In coordination with Saudi Arabia, U.S. forces conducted a training exercise of an amphibious assault on a Saudi island, providing “800 Marines and Sailors the opportunity to train in amphibious operations in a realistic environment,” the U.S. military said.
The 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit, embarked aboard the Bataan Amphibious Ready Group, conducted routine amphibious assault training on the islands of Karan and Kurayn, Saudi Arabia, April 20-22.
“The training was preplanned and coordinated through the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia…Over the course of three days, the BATARG and 26th MEU planned and conducted a variety of the MEU’s mission-essential tasks including amphibious raids and amphibious assaults. Amphibious raids involve swift incursions and withdrawals, while amphibious assaults can result in occupation of an objective and preparing for follow-on operations.
“Through support in planning, establishing maritime dominance, executing ship-to-shore evolutions, and preparing for a simulated shipboard weapons shoot – the BATARG was able to receive valuable training and enable the success of the 26th MEU’s mission ashore,” said Lt. Cmdr. Grace Reilly, assistant operations officer with the BATARG,” the U.S. military said in a post describing the training.
“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.”
“In preparation for training on the islands, reconnaissance Marines conducted hydrographic surveys under the cover of darkness, provided amphibious reconnaissance and surveillance, and maneuvered combat rubber raiding craft throughout the littoral region. The Maritime Raid Force is capable of controlling key maritime areas in time of conflict.”
“‘I extend my sincere appreciation to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia for providing this unique and effective training opportunity for the Bataan Amphibious Ready Group, the 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit and Special Purpose Marine Air-Ground Task Force-Crisis Response-Central Command,’ said Vice Admiral James Malloy, commander U.S. Naval Forces Central Command. ‘These training evolutions not only contribute to our readiness to respond to crisis but also demonstrate the Navy-Marine Corps team’s significant contribution in ensuring freedom of navigation, the free flow of commerce and lawful control of the maritime domain in the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility.’”
