U.S. Indo-Pacific Command announced this week that the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, comprised of over 500 U.S. Marines and Navy sailors, and the America Amphibious Ready Group completed their first patrol of 2025 as a “ready-response force.”
In a Tuesday press release, U.S. Indo-Pacific Command said the “routine patrol,” which was coordinated by the U.S. Corps Forces, Pacific and the U.S. Pacific Fleet, “served to maintain a consistent presence in the U.S. 7th Fleet area of operations.”
“Throughout our time at sea, we have remained on plan and on target conducting routine operations in the U.S. 7th Fleet area to enhance interoperability with our allies and partners,” Capt. Patrick German, commander of Amphibious Squadron 11, said. “Together, we continued to serve cohesively as a ready-response force to defend peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific region.”
According to the press release, the America Amphibious Ready Group patrol included the USS San Diego, an amphibious transport dock ship; the USS America, an amphibious assault ship; and the USS Rushmore, a dock landing ship. The USS New Orleans transport dock ship also “briefly” joined the patrol of ships while “conducting routine operations,” according to the press release.
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“It has been great to have all our assets underway,” German said. “I am extremely proud to have all four amphibious ships underway simultaneously. Having all ships underway simultaneously goes a long way in ensuring our allies and partners that we are a ready force here to assist when and where it’s necessary.”
In another press release, Capt. Tim Carter, commanding officer of the USS San Diego, explained that the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit and its accompanying units were prepared for anything ahead of the recent patrol.
“When I say we’re ready, I want everyone to know that we’re ready for battle,” Carter said. “I have my full complement. I have my Navy team and my Marine team onboard, so when the time comes to face the enemy, we’re ready for combat.”
Carter also highlighted the close coordination between the Navy sailors and the Marines throughout the recent patrol.
“Working alongside the Marines was critical for us,” Carter said. “As we continued to learn from each other, we also built on the foundations of our partnerships within our own organization, so that when the time comes to provide support to our allies and partners, we are ready, welding, and prepared to execute our mission.”
In a post on X, formerly Twitter, the U.S. Pacific Fleet shared a picture of the recent patrol completed by the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit and the America Amphibious Ready Group.
