Three U.S. vessels — the amphibious assault ship USS Makin Island, the guided-missile cruiser USS Port Royal and the dry cargo ship USNS Carl Brashear — transited the Strait of Hormuz and entered the Arabian Gulf Monday.
According to the U.S. Marine Corps, the Makin Island Amphibious Ready Group and the 15th Marine Expeditionary Unit will operate alongside regional and coalition partners to support Operations Inherent Resolve and Enduring Freedom.
"The Makin Island ARG/15th MEU is an inherently flexible maneuver force capable of being rapidly deployed across combatant commands to meet emerging missions or contingencies, deter potential adversaries, respond to humanitarian crisis, reassure partners, enhance security, and ensure freedom of navigation and the free flow of commerce," the Marines' announcement said.
At the end of January forces with the U.S. Navy, the Royal Saudi Naval Forces and UK Maritime Component Command conducted tri-lateral maritime exercise Nautical Defender 21 in the Arabian Gulf.
