II MEF Marines Deploy On Board USNS Trenton in the Mediterranean Sea 

KOPER, Slovenia — Approximately 50 U.S. Marines from II Marine Expeditionary Force (II MEF), based out of Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, embarked on Military Sealift Command Europe and Africa (MSCEURAF)/Commander Task Force 63 (CTF-63) expeditionary fast transport ship USNS Trenton (T-EPF 5) for a one-month deployment, Nov. 17, said 1st Lt. Jasmine Scott of II MEF. 
 
Their mission exercises II MEF’s ability to rapidly deploy Marines into the European theater aboard an expeditionary fast transport ship. This event is one way II MEF exercises its flexibility and commitment to the European theater, ability to embark on board non-standard platforms, and operate in a maritime environment filled with island chains and choke points. 
 
“This deployment is an example of the many opportunities II MEF Marines have to travel the world, experience different cultures, and train and build camaraderie with fellow service members from our partner nations,” said Maj. Joshua Ramirez. 
 
The majority of the Marine force comes from 8th Engineer Support Battalion, 2d Marine Logistics Group, and 8th Communication Battalion, II MEF Information Group. These two units are deploying combat engineering and communication specialists, respectively. This detachment of Marines will visit several Mediterranean Allies where they will train to improve their unit-level readiness and military-to-military cooperation. 
 
This agile force showcases the dynamic nature of U.S. military presence, while fostering our naval integration and exercise planning capabilities. II MEF deployed forces can scale up in size or composite with other naval, joint or allied forces. 
 
“We are very excited to have the II MEF aboard,” said Trenton’s Officer in Charge Cmdr. Timothy Rustico. “This deployment is a perfect way to demonstrate our ship’s unique transport capabilities and interoperability with the movement of Marines and their equipment.”                    
 
Trenton is on a scheduled deployment in the U.S. Naval Forces Europe-Africa (NAVEUR-NAVAF) area of operations, employed by U.S. Sixth Fleet to defend U.S., allied and partner interests.