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USS Iwo Jima Sailors Provide Departure Assistance

Navy NewsStand

Story Number: NNS060726-06
Release Date: 7/26/2006 12:41:00 PM

By Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class (SW) Mike Jones, USS Iwo Jima Public Affairs

USS IWO JIMA, At Sea (NNS) -- Fifty Sailors and Marines from USS Iwo Jima (LHD 7) and the 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit (Special Operations Capable) (MEU (SOC)) returned to the multipurpose, amphibious assault ship July 25, after providing much-needed assistance to nearly 2,000 American citizens aboard USS Trenton (LPD 14).

The all-volunteer group from the Norfolk, Va.-based ship arrived aboard Trenton July 23 and immediately began assisting with the comfort and needs of the large group gathered aboard. This included setting up cots and tents, delivering water and taking care of the citizens’ needs while moving around the ship. With the help of the volunteer team, Trenton safely transferred the departing citizens from Beirut, Lebanon, to Mersin, Turkey.

“This team tackled this challenge head-on,” said Cryptologic Technician (Communications) 1st Class (SW) Charles Overwise. “Every Sailor and Marine was very motivated and they all wanted to provide this assistance.”

“I am very proud to have been part of this huge effort,” said Interior Communications Electrician 1st Class (SW) Cassius Johnson. “This team worked very hard, and the payoff was hearing ‘thank you’ from so many people,” the Elizabeth City, N.C., native added.

“It was a great experience to actually do something that directly and immediately affected so many people’s lives,” remarked Hospitalman Recruit Edward Nelson, from Millington, Tenn.

Under the direction of Commander, Task Force 59, Marine Brig. Gen. Carl Jensen, naval assets have been transporting American citizens from Lebanon to Cyprus and Turkey. CH-53 helicopters from the 24th MEU (SOC) and U.S. Air Force MH-53 helicopters have flown several flights a day since July 16.

Additional ships involved with the departure of American citizens include USS Nashville (LPD 13), USS Gonzales (DDG 66), USS Barry (DDG 52), USS Whidbey Island (LSD 41) USS Mount Whitney (LCC 20) and USS Trenton (LPD 14) and USNS Big Horn (T-AO 198).

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 areas of responsibility.

LHD 7 is currently serving as the flagship for the Iwo Jima Expeditionary Strike Group (ESG), which includes Nashville, Whidbey Island, USS Philippine Sea (CG 58), USS Bulkeley (DDG 84), USS Cole (DDG 67) And USS Albuquerque (SSN 706).

Additionally, the Iwo Jima ESG includes the MEU (SOC) as well as various supporting elements from Assault Craft Unit 4, Beachmaster Unit 2 and Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron (HSC) 26.

For related news, visit the Commander, U.S. Naval Forces Central Command/Commander, U.S. 5th Fleet Navy NewsStand page at www.news.navy.mil/local/cusnc/.