The U.S. and Saudi forces are conducting a routine and joint sustainment training on and around Karan and Kurayn islands, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, May 24-30, 2020. The second phase of the training follows the successful completion of the training on April 20-22, and provides the Bataan Amphibious Ready Group (BATARG) with the embarked 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) an opportunity to continue mission-essential training and planning with our Saudi partners.
In close coordination with our Saudi partners, U.S. Naval Forces Central Command (NAVCENT) Task Force (TF) 52 and TF 56, the BATARG and 26th MEU are conducting well deck operations, underwater beach surveys, maritime patrolling, boat lane security operations, and will establish a forward arming and refueling point for aviation assets to refuel in an austere environment – which increases the aviation combat radius and enables them to conduct follow-on operations.
The integration of the Navy-Marine Corps team was an essential element of the sustainment training on the islands. As a cohesive team, the ARGMEU transported forces and firepower to Karan Island and facilitated fire support by utilizing artillery assets. During this training, Marines with the Battalion Landing Team were flown to Kurayn Island and conducted a simulated raid, while other Marines executed an amphibious assault on Karan Island’s beach. The training on the two islands was invaluable to the MEU’s readiness as islands present unique challenges not usually encountered by ground-based units.
ARG/MEUs operate continuously across the globe and provide the geographic combatant commanders with a forward-deployed, flexible and responsive sea-based Marine Air-Ground Task Force (MAGTF). The blue-green team is fully capable of conducting operations across a full spectrum of conventional, unconventional and hybrid warfare.The training was preplanned and coordinated through the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, and provided approximately 800 Marines and Sailors the opportunity to train in amphibious operations in a realistic environment.
