The Source for Navy News
Rota Marines Deploy to Liberia
Story Number: NNS030709-13
Release Date: 7/9/2003 11:19:00 AM
By Chief Journalist (SW) Dan Smithyman, Naval Station Rota Public Affairs
ROTA, Spain (NNS) -- The U.S. European Command (EUCOM) sent a 31-member team to Monrovia, the capital city of Liberia, July 7 to assess the humanitarian needs in the embattled country.
Fifteen Marines from Naval Station Rota’s Marine Security Force Company - Europe’s fleet anti-terrorism security team (FAST) - is providing protection for a group of subject-matter experts comprising a humanitarian assistance team (HAST). Civil engineers, doctors, logisticians, and civil and public affairs personnel mostly from U.S. Naval Forces Europe in London joined additional personnel from EUCOM in forming the HAST.
The two teams gathered at Naval Station Rota where they left on an Air Force C-130 Hercules cargo plane at about 1 a.m.
The Liberian president, Charles Taylor, has been indicted on war crimes and has accepted temporary asylum from West African-neighbor Nigeria. Taylor is said to be responsible for the desperate state of the country and its people.
The United States is considering deploying a force that would help lead troops from other West African nations in peacekeeping and humanitarian efforts. Bush has called on Taylor to step down, saying his ouster is necessary for peace in the region.
It is unknown when the HAST will report back to EUCOM with their findings.
For related news, visit the Naval Station Rota, Spain Navy NewsStand page at www.news.navy.mil/local/rota.
E-mail this story to a friend | Send a comment about this story
Iwo Jima Inserts Marines into Liberia - 8/15/2003
American Troops Set to Assist West African Force in Liberia - 8/14/2003
More Marines Sent to Augment Embassy Security in Liberia - 7/22/2003
USS Kearsarge Joins Operation Shining Express - 6/13/2003
|
All Any Exact |
|
