Introduction
As the 15th Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) prepared for its deployment to the Western Pacific in late 2023, they faced unexpected developments that altered their operational framework.
Early Departure of the Somerset
The Somerset (LPD-25), a pivotal vessel in the planned deployment, set sail two months ahead of the other ships in the amphibious ready group (ARG), which included the Boxer (LHD-4) and Harpers Ferry (LSD-49). This early departure was unprecedented, as ARGs are typically designed to operate cohesively.
Adapting to New Employment Models
Col. Sean Dynan, the commanding officer of the 15th MEU, emphasized that while the deployment model changed, the unit’s crisis response requirements remained. He recognized the challenge of adapting to this shift while still being a forward crisis response force.
A Challenging Deployment
The deployment, which spanned from January to most of 2024, proved to be exceptionally difficult for Dynan and Capt. James Robinson of the accompanying amphibious squadron. During this period, the 15th MEU and Amphibious Squadron-5 engaged in nine major exercises, visited 11 countries, and responded to a typhoon in the Philippines, completing 80 operations over 10 months.
Challenges Faced by the Marine Corps
The difficulties encountered reflected broader challenges faced by the Marine Corps, including technological issues related to the Amphibious Combat Vehicle (ACV) and operational constraints caused by intermittent V-22 Osprey groundings. These challenges are not specific to any one region, suggesting that similar issues may persist in the future.
Independence Among Ships
With the Somerset’s advanced deployment, the ARG had to pivot in how they prepared and operated their forces. Dynan noted, „We had to build self-contained staffs aboard each of the ships that could operate independently for an extended period.”
Impact of Maintenance Issues
Shortly after deployment, the Boxer was compelled to return to San Diego due to maintenance issues, impacting the ARG’s operational capabilities. However, Robinson mentioned that substitutes were found for most exercises, though one critical operation was affected by Boxer’s absence.
Pioneering Use of the ACV
The 15th MEU was the first to deploy the ACV in live operations, following troubling incidents involving amphibious vehicles in previous years. Although a significant mishap occurred during training, the unit deployed successfully with 12 ACVs while learning to address maintenance challenges and ensuring operational safety.
Water Temperature Concerns
Dynamic environmental conditions also posed challenges. Dynan reported concerns over the high water temperatures in the Philippines, raising questions about the ACVs’ cooling systems.
Groundings and Retraining of the V-22 Osprey
The deployment coincided with a Pentagon-ordered three-month grounding of the V-22 Osprey fleet, including the Marine Corps’ MV-22 variant. Despite challenges in missed training, the unit successfully reintegrated the Ospreys just before the Boxer resumed operations in June.
Conclusion: A Successful Yet Non-Standard Deployment
Despite numerous obstacles during the deployment, Col. Dynan praised the resilience and efforts of the sailors and Marines involved, emphasizing their ability to execute a successful non-standard deployment under challenging circumstances.
