CH-53E Super Stallion

Arabian Sea, 06 October 2003 — A CH-53E Super Stallion from the “Ridge Runners” of Marine Medium Helicopter Squadron One Six Three (HMM-163) is about to lift off from the flight deck of USS Peleliu (LHA 5) during daily flight operations. Peleliu is part of Expeditionary Strike Group (ESG) 1 which left 22 August from Naval Station San Diego. The ESG, the first in the Navy, consists of Peleliu, USS Germantown (LSD 42), USS Ogden (LPD 5), USS Jarrett (FFG 33) and USS Decatur (DDG 73), as well as the Marines of the 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit (Special Operations Capable). The strike group centers on the flexibility and readiness of a combined expeditionary unit and an amphibious readiness group (ARG); in this case, the 13th MEU and the Peleliu Amphibious Ready Group. Augmenting the ARG, three surface combatants - a destroyer, frigate and cruiser - and a fast-attack submarine arm the group with capabilities similar to that of a carrier battle group. The additional four vessels give ESG-1 operational freedom and expanded warfare capabilities, not only by land with embarked Marines, but at sea, as well.

U.S. Navy photo by Photographer’s Mate 2nd Class James K. McNeil.

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