They
have been on their most recent deployment since January 9, 2009....Jamie returned to San Diego (her port) the 1st of August. This
was her second
deployment to The Middle East since joining The United States Navy in June of
2006. She has also recently been awarded the very prestigious N.A.M. (Navy
Achievement Medal). Jamie's ship is part of the 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit
(13th MEU). Together with U.S. Navy forces, this team serves as the nation’s
forward deployed, quick-response team, capable of accomplishing numerous
missions around the globe. The MEU, directed by a single commander, is comprised of about 2,100 Marines and Sailors, embarked aboard three ships configured as an Amphibious Ready Group (ARG), which is commanded by an Amphibious Squadron (PHIBRON). The 13th MEU, working with a PHIBRON and a LHA/LSD naval vessel comprises one such Navy/Marine Corps team. They are one of the three West Coast based ARG/MEUs from Camp Pendleton and San Diego, Calif. These units are routinely rotated through the Western Pacific/Southwest Asia region for six months at a time. The MEU’s major elements are the Command Element (CE), the Ground Combat Element (GCE), the Aviation Combat Element (ACE), and the Logistics Element (CLB). The Ground Command Element is based on the infantry battalion and is called the battalion landing team. It is reinforced with an artillery battery, amphibious assault vehicle platoon, combat engineer platoon, light armored reconnaissance company, an M1A1 Main Battle Tank platoon and a reconnaissance platoon. For more information about Jamie's fleet or to follow her fleet you can go to http://13thmeu.blogspot.com/ . Jamie may also be emailed directly @ hopkinsjm@lsd45.navy.mil or if anyone would like to send a written letter or care package please do so to :
EN3 Hopkins, Jamie
USS Comstock Lsd 45
M Division Engineering
FPO AP 96662-1733