The Peleliu Amphibious Ready Group (PEL ARG) arrived in the U.S. 7th Fleet area of operations Sept. 30 as part of a scheduled deployment.

While entering the U.S. 7th Fleet area of operations, the PEL ARG ships are expected to carry out various missions to support the nation's maritime strategy, and theatre security operations.

Such missions promote peace, maritime security, security of national interests, and bolster international relationships.

"While in theater, one of our missions is to conduct security cooperation exercises in the region with our partner nations," said Capt. Mark Sakaguchi, commander, Amphibious Squadron Three. "For more than a century, the U.S. Navy has maintained a forward presence in the Asia-Pacific region and this deployment shows our commitment to sustaining and fostering cooperative relationships with our allies and international partners to enhance global security."

The PEL ARG consists of amphibious assault ship USS Peleliu (LHA 5), amphibious transport dock ship USS Green Bay (LPD 20), amphibious dock landing ship USS Rushmore (LSD 47) and embarked 15th Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU).

The PEL ARG and 15th MEU have undergone a series of rigorous training exercises and certifications together to ensure they are capable of carrying out any of the various missions they may be called upon to complete.

"The ARG-MEU team is ready to respond to a wide range of military operations in support of U.S. global interests," said Sakaguchi. "The types of missions that we may be called upon include humanitarian assistance, disaster relief, counter-piracy, and maritime security. It is essential for our nation, friends and allies to remain confident in our ability to protect and defend our collective interests and assist those in need."

Other PELARG elements consist of Commander, Amphibious Squadron Three, Combat Helicopter Squadron 23, Assault Craft Units One and Five, Tactical Air Control Squadron 11, Beachmaster Unit One and Fleet Surgical Team One.

The 7th Fleet's Area of Responsibility encompasses more than 48 million square miles from the Kuril Islands in the north to the Antarctic in the south, and from the International Date Line to the 68th meridian east, which runs down from the India-Pakistan border.

The U.S. 7th Fleet was established March 15, 1943, when the Southwest Pacific Force was renamed. More than half of the world's population lives within the 7th Fleet AOR. Also, more than 80 percent of that population lives within 500 miles of the oceans.

Peleliu is the flagship for the Peleliu Amphibious Ready Group and is currently underway on a Western Pacific deployment with amphibious transport dock ship USS Green Bay (LPD 20) and amphibious dock landing ship USS Rushmore (LSD 47).

For more news from USS Peleliu (LHA 5) , visit www.navy.mil/local/lha5/.