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

201219-N-LR905-1556 INDIAN OCEAN (Dec. 19, 2020) – A U.S. Marine Corps F-35B Lightning II, assigned to Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron (Reinforced) 164, 15th Marine Expeditionary Unit, lands aboard the amphibious assault ship USS Makin Island (LHD 8). Makin Island, flagship of the Amphibious Ready Group, along with the 15th MEU conduct operations under Joint Task Force – Quartz in support of 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 Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Jacob D. Bergh , Joint Task Force - Quartz Indian Ocean Dec 22, 2020

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