Operation Guardian Retrieval

Operation Guardian Retrieval was conducted in response to the unstable situation in the Democratic Peoples Republic Of The Congo (formerly Zaire) in the period March-June 1997.

Following factional fighting in Rwanda and the successful gains by Tutsi rebels many Hutus fled in mass into Eastern Zaire. This large exodus resulted in massive refugee camps in Eastern Zaire creating regions of instability and increased tensions. Many non-government organizations (NGO) and private volunteer organizations (PVO) were working in these camps to ease the suffering of the refugees. Continued fighting between the various factions lead to the looting and pilfering of many villages in eastern Zaire endangering those US citizens working with the NGO/PVO. With the increasingly uncertain hostile environment preparations were made for the US Army Southern European Task Force (SETAF) to establish a Joint Task Force Headquarters for the evacuation of US citizens from Zaire.

In November 1996, Nassau (LHA 4) departed on Mediterranean Amphibious Ready Group (MARG 97-1) deployment. While deployed, Nassau participated in Operation SILVER WAKE, the non-combatant evacuation of Albania. While off station in Albania, Nassau was ordered to redeploy in support of Operation GUARDIAN RETRIEVAL. As conditions in Kinshasa deteriorated, Nassau (LHA 4), with elements of the 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit (Special Operations Capable) (MEU(SOC)) on board, was dispatched off the coast of Zaire, steaming the 5123 nm at a continuous 20 knots. The remainder of the 26th MEU(SOC) Forward on board Nashville (LPD 13) and Pensacola (LSD 38) remained in the Mediterranean Sea to provide strategic reserve for the NATO Stabilization Force (SFOR) in Bosnia. The 26th MEU(SOC) assumed the main effort of a planned noncombatant evacuation operation named Joint Task Force Guardian Retrieval. Nassau remained on station for approximately one month in support of this operation, returning to Norfolk in May 1997. Kearsarge (LHD 3) and the 22d MEU(SOC) deployed two weeks early to relieve Nassau and the 26th MEU(SOC); the former assumed responsibility for the Joint Task Force (JTF) mission on 2 May 1997.

The vast continent of Africa provides some real challenges to a military planner as well as fuel suppliers. Re-supply for remote facilities can take several days to transport jet fuel one way, in extremely difficult terrain. Limited bridger support (truck-transport) and small storage tanks are commonplace. During Operation Guardian Retrieval, the Air Force planned missions through Libreville, Gabon, expecting a certain amount of fuel based on contractor stated capabilities. Their capability was no where near this quantity, and the airport even ran out of fuel at one point.

Noncombatant evacuation operations (NEO) are conducted to support the Department of State (DOS) in evacuating noncombatants and nonessential military personnel from locations in a foreign nation to an appropriate safe haven and/or the United States. NEO are a cooperative effort between the DOS, the JTF and possibly the Immigration and Naturalization Service (INS). Occasionally, as SETAF discovered the Embassy team may have limited experience with its role in a NEO and will quite possibly look for clarity and guidance from the Joint Task Force. The SETAF JTF had to be careful in giving guidance and building the plan, always keeping the team informed and avoiding any implications of seeming to ?take over? or to drive the Department of State process too hard. The end result was a plan with clear roles and responsibilities for the country team, agreed to by all parties and rehearsed to various degrees. The plan developed by the JTF and the Country team placed DOS representatives in 4 locations to support the NEO.