Operation Bluebat Beruit, Lebanon 15 July 1958 - 15 October 1958 The Largest and most extensive amphibious operation to take place since the Korean war was the landings at Lebanon near Beruit. "Operation Bluebat" lasted 102 days from July 15 to Oct. 25, and involved the 6th Fleet with over 70 ships and 40,000 sailors, as well as 14,357 ground troops. The Composite Air Strike Force of Naval carrier aircraft as well as U.S. Air Force planes from the 322nd Air Division provided air support. The operation included some 8,509 Army soldiers from the 201st Logistics Command and the 24th Airborne Brigade, built around the 1st Reinforced Airborne Battle Group from Germany. And some 5,842 Marines that landed on the beach came from the 2nd Provisional Marine Force, 2nd Marine Division. History of the 1958 Crisis Operation Bluebat US Embassy, Beruit The remainder of this page features links to the Pictures of Paul Abat Operation Bluebat Beirut, Lebanon On the 15th of July 1958, the 79th Engineer Battalion was alerted for deployment to the Middle East for participation in the Lebanon crises. Departing from Bremerhaven On 24 July 1958, the battalion embarked on the USNS Upshur and on the 1st of August 1958, docked in Beirut, Lebanon. Arrival APC Arab Style! The battalion was established in the Olive Groves of Beirut, with Company B being absent with station in Adana, Turkey. Olive Grove Photo 1 Olive Grove Photo 2 The mission after landing was to establish a perimeter defense and security guard. Then came the improvements of living conditions and sanitary facilities. On the 7th of August 1958, work on access roads began. This consisted of cleaning and shaping, and placement and compaction of rock on traveled ways. Next, tent floors, beds and ward tables were constructed for the 58th Evac Hospital. Further construction included leveling and grading areas for quartermaster laundry units. Then, lighting for storage and depot areas, building of screened kitchens, new hospital areas and heliport pads. The next mission was construction of POL areas and two storage warehouses. With construction completed, the 79th Engineer Battalion used the remaining time giving classes to the Lebanese Army personnel in engineering instruction. Downtown Beruit On the 15th of October 1958, the 79th Engineer Battalion returned to Pirmasens, Germany. The Certificate of Achievement for outstanding support of AMLANFOR while in Lebanon signed by General Paul D. Adams is proudly displayed by the Battalion and its individual companies.