They were the only heavy weapons assets in support of Marines ashore. The FAV can be deployed to the battlefield by loading it and the Marines that man it in a CH-53E Super Stallion. The Albania mission was expressed in the naked truth of fixed bayonets on the defensive line they drew around the U.S. Embassy and its Rilindja Ridge housing complex. The evacuation was completed on March 27, 1997. Over the course of the operation 877 people were evacuated from the fiery chaos that consumed Albania.
Marines take up defensive positions in embassy.
By Sgt Mark D. Oliva U.S. Evacuation Operations in Albania Completed - DoD Announcement Back to U.S. Special Operations Missions Back to Special Operations.