Marines and sailors of the 26th Marine Expeditionary

Marines and sailors of the 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) and sailors of the USS Wasp (LHD-1) board a Landing Craft Utility from Queens, N.Y. to the USS Wasp after conducting disaster relief operations, Nov. 9, 2012. The 26th MEU is able to provide generators, fuel, clean water, and helicopter lift capabilities to aid in disaster relief efforts. The 26th MEU is currently conducting pre-deployment training, preparing for their departure in 2013. As an expeditionary force operating from the sea the MEU is a Marine Air-Ground Task Force capable of conducting amphibious operations, crisis response, and limited contingency operations.