SASEBO, Japan - USS Peleliu (LHA 5) departed Sasebo Aug. 29 to lead the Amphibious Ready Group (ARG) on patrol in the U.S. 7th Fleet area of responsibility.

The Peleliu ARG will be comprised of the amphibious assault ship USS Peleliu (LHA 5), the amphibious dock landing ship USS Germantown (LSD 42) and the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU).

"Shipboard planning, training, rehearsals, and mission preparation occur under compressed timelines and require significant coordination between Marines and Sailors," said Capt. Paul C. Spedero, commanding officer of Peleliu. "Integration with the MEU and the Sailors aboard Peleliu will be one of the most important aspects of the exercises we will be a part of."

During the patrol, the ARG will participate in Amphibious Integration Training (AIT), a Certification Exercise (CERTEX), and military-to-military training with partners in the region.

“I am pleased and honored to have the opportunity to operate Peleliu ARG in 7th Fleet,” said Capt. Heidi Agle, commodore of Amphibious Squadron 11 (PHIBRON 11). “As we depart on this deployment I am reminded of our commitment to maintaining peace and stability in the region by providing a persistent presence with our maritime allies, partners and friends.”

The Peleliu ARG reports to Commander, Amphibious Force 7th Fleet, Rear Adm. Hugh Wetherald, headquartered in White Beach, Okinawa, Japan.