By Tiffany Williams
August 18, 2025 | Norfolk, VA
More than 4,500 Sailors and Marines assigned to the Iwo Jima Amphibious Ready Group (ARG) and the 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) Special Operations Capable (SOC) departed August 14 for a scheduled overseas deployment.
The Iwo Jima ARG – 22nd MEU (SOC) will provide a flexible forward naval presence, capable of conducting presence operations, amphibious assaults, crisis response, and contingency missions worldwide. Operating close to shore, the Navy-Marine Corps team is designed to deploy combat power quickly at a moment’s notice.
“The IWO ARG – 22nd MEU (SOC) is an integral part of advancing our nation’s interests abroad and is a dynamic representation of our Navy’s 250 years of lethality and warfighting excellence,” said Capt. Chris Farricker, commodore of Amphibious Squadron 8. “Our integrated Navy-Marine Corps warfighters are ready to deliver quick and decisive combat power wherever needed.”
The deployment follows completion of the Navy’s rigorous Composite Training Unit Exercise in July, the final pre-deployment certification. The force includes flagship USS Iwo Jima (LHD 7), USS San Antonio (LPD 17), and USS Fort Lauderdale (LPD 28).
Col. Tom “Banshee” Trimble, commanding officer of the 22nd MEU (SOC), emphasized the unit’s readiness: “We are warfighters; manned, trained, and equipped to win – anywhere, anytime.”
The Iwo Jima ARG will operate under U.S. 2nd Fleet, which develops and employs maritime forces in the Atlantic and Arctic to deter aggression, defend U.S. and allied interests, and ensure freedom of navigation on the high seas.