The Adventures of Chester: 15th MEU Operational Planning Change

An Alert Reader, whose son is in the 15th MEU, has posted in the comments section of a previous post further insight into the 15th MEU's activities. He notes that the USS Pearl Harbor has not deployed this time around, but the USS Rushmore (LSD-47) has instead. Moreover, he has links to every ship in the Expeditionary Strike Group 5 at For ESG5/15th MEU Families - Ship Info.

Quick note: What role might the regular surface ships -- the non-amphibs -- play in a mission like this? Certainly the USS Pasadena, the fast-attack sub, could provide a reconnaissance or force protection function. And certainly the USCGC Munro, the Coast Guard Cutter, will be quite busy. But what about the Bunker Hill (cruiser) the Milius (destroyer) and the Thach) (missile frigate). We'd welcome the comments of those with more naval knowledge. Certainly any water-producing capability those ships possess, along with their medical personnel, will come in handy.

The Alert Reader goes on to mention that the concept of operations has changed for the MEU:

And they've just changed their plans. Sri Lanka won't take all those Marines because of political concerns. (sheesh) So the BHR and Duluth are going to the sourthen coast of Sumatra (the Lincoln group is on the northern coast). And only the Rushmore is going to Sri Lanka.

More info as it develops . . .

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Posted by Chester on January 4, 2005 1:19 AM to The Adventures of Chester