US personnel stationed in Tripoli were evacuated from the city in the wake of the advance of Libyan National Army forces, led by Field Marshal Khalifa Belqasim Haftar, towards the Libyan capital. LNA forces started their push on April 5 and the UN-backed government says that 21 people have already been killed in fighting near the capital.
The US evacuation occurred on April 7th, according to a statement from US Africa Command (AFRICOM).The evacuated personnel were a contingent of US forces supporting the command whose mission in Libya involves military support to diplomatic missions and counter-terrorism activities.
Two Landing Craft Air Cushion (LCAC) 34 and 41 from the San Antonio Class amphibious transport dock USS ARLINGTON LPD 24 was spotted evacuating Americans from Palm City, at Janzur, Libya that is around 15 km from Tripoli this morning.
Upon completion the landing ship steamed up to Sicily where she headed to Augusta Navy Base entering Monday 8th April around 1900 hrs to disembark the evacuated personnel and equipment.
She was seen in Valletta from Sunday 13th January to Tuesday 15th January, 2019 as per below images –
Photos by Capt. Lawrence Dalli. Do not use these images without my permission. © All rights reserved. Malta Ship Photos & Action Photos – www.maltashipphotos.com
