In mid-1990 increasing internal unrest threatened U.S. diplomats and civilians in Liberia. Elements of a Marine Expeditionary Unit embarked in the USS Saipan (LHA-2) amphibious ready group to provide support to the U.S. Embassy and stood by to evacuate American citizens and others from 2 June to 5 August. They evacuated a total of 2,609 people between 5 August and 9 January1991.
