USS America (LHA-6) and forward deployed 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) wrapped up their winter patrol on Mar. 6. The combined ARG/MEU operated in the East China Sea, Philippine Sea and around Japan.
During the winter patrol, the America ARG consisted of amphibious assault ship America, amphibious transport dock ship USS San Diego (LPD-22) and dock landing ship USS Rushmore (LSD-47), all ships also being part of PHIBRON 11. The ARG was joined by amphibious transport dock ship USS New Orleans (LPD-18), the fourth ship assigned to PHIBRON 11, briefly joined the team of ships at sea, while conducting routine operations.
“It has been great to have all our assets underway,” said Capt. Patrick German, commander, Amphibious Squadron (PHIBRON) 11, in the release. “I am extremely proud to have all four amphibious ships underway simultaneously. Having all ships underway simultaneously goes a long way in ensuring our allies and partners that we are a ready force here to assist when and where it’s necessary.”.
The patrol saw America and Rushmore participating in Iron Fist 2025, held around Japan’s southwest islands from Feb. 19 to Mar.7, while San Diego became the third U.S. ship to visit Ishigaki, Japan in three years, according to the release.
The ARG/MEU joined in air and maritime operations in the East China Sea led by Special Operations Command Pacific, conducting on-board engagements with the leadership of the JGSDF Amphibious Rapid Deployment Brigade (ARDB) and visit, board, search and seizure (VBSS) drills aboard expeditionary sea base USS John L. Canley (ESB-6), in the Philippine Sea.
A March 2 release stated that Marines from the 31st MEU conducted a five-day Sensor Expeditionary Advanced Base (SEAB) exercise from Feb. 1-6 which saw Marines operating a SEAB and conducting maritime operations from the island of Ukibaru, Okinawa, Japan.
According to the Marines, a SEAB is comprised of an active radar site and a passive sensor site. The passive site employs communication surveillance to detect and track potential adversary forces by analyzing electromagnetic frequencies and signal activity. Once an object is detected, the passive site alerts the active site to begin scanning, confirming, and identifying the object. When certain frequencies reflected are identified as adversary forces, this data is then communicated to the passive site in the form of targeting data, according to the release.
“By modernizing the kill chain, the 31st MEU and other sensor teams in the Marine Corps will be able to integrate with target engagement authorities and enhance targeting. This will substantially decrease the time from sensor detection to tactical engagement, resulting in more effective targeting. As a result, the Marine Corps will be able to respond more quickly and effectively to emerging threats, increasing its speed and lethality in future operations,” reads the release.
Marines with the 31st MEU coordinated with the 12th Littoral Logistics Battalion (LLB) to operate a Tactical Resupply Unmanned Aircraft System (TRUAS) as part of a tactical resupply mission. During the training, Marines from the 12th LLB programmed a TRUAS to fly over open water and conduct a resupply mission to sustain forces operating in the SEAB, according to the release.
Sailors with Tactical Air Control Squadron (TACRON) 12, PHIBRON 11 also took part in the drill with the 31st MEU. TACRON 12 participated in the integrated missions that tested a MARNET radio and with an MQ-9A Reaper while moving around the ocean on RHIBs. Once ashore, the sailors established an elevated active radar site, and embedded as the Marines practiced active sensing across a simulated battlespace.
America returned to Sasebo with the family of service members as part of a tiger cruise.
