Photo By Cpl. Sharon Ruiz | U.S. Marine Corps Col. Thomas N. Trimble, right, Commanding Officer, 22nd Marine...... read more read more
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ATLANTIC OCEAN – A bipartisan Senate Staff Delegation witnessed the critical importance of amphibious readiness and naval integration firsthand during the Amphibious Squadron 8 (PHIBRON 8) and 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit's (MEU) Integration (PMINT) exercise, held off the coast of Virginia and North Carolina from April 4-5, 2025. The delegation, comprised of Senate Military Legislative Assistants, Military, Defense and National Security Advisors, observed the complex coordination required to unite the air, ground and logistics elements of the 22nd MEU with the Iwo Jima Amphibious Ready Group (IWO ARG). The IWO ARG consists of its flagship, the Wasp-class amphibious assault ship USS Iwo Jima (LHD 7) and the two San Antonio-class amphibious transport dock ships USS San Antonio (LPD 17) and USS Fort Lauderdale (LPD 28).
Spanning from April 4-12, PMINT marked the 22nd MEU's first opportunity to fully integrate with PHIBRON 8 and the IWO ARG. This crucial exercise allowed the more than 1,900 Marines and Sailors of the 22nd MEU to train alongside their Navy counterparts, refining their collective warfighting capabilities across various mission areas. Key priorities for the 22nd MEU during PMINT included strengthening relationships that enable naval integration, conducting deck landing qualifications for their Aviation Combat Element's Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron (VMM) 263 (Reinforced), and validating the load plan for the 22nd MEU's diverse arsenal of personnel and equipment.
The delegation's visit coincided with the second day of the 22nd MEU’s full embarkation aboard the IWO ARG, providing a unique opportunity to observe this integration in its most authentic state. Hosted by U.S. Marine Corps Col. Tom "Banshee" Trimble, Commanding Officer of the 22nd MEU, and U.S. Navy Capt. Chris Farricker, Commander of PHIBRON 8 and IWO JIMA Amphibious Task Force, the staffers witnessed firsthand the intricate coordination required to unite the air, ground, and logistics elements of the MEU with the ARG's amphibious shipping, underscoring the importance of continuous training and integrated amphibious readiness.
“The true strength of our naval expeditionary power isn't just about having ships and Marines – it's about how seamlessly they work together as one unit,” said Capt. Farricker, “IWO ARG and 22nd MEU integration is a true force multiplier which readies our blue-green team to deter aggression, respond to crises, and project American power, while protecting our strategic interests, anywhere in the world—often at a moment's notice."
This visit also provided a platform to discuss the strategic importance of amphibious readiness before upcoming appropriations cycles. Discussions between 22nd MEU and PHIBRON 8 leadership centered on the IWO ARG/22 MEU team's capabilities, the vital role of amphibious shipping in projecting power and responding to global crises, and the potential impacts of funding and policy decisions on maintaining a continuous global ARG/MEU presence. Distinguished guests present from higher headquarters entities included U.S. Navy Rear Adm. Walt, commander of Expeditionary Strike Group-2, and U.S. Marine Corps Brig. Gen. Meyer, Deputy Commanding General of II Marine Expeditionary Force (MEF) and Commanding General of the 2nd Marine Expeditionary Brigade (MEB).
Throughout the visit, the delegation received comprehensive briefings and engaged in dialogue with Navy and Marine Corps personnel at all levels, which provided deeper understanding of the ARG/MEU's ability to execute diverse mission sets spanning campaigning, crisis response, conflict, and deterrence.
A tour of the Iwo Jima showcased the ship's capabilities and highlighted the potent combination of the 22nd MEU's warfighting assets. These assets included aviation platforms, weapons systems and specialized equipment from the 22nd MEU's Ground Combat Element, Battalion Landing Team 3rd Battalion, 6th Marine Regiment, the Maritime Special Purpose Force, Combat Logistics Battalion 26's Explosive Ordnance Disposal detachment, and low altitude air defense capabilities like the Light Marine Air Defense Integrated System.
“What truly sets the ARG/MEU apart from any other force is our ability to maneuver from the sea. We can bring the full weight of the MAGTF to bear wherever and whenever it's needed, whether that's responding to a crisis, supporting allies and partners, or deterring adversaries,” said Col. Trimble, “That flexibility and maneuverability, combined with the firepower, specialized skills, and unwavering dedication of the Marines, make this team a choice force in support of our national interests."
The personal experience and in-depth discussions reinforced the critical need for continued investment in amphibious capabilities and the imperative of maintaining a forward-deployed, ready ARG/MEU force. This potent combination provides national decision-makers with a flexible and responsive tool capable of addressing the dynamic spectrum of global challenges and meets the Marine Corps 39th Commandant’s intent for II Marine Expeditionary Force to remain flexible for a wide range of contingencies while integrated with the U.S. Navy.
"Sufficient and ready amphibious warships guarantee combatant commanders have forward-deployed Marine Corps forces for global sea control and sea denial, that can also rapidly respond to crisis and contingency,” said Brig. Gen. Meyer, “The Marine Corps, as a sea-based force, provides the combatant commander with high end combat capabilities, proven deterrence and rapid response options. Ultimately, the ARG/MEU embodies global amphibious power projection, the cornerstone of the Marine Corps’ offering to the Joint Force.”
Strategically, naval integration and amphibious shipping allows the Navy-Marine Corps team to set the theater prior to responding to crisis or contingency, to project power and sustain forces ashore. Strategic and operational decisions enable forces like the IWO ARG to protect the nation’s interests, wherever they are called to.
“The Navy and Marine Corps stand ready to take on any challenge in the defense of our nation and its interests,” said Rear Adm. Walt, “The ARG/MEU team is the epitome of that readiness to respond swiftly and aggressively whenever called, with one of the most broadly capable force packages that our military fields.”
Fully integrated with the IWO ARG, the 22nd MEU embodies the essence of naval integration and underscores the continued importance of amphibious forces. Honoring the legacy of those who fought on Iwo Jima nearly eight decades ago, this ARG/MEU team carries their namesake with immense pride. The rigorous PMINT exercise forged the 22nd MEU into a more cohesive and lethal fighting force, prepared for operations ranging from crisis response and humanitarian aid to major combat operations. Following in the 250-year tradition of the Marine Corps, the Marines and Sailors of the 22nd MEU and IWO ARG stand ready to answer the nation's call, prepared to prevail anywhere in the world. They provide Geographic Combatant Commanders not just an advantage, but a decisive edge—ready to meet any challenge, anytime, anywhere.
For media inquiries regarding the 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit, please contact 1st Lt. Cailin Duffy, cailin.duffy.mil@usmc.mil
| Date Taken: | 04.25.2025 |
| Date Posted: | 04.27.2025 22:12 |
| Story ID: | 496211 |
| Location: | US |
| Web Views: | 36 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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