United States Naval and United States Marine Corps Involvement
In May 1980 the United States Navy dispatched the USS Saipan (LHA-2) to support the US Coast Guard with the assistance of refugees who were fleeing Cuba by way of Mariel. The Saipan's mission was to assist, but not directly transport, refugees on their way to mainland Florida. During the mission, Saipan took aboard hundreds of refugees in need of humanitarian assistance. Needs included medical attention, food, fresh water, refueling of private watercraft and the like.
Some refugees from Mariel were ferried to the mainland via commercial watercraft. However, many refugees were poor and in rather dire straits. Essentially, these refugees had taken up less-than-desirable modes of transit, i.e. anything that would float. Jerry-built rafts were not an uncommon sight. Poor watercraft often broke down or ran out of fuel.
Upon completion of their mission, Saipan officers and crew were awarded the Humanitarian Service Medal for their efforts during the Mariel boatlift.
Also, in May 1980, elements of the 1st Battalion, 8th Marines, 2nd Marine Division of Camp Lejuene, N.C. provided assistance to the INS; providing around the clock security at Trumbo Point and Truman Annex, interpreters and assisted with the processing of refugees once they arrived in Key West, Florida.
The volume of refugees the Marines had to handle in such a short period of time was amazing. Dozens of watercraft arrived daily. 706 refugees were counted on the Red Diamond alone. One craft lost power 60 miles from Key West and had to be towed to the U.S. mainland. Not all vessels that arrived at Truman Annex were carrying Cubans. Canadians were held for weeks in Mariel Harbor before being allowed to leave.
In recognition of compassionate and dedicated assistance in support of the Cuban refugee humanitarian operation: "Operation Freedom Flotilla" the US Marines of the 1st Battalion, 8th Marines, 2nd Marine Division were awarded the Humanitarian Service Medal and a Certificate of Appreciation for exemplary service at Key West, Florida.
F-4 "Phantom" fighter aircraft from VMFA-312 provided air cover. The Marines of VMFA-312, based at MCAS Beaufort, South Carolina, at the time also received the Humanitarian Service Medal.
Read more about this topic: Mariel Boatlift
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