Marines with the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit embark aboard the USS Green Bay (LPD 20), White Beach Naval Facility, Okinawa, Japan, Feb. 1, 2017. Detachments from the air, ground and logistics combat elements of the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit embarked Feb. 1, 2017 as a part of the MEU’s 17.1 Spring Patrol. The air-ground task force concept is designed to thoroughly exploit the combat power inherent in air and ground assets by closely integrating them into a single force under one commander. The MEU brings what it needs to sustain itself from the sea for the rapid accomplishment of the mission or to pave the way for follow-on forces. The size and composition of the MEU makes it well suited for amphibious operations, security operations, noncombatant evacuation operations, humanitarian assistance operations and special operations. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Sgt. Tiffany Edwards/Released)

Photo by Sgt. Tiffany Edwards

BLT 2/5 Embarks for Spring Patrol

1 Feb 2017 | 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit

WHITE BEACH, OKINAWA, Japan (Feb 1, 2017) -- Marines with Battalion Landing Team, 2nd Battalion, 5th Marines, 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit have embarked onto the USS Green Bay (LPD 20) as part of their regularly-scheduled patrol of the Pacific region from White Beach, Okinawa, Japan Feb. 1, 2017.

BLT 2/5 is the ground component of the 31st MEU Marine Air-Ground Task Force. The 31st MEU is the Marine Corps’ only continuously forward-deployed MEU, a combined-arms, sea-based MAGTF, with a compliment of air-ground-logistics assets to sustain itself from the sea for the rapid accomplishment of any mission or to pave the way for follow-on forces.

During patrols of the Indo-Asia Pacific region, the 31st MEU engages partner nations to sustain theater security and continue integrated bilateral training, furthering cohesion between our militaries.

For more information on the mission and history of the 31st MEU, contact 31st MEU Public Affairs Officer, Capt. Jennifer Giles, at Jennifer.Giles@usmc.mil or visit the unit’s websites at www.31stmeu.marines.mil/, or www.facebook.com/31stMEU.