July 18, 2006
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Release #132
Iwo Jima ESG Directed to Assist Departure of American Citizens from Lebanon
MANAMA, Bahrain -- U.S. Sailors and Marines from the Iwo Jima Expeditionary Strike Group and the 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) have been directed to assist in the authorized departure of American citizens from Lebanon.
The U.S. Embassy in Lebanon has requested military assistance to help American citizens, who wish to depart Lebanon, to leave in a secure and orderly manner. Commander, Task Force 59, Brig. Gen. Carl Jensen, USMC, in Cyprus is directing military efforts to provide support to the Embassy.
The ESG and MEU are operating in the U.S. 5th Fleet area of operations and expect to be in place to provide assistance later this week. The Iwo Jima Strike Group includes the amphibious ships USS Iwo Jima (LHD 7), USS Nashville (LPD 13) and USS Whidbey Island (LSD 41). USS Trenton (LPD 14) and High Speed Vessel Swift (HSV 2) have also joined the strike group. The 24th MEU (special operations capable), commanded by Col. Ron Johnson, 24th MEU (SOC) is composed of its command element, 1st Battalion, 8th Marines; Marine Medium Helicopter Squadron 365 (Reinforced) and the MEU Service Support Group 24.
CH-53E helicopters from the 24th MEU operating from Cyprus have assisted 68 American citizens in departing Lebanon over the past two days. The helicopters continue those transportation flights today.
060510-N-6403-001 USS IWO JIMA, At Sea - Onboard USS Iwo Jima (LHD-7) an H-53 Sea Stallion from the Aviation Combat Element (ACE) flies off the flight deck. USS Iwo Jima is the flagship of the Iwo Jima Expeditionary Strike Group, which was recently directed to assist in the authorized departure of American citizens from Lebanon. The ESG is operating in the U.S. Navy's 5th Fleet area of operations and expects to be in place to provide assistance later in the week. Official U.S. Navy Photo by Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Joshua T. Rodriguez.
060715-N-6403R-006 USS IWO JIMA, At Sea - Onboard USS Iwo Jima (LHD-7) an H-53 Sea Stallion from the Aviation Combat Element (ACE) flies off the flight deck. USS Iwo Jima is the flagship of the Iwo Jima Expeditionary Strike Group, which was recently directed to assist in the authorized departure of American citizens from Lebanon. The ESG is operating in the U.S. Navy's 5th Fleet area of operations and expects to be in place to provide assistance later in the week. Official U.S. Navy Photo Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Joshua T. Rodriguez.
060108-N-4781D-001 FILE PHOTO - The Iwo Jima Expeditionary Strike Group (ESG) and the 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) have been directed to assist in the authorized departure of American citizens in Lebanon. The ESG and MEU are operating in the U.S. 5th Fleet area of operations and expect to be in place to provide assistance later this week. The Iwo Jima Strike Group includes the amphibious ships USS Iwo Jima (LHD 7), USS Nashville (LPD 13) and USS Whidbey Island (LSD 41). USS Trenton (LPD 14) and High Speed Vessel Swift (HSV 2) have also joined the strike group. The 24th MEU (special operations capable), commanded by Col. Ron Johnson, 24th MEU (SOC) is composed of its command element, 1st Battalion, 8th Marines; Marine Medium Helicopter Squadron 365 (Reinforced) and the MEU Service Support Group 24. Official U.S. Navy File Photo.
