Which of the following is a component of an Expeditionary Strike Group (ESG)?

• A. Air wing
• B. Frigate (FFG)
• C. Patrol craft (PC)
• D. Amphibious ships (LHA/LHD, LPD, LSD)

Answer: (D)

An Expeditionary Strike Group centers on power projection from the sea using ships with the primary capability to land forces and support them ashore. The defining component is the set of amphibious ships: amphibious assault ships with flight decks and well decks (LHA/LHD), which carry Marine aircraft and equipment; amphibious transport ships (LPD) that carry Marines and landing craft; and dock landing ships (LSD) that provide additional well decks and vehicles. Together, these ships form the backbone for launching and supporting an assault from the sea, making them the essential element of an ESG.

Air assets are important, but the air component in an ESG is provided by aircraft embarked on those amphibious ships rather than by a separate, standalone air wing. Frigates and patrol crafts are smaller escort vessels and do not define the ESG’s primary capability, which is the ship-to-shore insertion and sustainment provided by amphibious ships.