RED Friday: Honoring Our Deployed Heroes
Every Friday, we wear RED to Remember Everyone Deployed, standing united in support of our brave service members around the globe. This week, we highlight the ongoing missions and milestones of our Marines, underscoring their dedication and sacrifices.
In the Pacific, the island of Peleliu has seen Marines return to its historic airstrip. A Marine Corps KC-130J Super Hercules tanker landed on June 22, marking a significant step in restoring and updating military installations in the region. This effort honors the legacy of those who fought bravely in World War II while enhancing our strategic capabilities in the Indo-Pacific.
Similarly, last week, the South China Sea witnessed a groundbreaking bilateral exercise. Four U.S. Marine F-35B Lightning II aircraft executed a successful strike mission, showcasing the importance of joint operations with our allies. This exercise, involving commanders from both the U.S. and Philippine Marine Corps, emphasized the critical role of coordination and partnership in maintaining regional security.
Looking ahead, the relocation of U.S. Marines to Guam is set to commence later this year. A small detachment of logistics Marines will move to Marine Corps Base Camp Blaz, laying the groundwork for the arrival of thousands more from Okinawa. This relocation, part of the Defense Policy Review Initiative, aims to strengthen our military posture in the Indo-Pacific region, ensuring we remain resilient and strategically positioned.
As we wear RED this Friday, let’s remember these courageous men and women, whether they are restoring historic airstrips, participating in vital exercises, or preparing new bases. Their efforts and sacrifices ensure our nation’s security and stability. Semper Fi.
U.S. and Philippine Marine Corps Achieve Milestone in Bilateral Exercise
Four U.S. Marine F-35B Lightning II jets dropped seven GBU-32 500-pound guided bombs on targets floating off the coast of Western Luzon in the South China Sea last week, marking a first-of-its-kind bilateral exercise. This strike mission was a highlight of the Marine Aviation Support Activity (MASA) 2024 littoral live-fire exercise on June 15.
Brig. Gen. Robert Brodie, commander of I Marine Expeditionary Force, and Brig. Gen. Romeo Racadio, deputy commandant of the Philippine Marine Corps, observed the exercise from the Philippine Marine Corps headquarters in Fort Bonifacio. This exercise allowed Brodie to command and control forces alongside a foreign commander in a realistic environment for the first time. He described the event as the most fluid he had ever participated in, appreciating the direct collaboration with another general officer on target engagement and asset deployment.
Intelligence gathered from Philippine Navy and Air Force drones was relayed to a C-130 aircraft near the exercise area, which hosted the aviation command element. This element passed targeting information to four F-35Bs from the “Black Sheep” Marine Fighter Attack Squadron (VMFA) 214. Once the F-35Bs found their targets, information was relayed back to the combined command center where Brodie and Racadio coordinated the bilateral fires.
Brodie emphasized that MASA taught valuable lessons on joint operations. He highlighted the collaboration and mutual briefings between U.S. and Philippine Marines in the command and control center, leading to a seamless execution of the strike mission.
The U.S. Air Force’s 199th Fighter Squadron also provided defensive combat air patrol with two F-22A Raptors for the Marine Corps aircraft. Brodie dismissed the notion that exercises like MASA are solely U.S.-led training for Philippine forces, acknowledging the tactical expertise and resilience of the Philippine Marines in challenging environments.
The Philippine Marine Corps, under the Philippine Navy, is leading Manila’s military modernization program with its Archipelagic Coastal Defense Concept and missile procurement. Bilateral training helps enhance technical expertise, according to Brodie.
Although MASA 2024 concluded last Friday, planning for next year’s exercise has already begun. Coastal patrolling and deploying U.S. Navy assets to bring Marines from both countries out to sea were discussed. Brodie also met with the Philippine Air Force to explore training opportunities with their fighter aircraft, expressing optimism about the future direction of joint military exercises.
For more updates on joint military exercises and bilateral training programs, stay tuned to CVB’s weekly RED FRIDAY publication.
