Amphibious assault ship USS Tarawa (LHA 1)
cuts through the Pacific Ocean while on deployment in support of
maritime security operations and the global war on terrorism.

The Tarawa Expeditionary Strike Group (ESG), made up of over 5,500 sailors and marines, is capable of conducting strike warfare and engaging enemy forces in the air, and on and beneath the sea’s surface. It is supported by various aircraft, including the CH-46 Sea Knight, CH-53 Sea Stallion, AH-1 Cobra, UH-1 Iroquois, SH-60 Seahawk and AV-8B Harrier.

On November 5, the San Diego element of the Tarawa ESG departed for a six-month deployment to the US 5th and 7th Fleet areas of operations. Units from San Diego include Amphibious Squadron 1, USS Tarawa (LHA 1), USS Cleveland (LPD 7), USS Germantown (LSD 42), 11th Marine Expeditionary Unit and elements of Naval Beach Group 1. Also joining the Tarawa ESG in Pearl Harbor are USS Port Royal (CG 73), USS Hopper (DDG 70) and USS Ingraham (FFG 61).

During a 2005 deployment, the Tarawa ESG conducted maritime security operations, participated in Exercise Bright Star and served as an afloat staging base in the North Arabian Gulf, training with the Iraqi Navy and guarding key Iraqi oil terminals.