Amphibious Squadron 4
Mission:
The mission of Amphibious Squadron (PHIBRON) 4 is to prepare plans, support embarked amphibious forces, conduct rehearsals, render humanitarian assistance/ disaster relief and perform assaults upon hostile shores in support of national policy during low intensity conflicts and as a component of an integrated battle force during major conflicts. PHIBRON 4 has the capability to land troops and equipment by air and sea simultaneously, and to support troops in the field with fixed and rotary wing attack aircraft. The Commander, Amphibious Squadron 4 with his staff is charged with the responsibilities of planning and executing amphibious operations and deployments with a reinforced Marine Battalion.
PHIBRON 4 is deployed with 2,200 members of 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit plus the equipment and supplies to keep it fighting. PHIBRON 4 staff is augmented by detachments from a Tactical Air Control Squadron, Fleet Surgical Team and Beach Master Unit. Additionally PHIBRON 4 can serve as Naval Forces Commander in Joint Task Force Operations. Secondary missions include maritime security, rescuing distressed mariners, evacuation of non combatant Americans from dangers abroad, providing humanitarian assistance, and showing a credible U.S. military presence whenever required.
In fulfilling these vital missions the squadron continues to contribute to America’s policy of maintaining peace and preserving freedom worldwide by maintaining a ready peacetime presence in areas of vital interest to the security of the U. S. and our allies. PHIBRON 4 has, for the past four decades, been “Ready to Land.” Amphibious Squadron 4 is currently executing a deployment to 5th and 6th Fleet theaters. We are focused on reassuring regional partners and building security and stability. PHIBRON 4 presence deters destabilizing activities while safeguarding regional vital links to the global economy.
PHIBRON 4 serves as the command element for the Kearsarge Amphibious Ready Group (ARG), which is comprised of three ships:
USS Kearsarge (LHD 3)
USS KEARSARGE is the third ship of the Wasp class multipurpose amphibious assault ships. Her primary mission is the embarkation, deployment, landing and support of a Marine landing force. USS KEARSARGE and her sister ships are the first ships specifically designed to accommodate Air Cushion Landing Craft (LCAC) for fast troop movement over the beach and Harrier II (AV-8B) V/STOL (Vertical/Short Take Off and Landing) jets, which provide close-in air support for the assault force.
USS San Antonio (LPD 17)
San Antonio will be used to transport and land Marines, their equipment and supplies by embarked air cushion or conventional landing craft or Expeditionary Fighting Vehicles, augmented by helicopters or vertical take off and landing aircraft. She will support amphibious assault, special ops, or expeditionary warfare missions through the first half of the 21st Century. This ship is the first amphibious transport dock of the twelve-ship San Antonio class.
USS Carter Hall (LSD 50)
The mission of the Landing Ship Dock (LSD) is to transport Marine personnel, landing craft, vehicles, and cargo and then launch them using landing craft and helicopters in support of military or humanitarian assistance operations. Carter Hall is a cargo variant of the Whidbey Island class LSD. The major difference between the two classes is the well deck, shortened from 440 to180 feet. The shortened well deck gives Carter Hall additional vehicle and cargo stowage areas. The well deck is capable of holding two (2) Landing Craft Air Cushion (LCAC) and a variety of landing craft and tracked amphibious vehicles. The two (2) spot flight deck can land and service any helicopter in the Navy and Marine Corps inventory.