Compass Points - MEU Unleashed
22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit deploys
August 15, 2025
.
Good news.
USNI News reports that the 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit (SOC) has deployed from Camp Lejeune.
.
-----------------------
-----------------------
.
Amphibious warship USS Iwo Jima (LHD-7) left Norfolk Va., Thursday, the first time a U.S.-based Amphibious Ready Group with embarked Marines has deployed since December.
The departure of the Wasp-class big-deck amphibious ship ends an eight-month gap in the Navy and Marine Corps’ Amphibious Ready Group and Marine Expeditionary Unit presence.
The 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit out of Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, will embark on Iwo Jima and the other two ships in the ARG – USS Fort Lauderdale (LPD-28) and USS San Antonio (LPD-17).
“The IWO ARG is capable of conducting global missions to accomplish U.S. strategic goals, deter adversaries, and ensure unimpeded commerce by keeping the high seas open and free in accordance with international law,” the Navy said in a news release announcing the ships’ departure. “The 22nd MEU (SOC) provides a forward-deployed, flexible sea-based Marine Air Ground Task Force (MAGTF) capable of conducting amphibious operations—including enabling the introduction of follow-on forces and designated special operations to meet Combatant Commander’s requirements.”
The deployment comes as the Navy struggles to improve the amphibious fleet’s readiness, which has delayed ships leaving the pier and led to disaggregated formations operating on the high seas.
-- USNI News
.
-----------------------
-----------------------
.
The previous ARG/MEU embarking from the US was the now notorious Boxer Amphibious Ready Group which experienced so many problems with the three amphibious ships that the three ships were rarely together during the deployment. Two serious command investigations caused the USS Boxer (LHD-4) to leave for deployment late and then, once it finally deployed, it turned around after less than two weeks and returned home for more maintenance!
The GAO has reported that half of the amphibious fleet is in poor condition.
.
-----------------------
-----------------------
.
A new Government Accountability Office (GAO) report has revealed readiness challenges plaguing the U.S. Navy’s amphibious warfare fleet, with half of the 32-vessel force reported to be in poor condition.
The crisis threatens to undermine the fleet’s essential role in transporting Marines and their equipment for vital military operations.
. . . To cut costs, the Navy proposed early retirement for some ships and canceled critical maintenance. Yet the GAO found these same ships remain in service while the Navy awaits replacements, a strategy that risks further degrading readiness. The Navy estimates extending the service life of older ships to meet the 31-ship requirement could cost up to $1 billion per vessel.
The implications extend far beyond mere statistics. These amphibious warfare ships serve as crucial platforms for Marine Corps operations, supporting missions ranging from combat operations to humanitarian assistance. The current maintenance delays and reduced fleet readiness directly impact the military’s ability to respond to global challenges.
-- gCaptain
.
-----------------------
-----------------------
.
Half of the amphibious fleet is in 'poor condition'? Even worse, with current ships unable to sail due to lack of maintenance and upkeep, even new amphibs are facing construction delays. The future USS Bougainville (LHA-8) and USS Fallujah (LHA-9) are each delayed about one year.
The Marine Corps needs to find ways to get more Marines deployed on the world's oceans. Is there a way to get more Marines onboard Navy ships, not only in years to come, but also before the end of this calendar year? The answer is yes and the possible solution will be discussed in a forthcoming Compass Points post.
Compass Points salutes the Marines and sailors of the USS Iwo Jima Amphibious Ready Group and the 22nd MEU (SOC). The world is a safer place when Marines are on the oceans of the world, ready to respond to the next crisis or contingency. Good luck Marines!
.
- - - - -
.
USNI News - 08/14/2025
Iwo Jima Amphibious Ready Group Leaves Norfolk After Long Gap in U.S. ARG Deployments
By Mallory Shelbourne
.
- - - - -
.
GCaptain - 12/05/2024
GAO Sounds Alarm on Navy’s Amphibious Fleet Readiness
By Mike Schuler
https://gcaptain.com/gao-sounds-alarm-on-navys-amphibious-fleet-readiness/
Show me the T/0 and T/E of this MAGTF. Show me the number of 0311 riflemen in each squad. Show me the number of Marines assigned to the ship’s platoon on each ship.
No doubt this deployment will be used by those still walking in a circle around the Millstone of FD whatever. “See! We are supporting the crown jewel!” “So there then old thinkers!”
Only problem is the crown is missing a bunch of jewels and the crown (aka amphipious lift) is cracked and has rust on it. This ought give pause to the SASC particularly the Sub Committee on sea power to have another look at how to overcome the problems of sealift and support of the MAGTF configuration. Hard questions need be asked as Colonel Rape’ pointed out. Straight answers need to come from the senior leadership of the Navy and the Corps.