Marines assigned to the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) embarked the forward-deployed amphibious dock landing ship USS Germantown (LSD 42) to support patrol with the Peleliu Amphibious Ready Group (PEL ARG).

The 538 Marines embarked with a variety of equipment to support amphibious operations including 7-ton trucks, Humvees, Logistics Vehicle Systems, heavy cargo trucks and three Landing Craft Air Cushion (LCAC).

Germantown and the 31st MEU will play an important role in the PEL ARG Amphibious Integration Training (AIT), Certification Exercise (CERTEX), joint forces exercises with partner-nations and supporting security and stability operations in the 7th Fleet area of responsibility.

“The final on-load of equipment and stores as well as the embark of Marines from the 31st MEU was very smooth and well orchestrated,” said Cmdr. Gary Harrington, Germantown’s executive officer. “We also welcomed family members of the MEU who received a tour of the ship and had the unique opportunity to observe LCAC launch operations. Everything was completed ahead of schedule and the ship departed for deployment on time. This amazing crew continues to impress me and I am very proud of their performance.”

Before departing White Beach, Germantown’s crew hosted a United States Marine Corps Family Day, allowing Marines to show their families where they would be living during this patrol.

“The Combat Logistics Battalion 31st MEU deploys a lot, so my family members always want to know what we are doing, where we are staying, and more about what happens when we are gone,” said Staff Sgt. Mikal Bowman. “Allowing our family members to come aboard Germantown helps them understand what we do and become a part of the process.”

Germantown is currently underway conducting joint forces exercises with the Peleliu Amphibious Ready Group