USS Portland conducts flight ops in Pacific Ocean

U.S. Navy Aviation Boatswain’s Mate (Handling) 3rd Class Savannah Edwards, assigned to San Antonio-class amphibious transport dock ship USS Portland (LPD 27), lands a CH-53E Super Stallion assigned to Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron (VMM) 163 (Reinforced), 11th Marine Expeditionary Unit, during flight operations in the Pacific Ocean, April 10, 2026. The 11th MEU, embarked aboard the Boxer Amphibious Ready Group, is a persistent, combat credible force contributing to deterrence and crisis response in the U.S. 7th Fleet area of operations. U.S. 7th Fleet, the U.S. Navy’s largest forward-deployed numbered fleet, routinely interacts and operates with allies and partners to preserve a free and open Indo-Pacific. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Luke Rodriguez)