Multinational Peacekeeping Force
From 10 May 1983 to 8 December 1983, Iwo Jima operated off the Lebanon coast as part of Mediterranean Amphibious Ready Group 2-83 (Marg 2-83). The ships hosted the 24th Marine Amphibious Unit (24th MAU), the main body of which disembarked on 29 May to take position in and around Beirut International Airport, relieving the 22nd MAU as the principal US component of the Multinational Force in Lebanon. On 23 October 1983, an attack on the Marine's barracks caused the death of 241 US servicemen and wounded a further 60. The ship's commanding officer at the time was Arden W. Jones, CAPT USN. During the deployment, it served as the flagship for COMPHIBRON EIGHT, with Morgan France, CAPT USN serving as squadron commander.
Read more about this topic: USS Iwo Jima (LPH-2)
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“Like a kick in the butt, the force of events wakes slumberous talents.”
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