American Roll-On Roll-Off Carrier (ARC) transported twelve V-22 Ospreys from the Marine Aircraft Group (MAG)-24 onboard M/V Endurance from Darwin, Australia to Pearl Harbor, Hawaii. The MAG-24 was redeploying after their six-month rotation supporting the Marine Rotational Force Darwin (MRF-D).
The April-October rotation deployed to train with Australian Forces to enhance interoperability and regional security, as well as demonstrate the enduring strength of the U.S.-Australia alliance. The movement included more than 250 pieces of equipment including V-22 Ospreys, AH-12 Super Cobras, and UH-1Y Huey Helicopters.
Ameed Micko, ARC’s Vice President Defense Sales & Program Management, coordinated with Marco Arboleda of the Military Surface Deployment Distribution Command (SDDC) 599th Transportation Brigade and representatives from the MAG-24, and all agreed that the download efficiency was due in large part to the superior level of communication and advance preparation between all parties.
The M/V Endurance is one of the largest, most capable commercial vessels in the global fleet with a 320-metric ton stern ramp, a main deck height of 20 feet (6.25 meters), and 262,252 square feet of militarily useful capacity. Endurance is one of five ARC vessels certified to carry V-22s as well as CH-47s in sealift configuration.