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By Mass Communication Specialist (SW) Mike Jones, USS Iwo Jima (LHD 7) Public Affairs Officer
ABOARD USS IWO JIMA, At Sea (July 22, 2006) - USS Iwo Jima (LHD 7)-based helicopters assigned to the Marine Medium Helicopter Squadron (HMM) 365 joined in the ongoing departure assistance efforts for American citizens in Lebanon, July 21.
Several CH-53 "Sea Stallion" and CH-46 helicopters from this multi-purpose, amphibious assault ship, safely transported 300 citizens out of Beirut. Additionally, the helicopters delivered approximately 4,200 pounds of Meals Ready to Eat (MREs) and 1,200 pounds of water for those citizens waiting to depart the country.
"The Sailors of USS Iwo Jima and the Marines of 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit Special Operations Capable (MEU(SOC)) continue to raise the bar with their performance," said Capt. Michael A. Walley, commanding officer of Iwo Jima. "Their continued hard work and dedication will help ensure this mission is a success."
"The Air Department performed flawlessly at launching, recovering and refueling these helicopters during today's evolution," remarked Chief Aviation Boatswain's Mate (Aircraft Handling) (AW) Josh Kramer, Iwo Jima's flight deck leading chief petty officer, a native of Kittanning, Pa. "I couldn't ask for a better team to tackle this evolution."
Under the direction of Commander, Task Force (CTF) 59, Marine Corps Brig. Gen. Carl Jensen, naval assets are transporting American citizens from Lebanon to Cyprus. CH-53 helicopters from the 24th MEU(SOC) have also been transporting citizens since July 16.
Other ships involved in the authorized departure include USS Nashville (LPD 13), USS Gonzalez (DDG 66), USS Barry (DDG 52), USS Whidbey Island (LSD 41) and USS Trenton (LPD 14) and USNS Big Horn (T-AO 198). Additionally embarked aboard Iwo Jima with the 24th MEU(SOC) are U.S. Navy supporting elements from Assault Craft Unit (ACU) 4, Beachmaster Unit (BMU) 2 and Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron (HSC) 26.
Iwo Jima left its homeport of Norfolk, Va., June 6, and began a regularly scheduled six-month deployment to the U.S. European Command and U.S. Central Command area of responsibilities.
| Date Taken: | 07.25.2006 |
| Date Posted: | 07.25.2006 11:25 |
| Story ID: | 7294 |
| Location: | ABOARD USS IWO JIMA, USAFRICOM, AT SEA |
| Web Views: | 415 |
| Downloads: | 357 |
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