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Iwo Jima Inserts Marines into Liberia

Navy Newsstand

Story Number: NNS030818-04

Release Date: 8/18/2003 10:03:00 AM

By Chief Journalist (SW/AW) Bill Houlihan, USS Iwo Jima Public Affairs

ABOARD USS IWO JIMA (NNS) -- The USS Iwo Jima (LHD 7) Amphibious Ready Group (ARG), using air and surface assets, launched Marines assigned to the 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit (Special Operations Capable) into Liberia Aug. 14, with the mission of supporting peace-keeping efforts in the war-torn capital of Monrovia.

Marines from the 26th MEU (SOC) arrived at Roberts International Airport and sent teams to the nearby port, with the intent of providing support to Economic Community of West African States Military forces conducting peace support operations in Monrovia.

Nine helicopters lifted off the deck of Iwo Jima the morning of Aug. 14, carrying more than 200 Marines. After the Marine contingent arrived at the airport, Explosive Ordnance Disposal and Naval Special Warfare (SEAL) personnel began a survey of Monrovia's main port in anticipation of the arrival of U.N. humanitarian aid ships carrying food and supplies.

Back on Iwo Jima, contingency planning and preparation continued for follow-on contingencies. It was, according to Commander, Amphibious Squadron 6, Capt. David Taylor, a day made for the Amphibious Navy.

"It went off just as we'd planned it - another great day for the ARG/MEU. Our Sailors and Marines have made us all proud to be in the naval service."

Iwo Jima, USS Carter Hall (LSD 50) and USS Nashville (LPD 13) departed Norfolk and Little Creek, Va., respectively, March 4, and made best speed transits to the 5th Fleet/Arabian Gulf areas of operations, ordered to support Operations Iraqi/Enduring Freedom. All three ships launched 26 MEU forces into Northern Iraq during OIF.

Soon after backloading the 26th MEU from OIF, the Iwo ARG was ordered to the Arabian Gulf and then the Horn of Africa. When tensions in Liberia began to rise, the ARG was sent back through the Suez Canal, to 6th Fleet waters. Iwo Jima, Carter Hall and Nashville arrived off the coast of Liberia and steamed in formation three miles offshore, as former Liberian President Charles Taylor departed for Nigeria.

The ships are six months into an eight-month deployment, and Iwo Jima has already steamed more than 35,000 miles. Capt. John W. Snedeker Jr., Iwo's commanding officer, said his crew has continued to excel.

"From OIF to the Persian Gulf, and from Djibouti to Liberia, the crew of Iwo Jima has flexed to every challenge like true champions. Their fighting spirit and motivation has been phenomenal. I am extremely proud of each and every one of them."