A U.S. Navy landing craft, air cushion, assigned to Assault Craft Unit 5, and a U.S. Marine MV-22 Osprey, assigned to Marine Medium Tiltrotor (VMM) 362 (Rein.), 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit, returns to amphibious assault ship USS Makin Island (LHD 8), during a ship-to-shore operation of Balikatan 23, April 12, 2023 in the Subic Bay Harbor. Balikatan is an annual exercise between the Armed Forces of the Philippines and U.S. military designed to strengthen bilateral interoperability, capabilities, trust, and cooperation built over decades shared experiences. The Makin Island Amphibious Ready Group, comprised of Makin Island and amphibious transport docks USS Anchorage (LPD 23) and USS John P. Murtha (LPD 26), is operating in the U.S. 7th Fleet area of operations with the embarked 13th MEU to enhance interoperability with Allies and partners and serve as a ready-response force to defend peace and maintain stability in the Indo-Pacific region. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Eloise A. Johnson)

Photo by Petty Officer 3rd Class Kendra Helmbrecht

Makin Island Amphibious Ready Group Departs Guam

15 May 2023 | Petty Officer 3rd Class Eloise Johnson, USS Makin Island (LHD 8) Public Affairs U.S. Marine Corps Forces, Pacific

U.S. NAVAL BASE GUAM --

The Makin Island Amphibious Ready Group (ARG) departed Guam following a routine port visit, May 15.

While in port, the Makin Island ARG, comprised of amphibious assault ship USS Makin Island (LHD 8) and amphibious transport docks USS Anchorage (LPD 23) and USS John P. Murtha (LPD 26), refueled and took on pallets, and had the chance to explore the local area.

"One of the most rewarding aspects of a deployment is allowing the crew time to explore unique areas of the world," said Capt. Andria Slough, commanding officer of Makin Island. "Guam is tremendously rich in culture and we were excited to experience the island's heritage."

In addition, the crew participated in shipboard preservation, an operation required to maintain the integrity of the ship’s structure and the ship’s overall appearance. The embarked 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) also participated in the command-wide maintenance, cleaning the ship and sorting inventory.

“Deployed ships withstand a variety of hurdles while out to sea,” said Chief Boatswain’s Mate Jordan Magdalenski. “Preservation makes it possible to continue operating at peak performance.”

The Makin Island ARG is operating in the U.S. 7th Fleet area of operations with the embarked 13th MEU to enhance interoperability with Allies and partners and serve as a ready-response force to defend peace and maintain stability in the Indo-Pacific region.

7th Fleet is the U.S. Navy's largest forward-deployed numbered fleet, and routinely interacts and operates with Allies and partners in preserving a free and open Indo-Pacific region.