OKINAWA, Japan -- The forward-deployed amphibious transport dock ship USS Green Bay (LPD 20) arrived at White Beach Naval Facility, Okinawa, March 16, to onload elements of the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU).

The 31st MEU, made up of 2,300 Marines across air, ground and logistics units, embarked Green Bay and other ships of the Wasp Expeditionary Strike Group as part of a routine patrol in the Indo-Pacific region.

After just completing a 5-month maintenance period and intensive training cycle in parallel to shipboard upgrades, Green Bay is ready to support the wide range missions inherent to a MEU.

"In completing training after our availability, that got us to the point where we could safely and effectively operate this ship," said Capt. Tom Shultz, commanding officer of Green Bay. "Now, in embarking and integrating with our 31st MEU teammates, we become a full up-round operational unit capable of conducting amphibious operations wherever and whenever needed."

The Green Bay crew recognizes the importance of operating together alongside Marines.

"Green Bay's main purpose is to embark Marines, take them where they need to go and execute ship-to-shore movements," said Chief Warrant Officer 2 Omar Cortez, combat cargo officer aboard Green Bay. "Together, the Navy-Marine Corps team is the nation's forward-deployed, quick-response team capable of accomplishing numerous missions around the globe to include humanitarian aid and disaster relief."

Green Bay, assigned to the Wasp Expeditionary Strike Group, is on a routine patrol operating in the Indo-Pacific region to enhance interoperability with partners and serve as a ready-response force for any type of contingency.