Marine Expeditionary Unit Key in Recent Combat vs. IS

The 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit played  a major role in recent strikes against Islamic State targets​ in Iraq and Syria.Particularly impressive was the air combat element provided by the F-35B Lightning II Joint Strike Fighters of Fighter Attack Squadron (VFMA) 211, the Avengers. Their effort was characterised by 13th MEU Commander COL Candler Nelms as being:
A considerable portion of the ordnance that was dropped in theatre... They were active and did very well... But there's no breaking point with these guys;they just crushed it.*
The Avengers were flying off the amphibious assault ship USS Essex (LHD 2) as part of the Essex Amphibious Ready Group (ARG). The ARG's deployment has taken it to the Indo-Pacific and into the Middle East, with the Avengers flying their first combat missions in close air support in Afghanistan in September 2018.
They then moved on to missions in Syria and Iraq, providing close air support and defensive counter air as a precaution, what with Russian aircraft being active in Syria.There were no incidents with the Russians.
The Avengers flew twice the amount of flight hours a Harrier squadron could have, according to COL Nelms.*
Other MEU assets used included the CH-53E Super Stallion heavy-lift helicopter for airlift in Iraq, and a battery of M777 howitzers deployed to Syria.*
COL Nelms explained that:
When combined with inherent capabilities of the 13th MEU and Essex ARG, the F-35B strengthens the amphibious force through new and increased multi-mission capabilities, making our team a more lethal and survivable crisis response force.*
The ARG, for its part,consists of:
Amphibious transport dock USS Anchorage (LPD 23);
And Amphibious dock landing ship USS Rushmore (LSD 47);
in addition, the Blackjacks of Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron 21;
Detachments from Assault Craft Unit 5;
Naval Beach Group 1;
Beachmaster Unit 1;
Fleet Surgical Team 3;
Tactical Air Control Squadron 11 and other assets.*
Within the MEU are the command element; aviation combat element; ground combat element; and logistics combat element.*
Operation Inherent Resolve continues as the Syrian Democratic Forces destroy the last IS urban stronghold in Baghouz, Syria, backed by Coalition partners.