Operation Silver Wake

During Operation Silver Wake in March 1997 Marines from the 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit (Special Operations Capable) performed a Non-combatant Evacuation Operation (NEO) to ensure the safety of American citizens and designated third country nationals. The Marines were part of the USS Nassau (LHA 4) Amphibious Readiness Group. The forces involved initially were the three ships in the Amphibious Ready Group, with just under 2,000 sailors on board, and just over 2,000 Marines. During Operation SILVER WAKE nearly 900 citizens from the United States and other countries were evacuated by the US task force. A contingent of approximately 100 US Marines remained in Tirana, Albania, to provide security for the American Embassy and housing compound there until appropriate security arrangements were reestablished in country.