NORFOLK, Va. — Wasp-class amphibious assault ship USS Iwo Jima (LHD 7) returned to its homeport of Norfolk, Va. on June 6 following a historic 10-month deployment to the U.S. Fourth Fleet area of operations.
Iwo Jima is the flagship of the Iwo Jima Amphibious Ready Group (IWO ARG). IWO ARG is also comprised of San Antonio-class amphibious transport dock ships USS Fort Lauderdale (LPD 28) and USS San Antonio (LPD 17). San Antonio returned to Naval Station Norfolk April 29, and Fort Lauderdale remains deployed. IWO ARG was the first group of expeditionary naval assets called on to support Operation Southern Spear*.* While on mission in the Caribbean, Sailors and Marines of the IWO ARG and 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) – Special Operations Capable (SOC) supported national-level tasking, which included enhanced counter narcotics operations.
“The exceptional performance of every Sailor and Marine is nothing short of extraordinary,” said Capt. Chris Farricker, commodore, Amphibious Squadron 8. “Throughout this deployment, our blue-green warriors proved to the world what the nation’s Navy and Marine Corps is capable of achieving while executing a broad array of complex missions from embassy reinforcement and humanitarian assistance to joint operations designed to protect the homeland. I am immensely proud of this team’s performance and everything they’ve accomplished. Most importantly, as we return home, it is deeply rewarding to watch our Sailors and Marines reunite with family, friends and loved ones who have provided unwavering support during this unprecedented deployment.”…