Koror – Marines and Sailors assigned to the 15th Marine Expeditionary Unit are conducting flight operations at Palau International Airport.
While at the airport, the 15th MEU will be conducting sustainment training in expeditionary refueling point operations to exercise its ability to self-support aircraft logistical requirements using organic assets while in a forward deployed environment and test the capability of the Amphibious Ready Group (ARG)-MEU to conduct air delivered Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief missions in the region.
The U.S. places significant importance in maintaining amphibious readiness within the ARG-MEU in the event there is a need for an immediate response to a crisis. This exercise demonstrates the United States’ commitment to Palau's security, and the Marine Expeditionary Unit is an example of a rapid response capability that could come to Palau's aid.
During this event, the MEU will conduct refueling operations with both MV-22B Ospreys and AV-8B Harriers.
The MEU's major elements are the command element, the ground combat element, the aviation combat element, and the logistics combat element. Together they bring the ability to operate on land, at sea, and in the air simultaneously and in coordination across the full spectrum of missions. The 15th MEU and America ARG are deployed in the U.S. 7th Fleet Area of Responsibility to enhance regional partnerships and serve as a ready-response capability for any type of contingency.