Marines assigned to the 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) depart an MH-53E Sea Dragon, assigned to Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron (VMM) 362 (Rein.), 13th MEU, on the flight deck of amphibious assault ship USS Makin Island (LHD 8), March 14, 2023 in the South China Sea. Makin Island is designed to field an integrated amphibious force that can support operational commanders around the globe with both strike and amphibious capabilities. The Makin Island Amphibious Ready Group, comprised of Makin Island, amphibious transport dock USS Anchorage (LPD 23) and USS John P. Murtha (LPD 26), is operating in the U.S. 7th Fleet area of operations with the embarked 13th MEU to enhance interoperability with Allies and partners and serve as a ready-response force to defend peace and maintain stability in the Indo-Pacific region.

 

King of the Sky, the MH-53 E Sea Dragon. Video from YouTube and Sam Eckholm