Red Friday: Marines Return to Historic Peleliu Airstrip
In 1944, the small island of Peleliu witnessed some of the fiercest battles of World War II as Marines and Army soldiers fought to secure an airfield carved into its coral rocks. This past Saturday, that historic legacy was revisited when Marines once again flew from Peleliu, highlighting its strategic value in the modern Pacific theater.
A significant milestone occurred on June 22 when a Marine Corps KC-130J Super Hercules tanker, assigned to the 1st Marine Air Wing, landed on Peleliu. This event is part of the U.S. Marine Corps’ efforts to restore and modernize military installations in the Pacific, many of which have roots in World War II. Earlier this month, the airstrip was officially recertified, marking its operational status.
The Battle of Peleliu remains one of the bloodiest in U.S. history. Nearly 50,000 Marines and Army soldiers fought to wrest the island from 10,000 Japanese defenders. The casualty rate was staggering, with nearly one in three American soldiers killed or wounded during the amphibious landing, the highest rate of any such operation in the war.
“Today is a historic moment as we land a Marine Corps aircraft on the ‘Sledge’ runway,” said Maj. Christopher Romero, commanding officer of Marine Corps Engineer Detachment Palau (MCED-P). “This remarkable achievement demonstrates the strategic importance of our mission and our dedication to regional stability and security.”
The ‘Sledge’ runway is named in honor of Eugene Sledge, a Marine who fought in the Battle of Peleliu and authored “With the Old Breed: At Peleliu and Okinawa,” a memoir that inspired the HBO miniseries “The Pacific.” The series highlights Sledge’s experience as a mortarman during the landings and subsequent fighting.
The Department of Defense emphasized that the recertified airstrip and other military improvements on Peleliu are critical for enhancing U.S. military strategic capabilities in the Indo-Pacific region. Peleliu is among several Pacific locations where the U.S. military is expanding its presence, which includes bolstering military bases in Guam, updating aircraft in Japan, and refurbishing historical sites.
Before work could begin on the airstrip, crews had to clear dense vegetation and address unexploded ordnance from the war, a common hazard in the Pacific. Additionally, road improvements on the island were undertaken as part of the broader project. Peleliu, part of the nation of Palau, is a small coral reef island of just over 5 square miles. Despite its size, the airstrip was a crucial component of the American island-hopping campaign during World War II, although some historians debate the value and cost of the battle.
The battle for Peleliu began on September 15, 1944, and concluded with an American victory on November 27. The III Amphibious Corps, consisting of Marines from the 1st Marine Division and soldiers from the 81st Infantry Division, suffered at least 1,989 fatalities and over 8,500 injuries. Today, as part of the ongoing work on Peleliu, the Marine Corps is expanding the Peleliu Civic Center Museum, adding artifacts from the battle to honor its history.
USS Dwight D. Eisenhower Carrier Strike Group Prepares to Return Home
NORFOLK, Va. — June 24, 2024
After an extended deployment, the USS Dwight D. Eisenhower Carrier Strike Group (CSG) is returning to its homeport at Naval Station Norfolk. The group, which departed in October 2023, has been actively involved in protecting commercial shipping routes in the Middle East, particularly against threats from Houthi rebels.
The Eisenhower CSG, consisting of the aircraft carrier USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN 69), the guided-missile cruiser USS Philippine Sea (CG 58), and the guided-missile destroyers USS Gravely (DDG 107) and USS Mason (DDG 87), left the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility on June 22, 2024. The group is currently in the Mediterranean Sea within the U.S. European Command area of responsibility and will soon cross the Atlantic to return to Norfolk.
Deployment Highlights
During its deployment, the Eisenhower CSG played a crucial role in maintaining regional stability and protecting the free flow of commerce through key maritime routes like the Red Sea, Bab-el-Mandeb, and the Gulf of Aden. The group intercepted numerous missiles and drones and conducted joint and preemptive strikes against Houthi targets in Yemen. These operations included coalition strikes, such as the significant one on May 30, which targeted 13 Houthi positions.
On June 15, the Eisenhower CSG rescued the crew of the merchant vessel M/V Tutor, which was attacked by Iranian-backed Houthi forces in the Red Sea. This operation highlighted the group’s readiness and capability to respond to maritime threats swiftly.
