USS Iwo Jima Helos Assist with Departures from Lebanon

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..

USS IWO JIMA, At Sea - Beirut, Lebanon - Aviation Boatswain's Mate Handler 3rd Class Gavin J. Anderson assigned to the multi-purpose amphibious assault ship USS Iwo Jima (LHD 7), recovers a CH-53E Sea Stallion helicopter assigned to Marine Medium Helicopter Squadron Three Six Five (HMM-365). The Iwo Jima Expeditionary Strike Group (ESG) is currently assisting in the departure of U.S. citizens from Lebanon. Official U.S. Navy Photo by Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Joshua T. Rodriguez.

NEWSBYTES
USS Iwo Jima Helos Assist with Departures from Lebanon
ABOARD USS IWO JIMA, At Sea (CUSNC) -- 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.

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