The USS Bataan, USS Carter Hall and the USS Mesa Verde and their Marines left the Mediterranean early Wednesday, bound for Norfolk, the Navy confirmed.

The 4,000 sailors and Marines of the Amphibious Ready Group was most recently stationed off the coast of Israel. The Navy has had a heightened presence in the area since war broke out in Gaza in October.

"Throughout our time in the U.S. Fifth and U.S. Sixth Fleet regions, the Sailors and Marines of the Bataan ARG and 26th MEU …showcased the unique capabilities that we bring as a response force to our allies and partners," said Capt. Martin Robertson, commodore of Amphibious Squadron 8. "Our presence in the Eastern Mediterranean was exactly what our nation needed: an integrated Navy and Marine Corps force ready to respond when called upon."

Before arriving in the eastern Mediterranean in December, the ships carrying the 26th Marines Expeditionary Unit (MEU) from Camp LeJeune were positioned around the Red Sea.

The Navy has fended off numerous attacks as the U.S. tries to keep commercial shipping open in the region, after repeated attacks from Houthi rebels based in Yemen. 

The USS Bataan left Norfolk July 10 and its deployment was extended at least once. The Norfolk-based carrier USS Eisenhower remains in the region.

The Navy faces its longest engagement since World War II, as it defends its own ships and commercial vessels against drones and anti-ship missiles. Much of the Navy response has fallen on troops and ships based around Norfolk. The carrier USS Gerald Ford arrived home in January after an extended deployment.

  

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