USS Makin Island ARG/15th MEU arrives off Somali Coast

201218-M-UY835-1052 INDIAN OCEAN (Dec. 18, 2020) – U.S. Marine Corps F-35B Lightning IIs with Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 164 (Reinforced), 15th Marine Expeditionary Unit prepare to land on the flight deck of the amphibious assault ship USS Makin Island (LHD 8). The F-35Bs provide close air support to Operation OCTAVE QUARTZ. The mission of OOQ is to reposition U.S. DOD forces in Somalia to other East Africa operating locations while maintaining pressure on violent extremists and supporting partner forces.

By Cpl. Patrick Crosley , Joint Task Force-Quartz Indian Ocean Dec 22, 2020

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USS Makin Island ARG/15th MEU arrives off Somali Coast