Amphibious Task Force East Deploys on Short Notice

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Official U.S. Navy file photo of Lance Cpl. Jason Bolton and Lance Cpl. Jarret Vaden simulating the firing of a M-60 machine gun. Both Marines are assigned to the 2nd Marine Expeditionary Brigade embarked aboard USS Kearsarge (LHD 3) to support Operation Enduring Freedom and the war on terrorism.

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Amphibious Task Force East Deploys on Short Notice
Story Number: NNS030124-19
Release Date: 1/24/2003 4:02:00 PM

From Amphibious Task Force East Public Affairs

NORFOLK, Va. (NNS) -- Seven ships homeported in Norfolk, Va., recently departed on short notice for possible service in the Central Command area of operations in support of the global war on terrorism.

Dubbed Amphibious Task Force (ATF) East, the seven amphibious ships carry more than 4,750 Sailors and 7,000 Marines from the 2nd Marine Expeditionary Brigade (MEB). ATF East is commanded by Rear Adm. Michael P. Nowakowski, and the 2nd MEB is led by Brig. Gen. Richard F. Natonski.

The seven ships comprising ATF East are flagship USS Kearsarge (LHD 3), USS Bataan (LHD 5), USS Saipan (LHA 2), USS Ponce (LPD 15), USS Gunston Hall (LSD 44), USS Ashland (LSD 48) and USS Portland (LSD 37).

The combined assets of ATF East comprise an amphibious capability not seen since the Gulf War in 1991.

For related news, visit the Navy NewsStand Web site at www.news.navy.mil.

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