Operation Steel Pike was the largest peacetime amphibious landing exercise in history, conducted by the United States Navy and Marine Corps and taking place on the coast of Spain in October to November 1964.
In the opening hour of the landing, two helicopters collided in mid-air, resulting in the deaths of nine Marines and causing injuries to 13 others.
During the trip over the ships were divided into three convoys sailing under war time conditions with ASW escorts.
There were many civilian ships contracted to the Navy to transport military personnel and cargo to the landing area.
Additional notes by a Marine veteran of the operation: The units, including both ground and aviation conducted joint wargame exercises with NATO allies in Spain.