US aircraft carrier arrives off Somalia coast to relocate 700 troops and gear

MOGADISHU, Somalia - A US aircraft carrier has finally docked at Somalia's coastline, days after the Department of Defense revealed about the plans to withdraw troops from the war-torn nation, just a month before the exit of President Donald Trump, who crushed in November polls.

The Makin Island Amphibious Ready Group and embarked 15th Marine Expeditionary Unit arrived off the coast of Somalia as part of the Joint Forces Maritime Component Command for Joint Task Force - Quartz, Dec. 21.

JTF-Q is responsible for the repositioning of U.S. forces within East Africa through Operation OCTAVE QUARTZ. The mission of OOQ is to relocate U.S. DOD forces in Somalia to other East Africa operating locations while maintaining pressure on violent extremists and supporting partner forces, US Africa Command noted.

"The arrival of the ARG/MEU and its significant combat capability demonstrates our resolve to support our partners and protect our forces through this transition," said U.S. Air Force Maj. Gen. Dagvin Anderson, JTF-Q commander. ''This is a great example of how the United States can rapidly aggregate combat power to respond to emerging issues. We will look to leverage this inherent flexibility of the U.S. military in support of our future engagements in East Africa."

Commanded by Amphibious Squadron Three, The Makin Island ARG is comprised of amphibious assault ship USS Makin Island [LHD 8] and amphibious transport dock ships USS San Diego [LPD 22] and USS Somerset [LPD 25] and will conduct maritime security operations with expeditionary sea base USS Hershel "Woody" Williams [ESB 4] for OOQ.

The 15th MEU provides sea-based forces capable of executing overland combat operations, amphibious long-range air-assaults, expeditionary strikes and joint aviation operations. The Makin Island ARG and 15th MEU, a naval integration force of nearly 5,000 Sailors and Marines, project expeditionary striking power in the maritime, littoral, and inland environment by conducting amphibious operations.

"Our Navy and Marine Corps forces afloat off the coast of East Africa represents a premier crisis response force in the region. Together, alongside the Hershel 'Woody' Williams, the JFMCC is postured to provide a full spectrum of combat and logistics capabilities in support of the JTF-Quartz mission," said JFMCC Commander U.S. Marine Corps Brig. Gen. Farrell Sullivan.

The 15th MEU consists of the Command Element; the Aviation Combat Element comprised of Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 164 (Reinforced); the Ground Combat Element comprised of Battalion Landing Team 1/4, and the Logistics Combat Element comprised of Combat Logistics Battalion 15.

Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 164 [Reinforced] is comprised of 11 detachments that are equipped with heavy and light helicopters, rotary-wing attack and utility support helicopters, fixed-wing 5th Generation Strike Fighter Aircraft, unmanned surveillance aircraft, low altitude air defense, expeditionary airfield equipment, and organizational and intermediate maintenance support capabilities.

The 15th MEU provides sea-based forces capable of executing overland combat operations, amphibious long-range air-assaults, expeditionary strikes, and joint aviation operations.

The US has close to 700 servicemen in Somalia whose main duty is to train and equip the Somali National Army [SNA] besides giving aerial surveillance during sophisticated operations in the country. There are a total of 8,000 US troops deployed across Africa according to the Department of Defense.

While the US withdrawal is aimed at cutting operational costs, several stakeholders in Somalia have opposed the move, which after all seems to be a reality. The troops carried 48 airstrikes this year alone, killing over 70 militants, mostly those holding high offices within the Al-Shabaab group.

GAROWE ONLINE