USS Kearsarge joins exercise in Baltic Sea
On 5 August 2022, the USS Kearsarge (LHD-3) arrived for a three-day port visit in Helsinki (Finland). The Kearsarge Amphibious Ready Group (ARG), with embarked 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU), will join the Finnish Navy in the upcoming exercises in the Northern Baltic Sea, which are scheduled to be held in the period 8-19 August 2022.
The aim of the exercise, held in the Anko area is to develop the cooperation and compatibility between the navies and marines of the US and Finland. Finland is also aiming to bolster its ability to provide host country support.
The USS Arlington (LPD-24), USS Gunston Hall (LSD-44), and several units from the USMC will also join the USS Kearsarge. Finland will involve troops and vessels from the Navy Command, Nyland Brigade, Coastal Brigade, and Coastal Fleet.
Elements of the 22nd MEU on board the USS Kearsarge are:
Except for the MH-60S Seahawk, all aircraft are marked VMM-263 (REIN) and coded EG-xx.
Photos by US Navy