Defense Secretary to Visit MEU Marines and Sailors on Base Friday

Defense Secretary Leon E. Panetta will visit Camp Pendleton Friday to board the USS Peleliu, the pentagon announced today. He will reach the vessel by hovercraft and will visit sailors and Marines of the 15^th Marine Expeditionary Unit aboard the ship.

Pentagon Press Secretary said in a statement such ships are an important part of the Navy’s strategic guidance and budget proposals.

“The department will continue to prioritize big deck amphibious assault ships such as the Peleliu because of the flexibility they provide commanders to move Marines and supplies ashore,” Little said.

The Peleliu has provided critical support to U.S. Central Command and to Operation Enduring Freedom in Afghanistan, he said.

“In November 2001, the Peleliu conducted the deepest insertion of ground forces in Marine Corps history to launch the first Marines into Afghanistan,” Little said. “On its most recent deployment, in August 2010, the Peleliu provided relief to victims of flooding in Pakistan.”

Panetta will speak to service members during “all-hands call” and will observe aircraft operations, the press secretary said. The secretary also will visit the medical bay and have lunch with junior enlisted sailors and Marines.

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