PEARL HARBOR - U.S. Navy and Marine Corps expeditionary forces are scheduled to participate in exercise Culebra Koa (CK15) in the Hawaii Operating Area May 18-21, 2015.

CK15 is a U.S. Pacific Fleet training exercise designed to demonstrate and increase joint proficiency in expeditionary operations. The exercise will also serve as additional training for the USS Essex (LHD 2) Amphibious Ready Group (ARG) and 15th Marine Expeditionary Unit prior to deployment to the Western Pacific and Arabian Gulf.

U.S. Navy participants include: U.S. 3rd Fleet, Expeditionary Strike Group 3, Amphibious Squadron 3, Patrol and Reconnaissance Wing 2, Naval Beach Group 1, Coastal Riverine Group 1, USS Essex (LHD 2), USS Rushmore (LSD 47), USS Anchorage (LPD 23), USNS Montford Point (MLP 1), USNS Millinocket (JHSV 3), USNS Dahl (T-AKR 312), and Maritime Prepositioning Ships Squadron (MPSRON) 3.

U.S. Marine Corps participants include: U.S. Marine Corps Forces Pacific, I Marine Expeditionary Force, III Marine Expeditionary Force, and 15th Marine Expeditionary Unit, 3rd Marines.

Additional participants include: 25th Infantry Division and 8th Theater Sustainment Command from U.S. Army Pacific, U.S. Coast Guard District 13, and 20th Expeditionary Bomb Squadron, 506th Expeditionary Air Refueling Squadron and 25th Air Support Operations Squadron from Pacific Air Forces.

These units will employ the latest technologies and operational techniques to accomplish CK15 training objectives by demonstrating sea-based rapid build-up of combat power ashore using Maritime Prepositioning Force and Military Sealift Command assets.

Exercises like CK15 provide realistic, relevant training necessary for an effective global Navy and Marine Corps.