At first, the Americans refused but eventually agreed when they were told that Souk El Gharb was in danger of being overrun. The nuclear-powered missile cruiser USS Virginia, and the destroyer USS John Rodgers, the frigate USS Bowen, and the destroyer USS Arthur W. Radford fired 338 rounds from their five-inch (127 mm) naval guns in support of the Lebanese Army units defending Souk El Gharb. Eventually, the Lebanese Army's Eighth Brigade bore the brunt of the attacks, but succeeded in retaining control of the town after three days of heavy fighting.
At first, Americans declined but later agreed when they learned that Souk El Gharb was in danger. The nuclear-powered missile cruiser USS Virginia and destroyers USS John Rodgers and USS Arthur W. Radford, along with frigate USS Bowen, fired 338 rounds from their five-inch (127 mm) naval guns to support the Lebanese Army units defending Souk El Gharb. Eventually, the Eighth Brigade of the Lebanese Army faced the brunt of the attacks but succeeded in keeping control over the town after three days of combat.