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USS WASP (LHD 1)

STRAIT OF GIBRALTAR (June, 26, 2024) An AH-1Z Viper, left, assigned to the “Blue Knights” of Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron (VMM) 365 (Reinforced), and an MH-60S Sea Hawk, assigned to the “Dragon Whales” of Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron (HSC) 28, flies patrol as the amphibious assault ship USS Wasp (LHD 1) transits the Strait of Gibraltar, June 26, 2024. Wasp is conducting operations in the U.S. Naval Forces Europe area of operations as the flagship of the Wasp Amphibious Ready Group (WSP ARG)-24th Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) Special Operations Capable (SOC). The WSP ARG-24th MEU (SOC) supports high-end warfighting exercises while demonstrating speed and agility operating in a dynamic security environment. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Sydney Milligan)

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Photo by: Petty Officer 2nd Class Sydney M 

STRAIT OF GIBRALTAR – The Wasp-class amphibious assault ship USS Wasp (LHD 1) entered the Mediterranean Sea, June 26, 2024.

Wasp, on a scheduled deployment to the U.S. Naval Forces Europe-Africa (NAVEUR-NAVAF) area of operations, will support U.S., Allied and partner interests in the region, including in the Eastern Mediterranean Sea, to continue promoting regional stability and deterring aggression. The presence of an integrated Navy-Marine Corps team provides flexibility and enhanced capability to NAVEUR-NAVAF and U.S. 6th Fleet.

USS WASP and the embarked 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) will be joined by USS OAK HILL (LSD-51), which is currently in the Mediterranean Sea, and USS NEW YORK (LPD-21), which is currently operating in the Atlantic Ocean. Together, this constitutes the USS WASP ARG/MEU that deployed from the East Coast on June 1.

Headquartered in Naples, Italy, NAVEUR-NAVAF operates U.S. naval forces in the U.S. European Command and U.S. Africa Command areas of responsibility. U.S. 6th Fleet is permanently assigned to NAVEUR-NAVAF and employs maritime forces through the full spectrum of joint and naval operations.