The majority of Greeks may be living in a summer holiday period on a beach, mountain or even at home due to poverty, but the US war machine is very active in Greece and we are not only referring to the forces stationed at the bases or moving in the seas around Greece.
In this context an entire US Marine landing operations unit passed through Souda.
As the 6th Fleet's announcement on the matter reads: "Marines and sailors from the Wasp-class helicopter carrier USS Bataan (LHD 5) and the landing ship USS Carter Hall (LSD 50), part of the Bataan Amphibious Readiness Group (ARG) and the 26th Naval Expeditionary Unit (Special Operations Capable) MEUSOC) arrived in Souda Bay, Greece for a scheduled port visit to strengthen U.S.-Greece relations on Aug. 2, 2023.
"Our Sailors and Marines on USS Bataan and USS Carter Hall are excited to visit Souda Bay," said Capt. Martin Robertson, Commodore, Amphibious Squadron 8 (CPR-8) to add: "Greece is a valued NATO ally and we appreciate their continued friendship."
During the visit, the Sailors and Marines had the opportunity to experience the rich culture of the region and the popular cultural and historical landmarks around the city. This port visit marks the first stop for Bataan and Carter Hall in the transition to the U.S. Naval Forces Central Command area of operations.
"These visits are important; they underscore our nation's commitment to strengthen our cooperation with like-minded allies and partners who are dedicated to collective maritime security in the region," said Col. Dennis "Dolf" Sampson, Commander, 26th MEU(SOC). "It is also an excellent opportunity for the Marines and Sailors of the 26th MEU(SOC) to experience a new culture, rest and refreshment before the next set of Operations, Activities and Investments in the Sixth Fleet area of responsibility."
The ship's presence in the Mediterranean Sea is a testament to our continued commitment to the collective maritime security of the region.
"We are in this area of responsibility to promote security and stability and deter any destabilizing actions while adhering to maritime law in the region," said Captain Paul Burkhart, Commander of the USS Bataan. "Through visits to ports like this, we also look forward to strengthening our relationship with our allies and partners in this region. This is part of the adventure our Sailors and Marines enjoy exploring different parts of the world."
The Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) is a Special Operations Group, Marine Air-Ground Task Force consisting of approximately 4,500 Marines and Sailors supported by three primary subordinate elements with the capability to provide flexibility in a dynamic security environment.
These secondary elements include the Command Element, Ground Combat Element, Air-Ground Combat Element, and Surveillance Combat Element."
In addition to the Marines, the U.S. continues to maintain its most modern and largest aircraft carrier, the USS Gerald R. Ford, in Greece.
West of the Peloponnese and within the boundaries of the Athens FIR a much larger area has been reserved than the previous one, for which Pentapostagma had first published. In this case the area is reserved from August 5 until tomorrow August 8. Greece is participating in this new co-training, the second in less than a month, with a frigate and fighter aircraft of the Air Force.
It should be recalled that from Monday 24 to Tuesday 25 July 2023, as part of the broader planning of the General Staff of the Hellenic Armed Forces in terms of international cooperation, a joint training exercise was conducted between the Greek Armed Forces (HAF) and the USS GERALD R. FORD (GRF) of the United States.
The armed forces participated with personnel and assets from the Navy and Air Force, as well as the newly formed Special Warfare Command of the General Staff, as follows:
● The frigate AEGEAN with its organic helicopter S-70B in the framework of its participation in the Standing NATO Maritime Group Two (SNMG2).
● The frigate NIKIFOROS FOKAS.
● The submarine KATSONIS.
● 4 F-16 fighter jets and 2 MIRAGE 2000-5 fighter jets.
● 1 Unorthodox Warfare Group (UWG) of the Naval Special Operations Department (NSO) of the Naval Special Operations Division (NSED) of the Hellenic Air Force.
On the U.S. side, in addition to the GRF aircraft carrier, the destroyer (A/T) USS RAMAGE and 4 F-18 fighter aircraft also participated.
During the co-training, the following complex operational scenarios were implemented:
● Air Defence Exercise (ADEX).
● Dissimilar Air Combat Training (DACT) objects.
● Combined Anti-Submarine Exercise (CASEX).
● Surface Warfare Exercise (SURFEX).
● Visit Board Search and Seizure (VBSS).
● Miscellaneous Exercise (MISCEX).
The co-exercise was conducted within the framework of the bilateral Mutual Defense Cooperation Agreement between Greece and the United States (MDCA), contributing to the promotion of the level of operational readiness, combat capability and cooperation of the participants in a bilateral and inter-allied context.
Both the presence of the largest and most modern US aircraft carrier together with the helicopter carrier and the landing craft show that Washington is concerned about developments in the region and especially in Ukraine and that is why it is sending some of its best units.
