USS Portland, 11th MEU conduct flight ops in Pacific Ocean in support of Super Typhoon Sinlanku response efforts

U.S. Navy Aviation Boatswain’s Mate (Handling) Airman Gregory Byias, assigned to San Antonio-class amphibious transport dock ship USS Portland (LPD 27), signals a CH-53E Super Stallion, assigned to Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron (VMM) 163 (Reinforced), 11th Marine Expeditionary Unit, in the Pacific Ocean, April 18, 2026. The 11th MEU, embarked aboard the Boxer Amphibious Ready Group, is providing vital defense support to civil authorities, contributing to crisis response and recovery efforts in the wake of Super Typhoon Sinlaku. In supporting FEMA and local governments, the 11th MEU fills critical capability gaps to enable restoration of essential services by civil authorities. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Luke Rodriguez)