Operational Achievements
Throughout its eight-month deployment, the Eisenhower CSG covered over 55,000 nautical miles and its aircraft flew more than 30,000 hours. The group expended over 500 munitions, amounting to approximately $1 billion in military hardware. Despite the group’s presence, the Houthis continued their aggressive actions, targeting commercial vessels even in June.
Transition and Future Operations
The Eisenhower’s deployment exceeded the typical seven-month duration, marking its role as one of the most active U.S.-based carriers over the past five years. The group will be replaced by the USS Theodore Roosevelt Carrier Strike Group (TR CSG), which will move from the Indo-Pacific to the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility. The TR CSG will continue to maintain a strong U.S. presence in the region, promoting peace, stability, and deterrence alongside allies and partners.
Rear Adm. Kavon Hakimzadeh, commander of Carrier Strike Group 2 (CSG-2), expressed readiness to operate wherever needed, emphasizing the flexibility and capabilities of the strike group. The Eisenhower CSG’s return to the U.S. 6th Fleet demonstrates its adaptability and preparedness to support U.S. interests globally.
Historical Context and Strategic Importance
The deployment of the Eisenhower CSG underscores the strategic importance of maintaining robust naval forces in critical regions. The U.S. Navy’s presence in the European and African theaters is managed by U.S. Naval Forces Europe-Africa (NAVEUR-NAVAF), headquartered in Naples, Italy. This command oversees U.S. naval operations in the U.S. European Command (USEUCOM) and U.S. Africa Command (USAFRICOM) areas, ensuring security and stability through joint and naval operations.
As the Eisenhower CSG makes its way back to Norfolk, its successful mission highlights the ongoing commitment of the U.S. Navy to safeguard international waters and support global maritime security.
U.S. Marines Set to Relocate to Guam by Year-End
On June 25, 2024, it was announced that a small detachment of U.S. Marines is scheduled to relocate to Guam by the end of this year. This move is part of a broader plan as the island prepares to host thousands more Marines transferring from Okinawa.
This winter, logistics Marines will move to Marine Corps Base Camp Blaz to help ready new facilities for an additional 1,300 Marines from the III Marine Expeditionary Force. The base will also host another 3,700 Marines as a rotational deployment force. The base is scheduled to be at full operational capacity by 2028.
The relocation is part of the Defense Policy Review Initiative, an agreement between the U.S. and Japan to transfer some Marine assets from Okinawa to Guam. Japan is funding $3 billion of the estimated $8.6 billion cost to build Camp Blaz and its surrounding infrastructure.
“This commencement of force flow honors a concurrence with the Government of Japan and secures a U.S. Marine Corps posture in the Indo-Pacific region that is more geographically distributed, operationally resilient, and politically sustainable,” said Marine Corps Headquarters spokeswoman Capt. Brenda McCarthy.
While the exact timeline and number of Marines relocating were not disclosed, Guam Governor Lou Leon Guerrero estimated the initial detachment will include about 100 Marines and will arrive in December. Currently, Camp Blaz has about 80 Marines or U.S. sailors.
Camp Blaz, a 4,000-acre facility on the northwest edge of Guam, was activated in 2020 as the first new Marine Corps installation since 1952. Construction on the base is progressing rapidly, with 23 projects completed and another 50 projects underway.
The construction faced slight delays due to Typhoon Mawar, which passed north of Guam in May 2023, bringing 150 mph winds and over 2 feet of rain. Despite some project delays, progress continues with minimal impact from the storm’s destructive winds.
**June 27, 2024: U.S. Navy Amphibious Group Enters Mediterranean Sea**
NAPLES, Italy — In a significant naval movement, the USS Wasp and USS Oak Hill have entered the Mediterranean Sea, coinciding with the upcoming departure of the Dwight D. Eisenhower Carrier Strike Group, which has been intensely active in naval operations reminiscent of World War II. The Wasp Amphibious Ready Group (ARG), along with elements of the 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit, transitioned into the Mediterranean, as confirmed by U.S. Naval Forces Europe-Africa/U.S. 6th Fleet.
