NAVAL STATION NORFOLK — More than 4,000 Sailors and Marines assigned to the Bataan Amphibious Ready Group have returned to Hampton Roads.
During its nearly nine-month deployment, the group played a role in the U.S. response to the conflict in the Middle East. Not long after Hamas’ attack on Israel in October, Bataan was sent to the Red Sea.
The group remained in the region to keep shipping lanes safe in the Red Sea and keep the war from escalating further.
The group also worked to strengthen relationships with allies and responded to wildfires in Southern Europe during its deployment.
Capt. Paul Burkhart, the Bataan’s commanding officer, commended the crew’s toughness and versatility.
Military
USS Bataan, USS Mesa Verde, USS Carter Hall on the move towards the Red Sea
“It's been a challenging deployment, but we have accomplished a lot, and I am extremely proud of the hard work and resilience of every member of the Bataan team,” said Capt. Burkhart.
As part of the Bataan Amphibious Ready Group, the USS Mesa Verde returned to Norfolk Friday.
The San Antonio Class amphibious transport dock returns after an eight-and-a-half month deployment to the U.S. 2nd, 5th and 6th Fleet areas of operation.
