11th MEU and Assault Craft Unit 5 in action.

*Note*

There are a couple of units that deserve a bit more attention when talking about the MEU and how they conduct operations.  They're the Sea Bee's and Assault Craft Unit's.  I'll rectify that in the future.  But there is something else I'll be keeping an eye on.  Since I first saw the "extra" Marine Corps aircraft at Djibouti, I'm convinced that every MEU that deploys to this region is dropping off detachments there and the rest of the MEU is continuing on with its mission.  That's just speculation on my part but we'll see.

All photos by Petty Officer 1st Class David McKee

A landing craft air cushion assigned to Assault Craft Unit 5 departs the amphibious assault ship USS Makin Island (LHD 8) with humvees and amphibious assault vehicles. LAV's.  Makin Island and embarked Marines assigned to the 11th Marine Expeditionary Unit are deployed supporting maritime security operations and theater security cooperation efforts in the U.S. 5th Fleet area of responsibility.

A landing craft air cushion assigned to Assault Craft Unit 5 departs the amphibious assault ship USS Makin Island (LHD 8) with humvees and amphibious assault vehicles LAV's.   Makin Island and embarked Marines assigned to the 11th Marine Expeditionary Unit are deployed supporting maritime security operations and theater security cooperation efforts in the U.S. 5th Fleet area of responsibility.

A landing craft air cushion assigned to Assault Craft Unit 5 departs the amphibious assault ship USS Makin Island (LHD 8) with an M1 A1 Abrams main battle tank. Makin Island and embarked Marines assigned to the 11th Marine Expeditionary Unit are deployed supporting maritime security operations and theater security cooperation efforts in the U.S. 5th Fleet area of responsibility.

A landing craft air cushion assigned to Assault Craft Unit 5 departs the amphibious assault ship USS Makin Island (LHD 8) with an M1 A1 Abrams main battle tank. Makin Island and embarked Marines assigned to the 11th Marine Expeditionary Unit are deployed supporting maritime security operations and theater security cooperation efforts in the U.S. 5th Fleet area of responsibility.