africatodayonline.blogspot.com -
By
Dianna CahnThe Virginian-Pilot
© May 29, 2014
The Norfolk-based warship Bataan, on deployment in the Middle East, has relocated to the Mediterranean in response to unrest in Libya, a defense official has confirmed.
The amphibious assault ship, which is carrying about 1,000 Marines with the 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit, was participating in Eager Lion, a multinational exercise in the Red Sea led by Jordan, when it was called to move, said the official, who spoke on condition of anonymity.
The ship passed through the Suez Canal on Tuesday and will be at the ready in the Mediterranean in case it is needed to help evacuate Americans from the U.S. Embassy in Tripoli. The official said the ship has not been tasked with any specific mission but is being put in place in case it is needed.
Fighting erupted in the Libyan capital about 10 days ago. On Tuesday, citing security concerns, the U.S. State Department issued a warning to all U.S. citizens in Libya to evacuate
