U.S. NAVAL STATION ROTA, Spain -- Marines and Sailors from the 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit aboard the USS New York conducted final wash down operations in Rota, Spain Nov. 11-14, 2012, to prepare for their voyage home after an eight-month deployment in the U.S. European and Central Command theaters of operation.
During a recent port visit in Rota the Marines embarked on USS New York washed and scrubbed vehicles, gear and containers at the pier while American customs and agricultural inspection officials examined each piece of equipment to ensure it was fit to return to the United States. The inspection is a normal, scheduled part of any deployment.
The 24th MEU is deployed with the Iwo Jima Amphibious Ready Group and is currently in the 6th Fleet Area of Responsibility as a disaster relief and crisis response force. Since deploying in March, they have supported a variety of missions in the U.S. Central and European Commands, assisted the Navy in safeguarding sea lanes, and conducted various bilateral and unilateral training events in several countries in the Middle East and Africa. They are scheduled to return before the end of the year.