This was my ship while I was deployed across the Atlantic Ocean and into the Mediterranean on my way to Beirut, Lebanon in 1982 for over 6 months as a U.S. Marine. This tour changed me for the better!! While deployed to the Mediterranean in May, 1982, GUAM was sent to the coast of Lebanon to prepare for possible evacuation operations or intervention in the war raging between the Israelis and opposing Palestinian and Syrian forces. GUAM participated in the evacuation of of over 600 Lebanese , Americans and third country nationals from Juniyah, Lebanon, a city north of Beirut. GUAM received the Navy Unit Commendation and the Humanitarian Service Medal for her efforts. In August, GUAM landed Marines in Beirut as part of a multi-national peace keeping force which included the French and Italians. GUAM then participated in the evacuation of Palestine Liberation Organization guerrillas from Beirut. GUAM departed Lebanon after order seemed restored only to return in September, 1982, to re-deploy Marines. GUAM later departed the Mediterranean and arrived home in Norfolk on Thanksgiving Day.
Posted on: Fri, 26 Sep 2014 00:38:53 +0000