The USS Wasp (LHD 1) passed through the Strait of Gibraltar on Wednesday evening, following a stop at Naval Station Rota in Spain. The USS Oak Hill (LSD 51) had previously entered the Mediterranean on June 18, after taking part in D-Day 80th anniversary events in Cherbourg, France.
This movement happens as the Eisenhower Carrier Strike Group prepares to return to the United States after an extensive deployment in the Middle East and eastern Mediterranean. On Thursday, the USS Dwight D. Eisenhower, along with the destroyer USS Gravely and the cruiser USS Philippine Sea, docked at Naval Support Activity Souda Bay on Crete, marking only their second port visit during their deployment. Throughout much of their mission, they have been safeguarding commercial vessels in the Red Sea from Iranian-backed Houthi attacks.
The Wasp ARG commenced its deployment on June 1. Before entering the Mediterranean, the Wasp, alongside the USS New York (LPD 21), engaged in NATO’s Baltic Operations 2024 exercise in Poland. Whether the USS New York will join the group in the Mediterranean remains uncertain as of Thursday.
The Pentagon recently announced that the Eisenhower left the Red Sea and will briefly operate in the eastern Mediterranean before heading back to the U.S. The ongoing Houthi drone and missile strikes in the Red Sea continue to pose a threat, with the latest incident involving a commercial ship sinking six days after being attacked on June 12. The USS Theodore Roosevelt is expected to replace the Eisenhower in the Red Sea.
Pentagon spokesperson Maj. Gen. Pat Ryder, in a briefing on Monday, refrained from disclosing the exact reasons for Eisenhower’s presence in the eastern Mediterranean or the duration of its stay. He emphasized that the Department of Defense continues to maintain a robust array of capabilities in the region to provide force protection and deterrence.
Previously, the Bataan ARG was the last amphibious force in the Mediterranean, departing in early March after an extensive eight-month deployment in Europe and the Middle East.
On June 27, 2024, the USS Wasp (LHD 1), leading the Wasp Amphibious Ready Group (WSP ARG), along with the 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) Special Operations Capable (SOC), made their transit through the Strait of Gibraltar into the Mediterranean Sea. They will reunite with the USS Oak Hill (LSD 51), which had entered the Mediterranean earlier in June.
Capt. Nakia Cooper, commodore of Amphibious Squadron 4, highlighted the versatility of the ARG-MEU’s mission capabilities. “Our ability to operate effectively as a distributed force gives the ARG-MEU that flexibility. Each of our ships can conduct amphibious operations, crisis response, and limited contingency operations independently, but combined, we bring formidable combat power.”
In the NAVEUR-NAVAF area, Wasp will engage with allied and partner naval forces, emphasizing theater security cooperation to enhance regional stability and demonstrate the U.S. commitment to its allies.
This deployment marks the first time the Wasp has operated in the Mediterranean since relocating from Sasebo, Japan, to Norfolk, Virginia, in 2019. Post-relocation, the crew completed extensive maintenance and rigorous pre-deployment training, including the Composite Training Unit Exercise, which certified the ship and its embarked commands for deployment.
“Wasp is truly the number one ship in the fleet,” stated Capt. Chris “Chewie” Purcell, Wasp’s commanding officer. “We’ve all worked tirelessly to reach this point. I am grateful for the energy our Sailors and Marines bring to the fight each day and confident they will meet every challenge head-on over the coming months.”
The Wasp ARG has been operational in the Atlantic since early April and recently completed operations in the Baltic Sea after participating in Baltic Operations 2024 (BALTOPS 24).
The Wasp Amphibious Ready Group comprises the amphibious assault ship USS Wasp (LHD 1), the San Antonio-class amphibious transport dock ship USS New York (LPD 21), the Harpers Ferry-class dock landing ship USS Oak Hill (LSD 51), and the embarked 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU).
The 24th MEU (SOC) is a Marine Air-Ground Task Force (MAGTF) that ensures strategic speed and agility, preparing Marines to respond rapidly to protect U.S. national security interests globally. The MEU’s capabilities span a wide range of military conflicts, providing essential rapid response and operational flexibility
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