07/16/06 - U.S. citizens exit a U.S. Marine Corps CH-53 helicopter in Cyprus following their transportation from the U.S. Embassy in Beirut, Lebanon, July 16, 2006. At the request of the U.S. Ambassador to Lebanon and at the direction of the Secretary of Defense, the United States Central Command and U.S. Marines are assisting with the authorized departure of U.S. citizens from Lebanon. DoD photo by Staff Sgt. Demetrio J. Espinosa, U.S. Marine Corps. (Released)
Now THAT is a picture that warms my heart:)
Cool!
(Is that a "Ma Deuce" mounted on the ramp?)
:)
From the prior reports of them having "pre-existing medical problems", they certainly look healthy enough.
AFP - Sun Jul 16, 3:22 PM ET Smoke from an Israeli air raid on a Hezbollah position in the Ouzai neighborhood of Beirut. US Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice said that the United States is readying plans to evacuate thousands of its citizens trapped in Lebanon, under attack from Israel since Hezbollah militants captured two Israeli soldiers.(AFP/Hosam Chebaro)
US readies plans to evacuate citizens stranded in Lebanon
Sun Jul 16, 12:23 PM ET
WASHINGTON (AFP) - Washington was making plans to evacuate thousands of its citizens trapped in Lebanon, which has been under attack from Israel since Hezbollah militants captured two Israeli soldiers.
"In terms of what the United States government might do to assist its citizens in Lebanon, we are laying the groundwork (for evacuations) should the conditions permit to help those people get out," State Department spokesman Sean McCormack told the Fox television network Sunday.
"We will see if all 25,000 American citizens want to leave," he said.
The spokesman added: "Our embassy is working hand-in-hand with the US military, which plays a huge important role in any of these types of situations, to make sure we have all of the equipment, the plans and personnel in place in order to help folks out."
The US State Department on its website in Beirut wrote that advance security and planning teams are already on the ground in Lebanon to help plan for a mass exodus of US nationals.
"The US Department of State continues to work with the US Department of Defense on a plan to help American citizens depart Lebanon," according to the website.
"To assist with the planning of this operation, planning and security assessment teams arrived via helicopter at the US Embassy in Awkar, July 16th, at approximately 3:00 pm.
"The arrival of the teams is an important first step in facilitating the safe departure of Americans who want to leave Lebanon," the State Department announced, urging US citizens to make their presence in the country known to US officials to facilitate evacuation efforts.
"The Department of State continues to work around the clock to ensure the safety and well-being of its citizens," the website notice said.