Amphibious Ready Group (ARG)

AMPHIBIOUS READY GROUP
(ESSEX ARG)

Type: Naval Task Group

Goals: Project naval and amphibious power from the sea by providing a mobile sea-based platform, integrated ship-to-shore maneuver, crisis-response capability, sustained maritime support, command and control, sea control and protection, and the ability to rapidly deploy, reposition, and re-embark the MEU across contested littorals.

ASSIGNED VESSELS

USS Essex (LHD-2)

Ship Purpose

Serves as the flagship of the ARG and provides the primary command-and-control platform for amphibious and aviation operations.
Delivers the majority of the airlift with helicopters, tiltrotors, and fixed-wing aircraft.
Acts as the central sea base for launching major assaults and sustaining forces ashore.

Embarked Complement

Aviation (Primary Flight Operations Ship)

6 × F-35B or 6 × AV-8B (depending on cycle)
12 × MV-22B Osprey
4 × CH-53E Super Stallion
4 × UH-1Y Venom
2 × AH-1Z Viper

Surface Connectors

2 × LCAC (typically embarked)
AAV/ACV platoon staging from the well deck (if configured)

Ground Vehicles (Partial Load)

Portions of BLT vehicles staged for rapid launch as needed
Limited JLTV/HMMWV holding depending on aviation load

USS Portland (LPD-27)

Ship Purpose

Transports Marines, vehicles, and equipment needed for ship-to-shore operations.
Uses its well deck and flight deck to support both surface connectors and aviation insertions.
Enhances the ARG’s lift, sustainment, and distributed littoral maneuver capability.

Embarked Complement

Aviation (Limited Flight Deck Ops)

2 × MV-22B or 2 × UH-1Y (temporary staging)
1 × AH-1Z possible for spot refuel/arming (not typically parked long-term)

Surface Connectors

1 × LCAC
1 × LCU or additional vehicle stowage (mission dependent)

Ground Vehicles

Majority of BLT Motor Pool:
- ACVs / AAVs
- JLTVs / HMMWVs
- MTVR 7-tons
- LVS/LVSR
- Artillery (M777 battery) depending on load plan
Cargo holds + vehicle decks contain a significant portion of MEU logistics

USS Pearl Harbor (LSD-52)

Ship Purpose

Launches and recovers LCACs, LCUs, and amphibious vehicles via its large well deck.
Provides heavy surface-lift capacity to deliver significant combat power and logistics ashore.
Strengthens the ARG’s ability to conduct multi-axis landings and sustain follow-on operations.

Embarked Complement

Aviation (Minimal)

Flight deck supports helo ops only (no permanent aircraft)
Spots for CH-53E, MV-22B, or UH-1Y/AH-1Z refuel/landings

Surface Connectors (Primary Mission)

2 × LCAC or 1 × LCAC + 1 × LCU
Full AAV/ACV platoon capacity
Heavy vehicles staged for launch

Ground Vehicles

Primary staging for heavy lift and assault vehicles:
- ACVs/AAVs (large complement)
- LAV-25s (if attached)
- Additional JLTVs/HMMWVs
- Bulk logistics cargo
Functions as the main surface-connector and vehicle launch platform

Page updated

Report abuse