Operation Distant Runner

In early April 1994, President Bill Clinton informed the US Congress of possible non-combatant evacuation (NEO) operations from Rwanda as US military forces were deployed to Burundi in preparation.

[5] Using aerial refueling from the VMGR-252,[3] three CH-53E helicopters made the 750-mile journey from the USS Peleliu towards the capital of Burundi - Bujumbura.

[6] Upon arrival, the US marines coordinated the evacuation of non-combatants, including 142 US nationals[5] and a diplomat, from Rwanda.

[4] By the end of the operation, a total of 241 civilians had been rescued.

[4][3] Participants in Operation Distant Runner are qualified to receive the Navy Expeditionary Medal, as the operation saw both Navy and Marine Corps personnel engaging in foreign territory to provide humanitarian assistance and evacuate civilians from war.