Peleliu Amphibious Ready Group, 15th Marine Expeditionary Unit Depart for Deployment

By Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Dominique Pineiro, Navy Public Affairs Support Element West

SAN DIEGO (NNS) -- More than 4,000 Sailors and Marines assigned to the Peleliu Amphibious Ready Group (ARG) and the 15th Marine Expeditionary Unit departed San Diego for deployment Monday, Sept. 17.

The Peleliu ARG, composed of Peleliu, amphibious transport dock ship USS Green Bay (LPD 20) and amphibious dock landing ship USS Rushmore (LSD 47), is commanded by Capt. Mark T. Sakaguchi, commander, Amphibious Squadron 3.

Prior to deploying, the ARG completed a myriad of workup exercises, amphibious squadron/Marine expeditionary unit integration, a composite training unit exercise and a certification exercise to prepare for deployment.

During deployment, the Peleliu ARG will be expected to accomplish a variety of missions supporting the Navy's maritime strategy including combat missions, humanitarian assistance, counter-piracy and promoting peace and stability in the regions it enters.

"We're prepared for everything, from humanitarian relief, disaster relief, maritime support operations up to full scale combat," said Sakaguchi. "Whatever the situation is our leaders give us the tasking, we'll respond."

The ships in the ARG hosted a large number of family and friends on board prior to their departure.

"This is my first deployment, and I never thought it would be so hard to leave my wife behind for so long," said Aviation Ordnanceman Airman Joshua Quinones, assigned to Peleliu. "I'm sad, but this is what I signed up for."

Third Fleet Participating in San Diego Fleet Week

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From U.S. 3rd Fleet Public Affairs

SAN DIEGO (NNS) -- Several U.S. 3rd Fleet ships will be participating in San Diego Fleet Week. USS Princeton (CG 59) and USS Rushmore (LSD 47) will be available for tours Sept. 17 and 18 at Broadway Pier and USS Ronald Reagan (CVN 76) will be available for public tours at Naval Station North Island Sept. 24 and 25.

San Diego Fleet Week 2011 is a great opportunity for the American public to meet their Navy, Marine Corps and Coast Guard team and to experience the best of the sea services. This event will showcase naval personnel, equipment, technology and capabilities.

Naval aviation is celebrating its 100th anniversary of flight. From its inception, Naval aviation has been a "global force for good," as a symbol of power, and a force for stability in an increasingly unstable and interconnected world. Naval aviation involves everything from engaging in combat and warfare support, to keeping waterways safe and open for global commerce, to deterring sea piracy and drug trafficking. And when called upon, it provides humanitarian assistance and disaster relief anywhere, anytime.

U.S. 3rd Fleet area of responsibility includes 50 million square miles of the Eastern and Northern Pacific ocean areas including the Bering Sea, Alaska, the Aleutian Islands and sectors of the arctic. U.s. 3rd Fleet measures its success by the readiness and combat efficiency of the Fleet and the extent to which it is connected and interoperable with domestic partners, international partners and allies.