NORFOLK, Virginia — June 06, 2026 : The U.S. Navy's Wasp-class amphibious assault ship USS Iwo Jima (LHD 7) returned to Naval Station Norfolk on June 6, concluding a 296-day deployment in the Caribbean region.
The ship served as the flagship of the Iwo Jima Amphibious Ready Group (ARG) and returned with approximately 4,500 Sailors and Marines assigned to the ARG and the embarked 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) – Special Operations Capable (SOC).
USS Iwo Jima departed Norfolk in August 2025 alongside USS San Antonio (LPD 17) and USS Fort Lauderdale (LPD 28). Although originally scheduled to operate in the U.S. 5th and 6th Fleet areas, the group was redirected to the Caribbean following a request from U.S. Southern Command to support regional security operations.
The deployment primarily supported Operation Southern Spear, focusing on maritime interdiction and counter-narcotics operations. During the nearly ten-month deployment, the group conducted several key missions across the region.
In late October and early November 2025, the ARG shifted to humanitarian assistance and disaster relief operations following Hurricane Melissa in Jamaica. Working with Joint Task Force Bravo and local defense forces, personnel delivered more than 780,000 pounds of essential supplies to affected communities.
The deployment also included embassy reinforcement missions, with Marines providing additional security support to U.S. embassies in Port-au-Prince, Haiti, and Caracas, Venezuela during periods of regional instability.
Additionally, the ARG participated in Operation Absolute Resolve, conducting joint activities with special operations forces and carrying out casualty evacuation rehearsals and other readiness exercises.
According to the Navy, the group completed approximately 6,200 sorties, accumulated 1,850 flight hours, and traveled a combined 130,573 nautical miles during the deployment.
The deployment was also marked by the loss of Marine Lance Cpl. Chukwuemeka Oforah, who went overboard from USS Iwo Jima in February 2026. Following a multi-day search by U.S. Navy and Coast Guard assets, he was later presumed deceased.
During routine operations, the ship conducted port visits to St. Croix, St. Thomas, and Ponce, Puerto Rico, where Sailors and Marines participated in community service activities, including beach cleanups and local outreach programs.
Family members gathered at Naval Station Norfolk on Saturday to welcome the crew home, marking the end of one of the ship's most extensive recent deployments in support of U.S. Southern Command operations.
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