Ljubljana, Slovenia. (December 8, 2022): In this photo by Sergeant Scott Jenkins, U.S. Marines assigned to 2nd Expeditionary Force board the Spearhead-class expeditionary fast transport USNS Trenton. Based out of Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, these Marines will embark on the Trenton as they practice rapidly deploying from aboard Navy ships.
Ljubljana, Slovenia. (December 8, 2022): If you think your daily commute is challenging, imagine what it takes to “get Marines ashore” these days. The finest seaborne infantry in the world, the Marines are of no use aboard ships so getting them there, fast, takes skill and coordination by the crews of America’s fast transport ships.
In the above photo, Marines assigned to the 2nd Expeditionary force begin their daily commute by boarding the USNS Trenton, a fast transport vessel designed to ferry Marines to the battle zone. Ships like the Trenton provide high speed, shallow draft transport for medium-sized cargoes and can reach speeds up to 50 mph. These vessels allow the rapid transport of conventional or special forces and their equipment mid-theater (between large ships and landing craft) and the Trenton has the added advantage of a flight deck.
Based out of Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, the 2nd Marine Expeditionary Unit is comprised of over 2,200 Marines and Sailors capable of rapidly deploying to meet a variety of possible contingencies. Commanded by a colonel, a Marine Expeditionary Unit is deployed from amphibious ships and supported by escort warships and submarines that represent the “tip of the spear” of America’s defense.
A Marine MEU is organized into various elements, each playing a vital role in the success of an operation. There is of course the ground combat element, the 2d Marine Division, backed up by an aviation combat element, the 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing, and the combat service support element, the 2nd Marine Logistics Group.
Hats off to the crews of these fast transport ships as they provide a vital link in the projection of American power around the world.
You can help Support Our Troops sustain these fine professionals by contributing to our Patriots Brigade®, a non-profit fund used to purchase and ship Yellow Ribbon Care Packages to our overseas deployed servicemembers. Won’t you take a moment, right now, to go to our secure website https://supportourtroops.org/donate to donate to America’s finest today!