USS Bataan and USS Carter Hall Now in Eastern Mediterranean Sea

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December 29, 2023

RED SEA (Aug. 8, 2023) Amphibious assault ship USS Bataan (LHD 5) and Dock landing ship USS Carter Hall (LSD 50) transit in formation through the Red Sea, Aug. 8, 2023. The Bataan Amphibious Ready Group and embarked (26th MEU SOC) Marine Expeditionary Unit Special Operations Capable, under the command and control of Task Force 51/5, is on a scheduled deployment in the U.S. Naval Forces Central Command area of operations, employed by U.S. Fifth Fleet to maintain maritime security and stability in the Middle East region. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Riley Gasdia)

NAPLES, Italy — On December 28, 2023, the USS Bataan (LHD 5) and the USS Carter Hall (LSD 50), moved from the Red Sea to the Eastern Mediterranean Sea. They are set to join forces with the USS Mesa Verde (LPD 19).

The Naval Forces Europe/Africa statement highlighted that the 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) of the Marine Corps initially deployed in the U.S. 5th Fleet area to counter potential threats to commercial ships by Iranian forces. Following the Hamas attacks in Southern Israel on Oct. 7, the unit’s role expanded to be part of the U.S. Navy’s presence force in the Red Sea.

The ships and Marines have been deployed overseas for at least five months.

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