CAMP PENDLETON, Calif. -- More than 2,200 Marines and sailors from the 11th Marine Expeditionary Unit are scheduled to return to Camp Pendleton and Miramar, California, Feb. 23 after serving seven months in the Western Pacific, Middle East, and Horn of Africa regions.
The 11th MEU, along with the Makin Island Amphibious Ready Group, deployed July 25 and participated in multiple exercises with regional host nations in both U.S. Pacific Command and U.S. Central Command, where the MEU served as a reserve force supporting contingency operations while also supporting Operation Inherent Resolve.
Throughout the deployment, 11th MEU personnel participated in training and exercises spanning Malaysia, Bangladesh, Cambodia, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, and Djibouti, where Marines and sailors highlighted amphibious capabilities, honed fundamental skills and worked alongside armed forces from foreign nations to create stronger international ties. The 11th MEU also maintained a posture to rapidly respond to regional unrest throughout their time in Central Command.
“Operating from the sea, we provided an extremely versatile Marine Air Ground Task Force capable of responding to virtually any mission, and at any time,” said Col. Matthew G. Trollinger, the 11th MEU commanding officer. “More often than not, we operated in disparate locations, often stretched across multiple time zones, oceans, and nations, yet we remained focused to respond when needed.”
Most of the MEU’s Marines and sailors will come ashore by helicopters and landing craft while a small number will ride the ships to port in San Diego, February 25.
“We had our share of adversity and challenges, but I’m incredibly proud of how the Marines and sailors of the MEU responded and performed,” said Trollinger. “This was the first deployment for many of our young men and women. I maintained high expectations, and this team met or exceeded the mark across the board. I know I speak for all of us when I say it’s good to finally be home and back with our loved ones.”
For more information on the 11th MEU, Media representatives may contact the 11th MEU public affairs officer, Capt. Josh Diddams at
joshua.diddams@usmc.mil or 760-846-4983.