Every day, the forward-deployed ships of Amphibious Squadron (PHIBRON) 11 remain steadfast in pursuing operations in the Indo-Pacific region.
Amphibious assault ship USS America (LHA 6), landing transport dock USS Green Bay (LPD 20), amphibious dock landing ship USS Germantown (LSD 42), landing transport dock USS New Orleans (LPD 18) and amphibious dock landing ship USS Ashland (LSD 48) along with Marines from the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit serves as the primary strike group for the U.S. 7th Fleet area of responsibility. Together, they bring a highly adaptable, expedient fighting force capable of conducting missions across the full spectrum of military operations.
“The ships of Amphibious Squadron 11 are ready to Fight and Deliver in the Indo-Pacific region,” said Capt. Rich LeBron, Amphibious Squadron 11 Commodore. “We remain focused on operational readiness and remain able to adapt to missions in a moment’s notice.”
Sailors work around the clock to ensure operational readiness. Maintenance is conducted to keep all of the ships’ systems operational, daily training keeps Sailors prepared for any type of scenario, and cleanliness and health precautions keep crews in good health and in fighting trim. It's a complex operations but with the support of Military Sealift Command ships, PHIBRON 11 maintains a resilient presence in the region.
“When the Navy and the nation called, PHIBRON 11 and ships assigned to PHIBRON 11, answered,” said LeBron. “They will continue to lead the way in operational readiness and be a reliable partner to our allies and a formidable foe to our adversaries.”
PHIBRON 11 bolsters the strength of the America Expeditionary Strike Group (ESG) in partnership with the embarked 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU). USS America, flagship of the America ESG, serves at the strike group’s command and control nerve center as well as its core air arm. America enables air operations with the full contingent of Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron (VMM) 265 (Reinforced) aircraft, including MV-22B Ospreys, CH-53 Super Stallion helicopters and F-35B Lighting II fighter aircraft and America’s advanced communications suite enables command and control across the full spectrum of amphibious warfare. The embarked Marine units maintain and assist in operations to keep the ships at their full war fighting capacity, supporting air operations and reinforcing critical shipboard operations. Aboard Green Bay, Germantown, New Orleans, and Ashland the 31st MEU utilize the Navy’s landing craft, utility and landing craft, air cushion amphibious assault vehicles to conduct amphibious operations.
“Every Sailor and Marine aboard our ships has been working and training diligently to increase our presence and war fighting capabilities to support our country’s and allies' needs,” LeBron said. “The result is clear: a squadron of mission capable and is operationally ready ships always ready to Fight and Deliver!”