GULF OF ADEN – Sailors and Marines from Ohio spell out the state’s name on the flight deck of amphibious assault ship USS Makin Island (LHD 8) to show support for the Ohio State Buckeyes this week. The Makin Island Amphibious Ready Group (ARG) and the embarked 11th Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) are deployed in support of maritime security operations and theater security cooperation efforts in the U.S. 5th Fleet area of responsibility.
The Marine Corps plays a major role as the first force on the ground in most conflicts. Today, 195,848 Marines are stationed around the world at all times, ready to deploy quickly whenever and wherever needed.
“Why Being There Matters” was adopted by the Navy because on our planet, more than 70 percent of which is covered by water, being there means having the ability to act from the sea. The Navy is uniquely positioned to be there; the world’s oceans give the Navy the power to protect America’s interests anywhere, and at any time.
Our Navy protects and defends America on the world’s oceans. Navy ships, submarines, aircraft and, most importantly, tens of thousands of America’s young men and women are deployed around the world doing just that. They are there now. They will be there when we are sleeping tonight. They will be there every Saturday, Sunday and holiday this year. They are there around the clock, far from our shores, defending America at all times.
