Operation Silver Wake

A CH-53E Super Stallion lands at the evacuation site inside the compound at the US Embassy in Tirana, Albania

Part of 1997 rebellion in Albania.

Fighting Groups

Forum for Democracy • Committee of Public Salvation • Government of National Salvation • Operation Alba • Volunteer Forces

Gang of Çole • Gang of Gaxhai • Gang of Altin Dardha • Gang of Pusi i Mezinit • Gang of Cërrik • Gang of Lushnje • Gang of Tepelena • Gang of Haklaj Family

Massacres in 1997

Massacre of 28 February 1997 • Massacre of Qafë-Gjashta • Massacre of Levan • Massacre of Cërrik • Massacre of Ura Vajgurore

Tragedies of 1997

Otranto Tragedy • Qafë Shtama Tragedy

Stealings of Treasury

Krraba Stealing • Nortgern State Stealing

Rescue missions

Operation Silver Wake • Operation Libelle

Agreements

6 March 1997 • 9 March 1997

UN Resolutions

Resolution 1101 • Resolution 1114

Important events

Opening of the depots • Desertion of 4 March 1997 • Attack of 7-8 March 1997 on Gjirokastër • Visit of Romano Prodi • Albanian parliamentary election, 1997 • Albanian monarchy referendum, 1997

See also

Pyramid schemes in Albania • Role of media in 1997 • Literature on the events of 1997 • Conspiracy theories about 1997 This box: view · talk · edit

Operation Silver Wake was a non-combatant evacuation operation (NEO) led by the United States to evacuate American citizens, noncombatants and designated third country nationals from Albania in March 1997. The operation was performed by U.S. Marines from the 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit conducting operations from the USS Nassau Amphibious Readiness Group. Marines from 1st Battalion 8th Marines secured the U.S. housing compound and held the U.S. Embassy. Over 900 personnel were evacuated during the course of the operation.

Some of the awards presented to participating units included the Meritorious Unit Commendation, Joint Meritorious Unit Award and the Humanitarian Service Medal. Selected Marines were also awarded the Combat Action Ribbon [1]

See also

• 1997 unrest in Albania
• Operation Libelle

References

• DOD Archive
• Article from www.globalsecurity.org