in an office two blocks from the U.S. Embassy. The Marines had to escort them through fierce firefights between the rival factions. Once all evacuees were safely aboard, the ships steamed back to the North Arabian Sea to rejoin DESERT SHIELD. Marines and sailors have been perfect- ing non-combatant evacuation operations for many years. Since 1980, naval forces have responded to more than 50 international and regional crises. The capability to mount such operations - even while simultaneously re- sponding to a major crisis elsewhere - is vital to protecting American interests and citizens around the globe. -9-
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