On Thursday, May 24, 2018, the Center for Adaptation and Innovation (CAI) hosted the 31^st Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) and the WASP Amphibious Ready Group as part of its Returning Commander Speaker Series. The 31^st MEU BHR ARG/31^st MEU was deployed from 6 June through 12 September 2017, and the WASP ARG/31^st MEU was deployed from 19 March through 23 April 2018. Captain Ed Thompson was the Commodore of PHIBRON 11 and Colonel Tye R. Wallace was the commanding officer of the 31^st MEU.

The 31^st MEU participated in multiple high level exercises. They took part in Sea Dragon 2025, which is the big picture vision for the Marine Corps that focuses on a variety of equipment enhancements as well as command structure changes. The 31^st MEU also participated in Talisman Saber ’17 where they participated in combined joint amphibious landings and certification of AUS amphibious ships. The 31^st MEU was the inaugural deployment of the first operational F-35B. The F-35B provides the MEU capability to operate in a high threat environment. During Operation Ssang Yong ’18 the MEU established and executed fully operational F-35 capable FARP. 

Photo by Lance Corporal Amy Phan