Marines in Kuwait

This bare bones press release from the US 5th Fleet (in the Persian Gulf / Arabian Sea) makes me cock my head like a curious dog: what’s that noise I hear? Is it a barkable noise?

Kuwait – The USS Bonhomme Richard (LHD 6)(BHR) offloaded the 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) here May 25-28.

The four-day offload included the departure of more than 2,200 Sailors and Marines from BHR, USS Denver (LPD 9) and USS Rushmore (LSD 47). The offload also included 300,000 pounds of equipment and heavy artillery and the MEU’s Aviation Combat Element.

Offload is a peculiar word. It implies this getting 2,200 fighting troops ashore was not just an exercise, after which they are coming back. On the other hand they were not “disembarked,” as though to some other destination. Maybe they are all repairing and painting schools in Kuwait and the 300,000 pounds of equipment is paint, ladders and tarps, but somehow I don’t think so.

What are these offloaded marines going to be doing, for how long, after they have trained so hard?

“The Marines have used every second of their time and every inch of this ship to prepare for this moment,” said Martin. “I am more than confident that their time ashore will be productive and successful. We look forward to the onload when their mission is completed, but for now the strike group will carry out our maritime operations mission in support of the theater commander.”

Curious minds want to know….