Stars and Stripes
April 1, 2022

New US Navy and Marine task force gives military a boost in the Mediterranean

A recently formed U.S. 6th Fleet task force is putting into action a new Marine Corps concept that calls for small “stand-in forces” to play key roles in carrying out reconnaissance missions at sea, military officials said Friday.

In mid-March, the Naples, Italy-based command stood up Task Force 61/2, a naval amphibious unit consisting of Marines and sailors from the II Marine Expeditionary Force.

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The task force “embodies the traditional relationship between the Marine Corps and Navy” and puts “credible, combat-ready forces” at the disposal of NATO allies and partners….

It brings together an array of forces that are testing out the Corps’ push to reemphasize the classic amphibious role of Marines, but in a high-tech era.

Marine Corps Commandant Gen. David Berger unveiled his concept of “stand-in forces” in December, saying the strategy centers on deployment of small, mobile forces that can operate undetected in contested areas.

“If armed conflict does erupt, the joint force can attack effectively first and prevent the enemy from doing so,” the strategy document stated.

The forces will “conduct sea denial operations in support of fleet operations, especially near maritime chokepoints,” according to the document.