A landing craft, air cushion (LCAC) embarked upon the USS Kearsarge (LHD 3) at sea Jan. 22, 2013. LCACs have the ability to traverse over water and land giving the 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) the ability to transport gear and troops between ship and shore. The MEU and Amphibious Squadron (PHIBRON) 4 are conducting PHIBRON-MEU Integration in preparation for their Composite Training Unit Exercise, the final phase of a six-month pre-deployment training program. The 26th MEU operates continuously across the globe, providing the president and unified combatant commanders with a forward-deployed, sea-based quick reaction force. The MEU is a Marine Air-Ground Task Force capable of conducting amphibious operations, crisis response and limited contingency operations.
