USS Iwo Jima ordered to waters off Lebanon

[tocqueville]

9 minutes ago

WASHINGTON (AFP) - Five amphibious warships led by the USS Iwo Jima helicopter carrier have been ordered to waters off Lebanon with 2,200 marines to assist in the evacuation of US nationals, the US Navy said.

"US 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 navy said.

The ships, which were in the Red Sea for exercises, were expected to be in position "later this week," the navy said in a statement.

Besides the Iwo Jima, the group includes the USS Nashville and the USS Whidbey Island. They have been joined by the USS Trenton and High Speed Vessel Swift 2.

About 2,200 marines are aboard the vessels, including a marine battalion and an augmented medium helicopter squadron.

http://news.yahoo.com/s/afp/20060718/pl_afp/mideastconflictus;_ylt=ArzJsOXf2taVq9nqX1FJQacHcggF;_ylu=X3oDMTBjMHVqMTQ4BHNlYwN5bnN1YmNhdA--

[leftchick]

1. provocative

isn't it? I am sure this has nothing to do with US citizen's safety.

[Kagemusha]

3. Are you kidding?... 2,200 Marines aren't exactly IDF army units.

They can't conquer Lebanon with a force like that. You are sure this has nothing to do with the safety of US citizens? If they don't have Marines for the purpose, what else are they going to use? 2,200 isn't enough to attack Syria over Lebanese soil or some crazy thing like that. But it is enough for protecting a seaport from Lebanese attack.

Now, from Israeli attack is another story completely...

[Turbineguy]

2. Iwo Jima

is a good vessel for evac.

but the "Swift 2"? Are they going to swiftboat anybody?