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TO THE SHORES OF TRIPOLI (LEBANON)
By Maj P
Ok, well, maybe they’re not evacuating people out of Tripoli, but I couldn’t resist.
I found several press releases on the Marine Corps website concerning the NEO underway in Lebanon, and I commend them to your attention. As important a capability as the NEO is, it’s only one of many at the disposal of the very powerful Expeditionary Strike Group (ESG).
A quick timeline:
1. 18 July: The Iwo Jima ESG is ordered to evac AmCits from Lebanon. Of note, CH-53E Super Stallions from the 24th MEU (SOC) have already been flying people out to Cyprus. Note also HSV-2 has joined the group for this operation.
2. 19 July: Evacuation by helo continues as ships converge; USS Nashville arrives on station off Cyprus.
3. 20 July: Over 300 AmCits are out, many more scheduled to be evacuated soon. Two destroyers escort the chartered vessels, the rest of the ESG is expected in 24 hours.
4. 21 July: 2100 AmCits have been evac’d to Cyprus, 4000 more expected in the next 24 hours. With all ships of the ESG on station, they can lift 7000 in one trip.
Ok, what can we make of all this? First, that the MEU (SOC) and ESG programs are alive and well, and as important as ever, even these days when Iraq is the focus of effort. The forward-deployed maritime forces are like a handgun… you might not need them, but when you do, you REALLY need them and nothing else will do.
Second, if the ships are not on station, it might take them a day or two to get there, in which time the operation might look like it’s not going anywhere but it really is. While the ESG was leaving Jordan, the Nashville sortied early, and it is clear that the CH-53E det did another of its customary long-haul flights to be in position to start the evacuation. One of those releases noted the presence of some military personnel already on the deck in Beirut; some of those would be what we used to call the “FCE,” or forward command element, which always tried to get in to the embassy early to be in place should an evacuation actually happen. Wheels were turning.
Third, this ain’t easy. We see great pictures of Marines and sailors helping people on to helos and LCUs, but behind that is an enormous complex operation. Who goes out? In what order? Who says who goes out? What happens if someone tries to interfere? What are the rules of engagement? How do you care for a couple thousand scared, confused, upset, hungry, tired, sick, dehydrated people aboard ships that are already packed to the gills? I’m here to tell you, it’s a thousand moving parts at work, and that it does work is a great testament to the Marines and sailors making it happen.
Finally, the ESG has the teeth to protect America’s interests even while it’s getting AmCits out of the way. The LCUs and helos that carry families out can carry grunts in; the 5-inch/54s on the destroyers aren’t there for rendering salutes. The NEO plan includes options for “non-permissive” environments as well. He who interferes does so at his peril.
(And BTW, *I* was in the 24th MEU (SOC) long ago, serving on the staff under the greatest assemblage of talent and leadership I have ever seen in one unit. I’m proud to see them carrying the flag into harm’s way again. Semper Fi, Marines: get the job done and come home safe.)
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Copy all, Enforcer-6. Did not intend a recruiting spot, just a little education for lay-people on the complexity and size of this op.
A good description of some non-USMC and joint NEOs can be found in the USSOCOM 15th Anniversary history, which I think is online in PDF format if you google it.
SF,
Maj P
It shows one more thing. Iran and Syria know we have the ESG there that can quickly turn from an evacuation role to an offensive roll to help defend Isreal from the Med side if they think about coming directly to the aid of Hezbolah. A handy show of force.
**in which time the operation might look like it’s not going anywhere but it really is.**
Here's the problem. To far too many Americans it looked like it took a while for us to respond. I know that's not true, I understand this stuff, but I am the minority. Too many Americans are used to seeing things get wrapped up in 60 minute episodes. They are too used to the *sound-bite*. Instant isn't fast enough. They are ignorant of how things really work and they can't be bothered to find out. Of course it doesn't stop them from criticizing. Maybe I'll just print this out and hand copies to people who say stupid stuff to me.
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You don't need to do a commercial for the USMC. Even us Army thugs grudgingly admit to your utility and, equally important, lethality. Ops in Iraq are instructive where a Marine Expeditionary Force works for an Army General with Army Guard and active Army Bdes and Bns working under USMC command. It's the future, it's effective and it's the most lethal team on earth.