Page 53 - Maritime Services and the Kill Web

The Maritime Services, the Allies and Shaping the Kill Web

While not specifically called out, the mission sets clearly have application to the war on terror. The MEU is all
about mobility, speed and impact, and utilizes a Rapid Response Planning Process (R2P2) to respond to a
crisis in as little as 6 hours.

This summer, the 15th MEU will deploy with the USS America (LHA-6) ARG.

The USS San Diego (LPD-22) and USS Pearl Harbor (LSD- 52) are also part of the ARG. This is the maiden
deployment for the USS America, a new LHA class ship designed specifically to facilitate airborne amphibious
assaults.

This first deployment plans use of the AV-8B Harrier II as the combat aircraft, future deployments of the
MEU/ARG will begin to utilize the F-35B.

Once the F-35B becomes part of the MEU/ARG, their capability will increase significantly.

The F-35B will identify and destroy high value threats (SAMS), engage in Electronic Attack (EA), Intelligence,
Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) and provide command and control (C2).

The F-35Bs stealth and sensors will allow it to operate in contested airspace, significantly broadening the
footprint of a MEU.

When seen in combination with the MV-22 Osprey the Marines will be able to operate in contested space up
to 450 miles from the ARG, and get there in under 2 hours.

This kind of capability, distributed assault in contested space is a game changer for the MEU/ARG.

Whereas Special Forces and Navy SEALs are by nature engaged in covert activity (get in, achieve mission,
get out), the MEU has the size and capability to mount a significant military operation. They are equipped
with state of the art weapons systems and extensively trained to their mission sets.
These Marines are fully prepared and capable to enter contested space by force and achieve their assigned
objectives.

Their impressive capability aside, one cannot overlook the reality that these Marines are America’s sons and
daughters. They serve out of love for their country, and the desire to give back. They represent the United
States of America as the providers of sustenance after humanitarian disaster, as law and order on the high
seas, or as the last act of diplomacy – military force. America has entrusted them with the Nation’s most
significance needs, and they do America proud.

The Marines are professionals in their craft, from Infantryman to fighter pilot.

While the MEU is deployed on the seas, they participate in exercises with allies and continue to maintain
readiness for whatever the hour brings.

The mere presence of the MEU/ARG offshore sends a strong deterrent to any nation inclined to act out of
place. Deterrent is the best outcome, to avoid combat all together.

Yes, the MEU/ARG may not get the notoriety they rightly deserve.

However, one would be unwise to let that lack of awareness be cause to overlook their presence.
Based on what I witnessed at the RUT from a small portion of the 15 th MEU, if they are called upon to act, I’d
not want to be the nail…

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