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Apr 12, 2004

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EASTER COLORS — U.S. Army Staff Sgt. Wayne Ashby from Tacoma, Wash., dyes eggs at his desk April 11, 2004, Easter morning at Camp Arifjan, Kuwait. Ashby is serving in Kuwait with the Stryker Brigade from Ft. Lewis, Wash. "Just because you are half-way around the world doesn't mean life has to end," Ashby said of being away from his family for Easter. "You have to make the best of it, have little bit of fun... and a little bit of lunacy, too." U.S. Army photo by Sgt. 1st Class Deborah Robichaux

President Celebrates Easter With Families at Fort Hood

By John D. Banusiewicz / American Forces Press Service

     WASHINGTON, April 11, 2004 — President and Mrs. Bush visited Fort Hood, Texas, today to observe Easter with the families of deployed soldiers.
     "It's our honor to have celebrated this holy day with family members whose loved one is in Iraq," the president said in a brief meeting with reporters. "Fort Hood has made a mighty contribution to freedom in Iraq and to security for the country. I value my time with the family members and those who sacrifice on behalf of the country."
     The president acknowledged that the spike in violence over the last week in Iraq has been difficult, but he said a free Iraq will make for a safer world. More

Apache Helicopter Crew Killed During Shootdown in Baghdad

By U.S. Army Sgt. 1st Class Doug Sample / American Forces Press Service

WASHINGTON, April 11, 2004 — Both crewmembers of an Army AH-64 Apache attack helicopter died today when insurgents shot down their helicopter near Baghdad International Airport in Iraq.
Meanwhile, near the walled suburb of Abu Ghraib outside of Fallujah, there are still reports of fighting despite a call for a cease-fire, Coalition Provisional Authority officials reported at a Baghdad news conference. More

Building Iraqi Security Forces Must Continue, Sanchez Says

By John D. Banusiewicz / American Forces Press Service

WASHINGTON, April 11, 2004 — The commander of coalition forces in Iraq said today that continuing to build Iraqi security forces is key to a successful transfer of sovereignty.
Army Lt. Gen. Ricardo S. Sanchez said the refusal of some Iraqi army members to join in the fighting in Fallujah uncovered some "significant challenges." More

Gunfire Punctuates Cease-Fire But Fallujah 'Under Control'

By U.S. Army Sgt. 1st Class Doug Sample / American Forces Press Service

WASHINGTON, April 10, 2004 — Sporadic gunfire continues in Iraq despite the coalition's offer of a cease-fire in Fallujah, coalition officials said today at a Baghdad news conference.
"In Fallujah, the situation is under control," said Army Brig. Gen. Mark Kimmitt, deputy operations director for Combined Joint Task Force 7. Story

Delaying Sovereignty Transfer Is Enemies' Wish, Bush Says

By John D. Banusiewicz / American Forces Press Service

WASHINGTON, April 10, 2004 — Delaying the scheduled June 30 transfer of sovereignty in Iraq because of recent violence would play into the enemy's hands, President Bush said today in his weekly national radio address. More

Bremer Blames Violence
On 'Poison' in Iraqi Society

WASHINGTON, April 11, 2004 — A "poison" that built up through Saddam Hussein's regime in Iraq is responsible for the recent wave of violence in the country, the coalition's civilian administrator said today.
"There is a lot of poison still in this society, and it's got to come out," said Ambassador L. Paul Bremer III. "And, frankly, it's better that it comes out now rather than later. It would have built up even more danger, I think, later." Story

Defense Leaders Speak

Ambassador L. Paul Bremer

"We are fighting to restore law and order so that all Iraqis can enjoy their new freedoms. I call on all Iraqis to cooperate with the legitimate security authorities to thwart those who seek to disrupt this holy commemoration (Arba'in)."

Statement as Read During Coalition Provisional Authority Briefing, April 9, 2004

Army Brig.Gen. Mark Kimmitt

Deputy Director for Coalition Operations "We are conducting offensive operations against the Sadr militia...We have said from this podium numerous times that we intend to destroy the Sadr militia and all of its elements within."

Coalition Provisional Authority Briefing, April 9, 2004

Defense Views

Quotes by U.S. defense leaders

Transformation

Committee Hears Plans
For Intel Transformation

WASHINGTON, April 9, 2004 — Defense Department officials testified before the Senate Armed Services Strategic Subcommittee April 7 on plans to transform intelligence programs within the department. More

Simulator Prepares
Airmen for Combat

Staff Sgt. Jonathan Tourville uses night-vision goggles to maneuver through a darkened course at the combat-arms tactics and training simulator here April 2. He is assigned to the 91st Security Support Squadron. U.S. Air Force photo by Rebecca Anne Fritz

MINOT AIR FORCE BASE, N.D., April 8, 2004 (AFPN) — Your mission, should you choose to accept it, is to infiltrate enemy territory in the cover of darkness. Sentries will be posted at various checkpoints throughout your path to offer additional assistance. More

More Transformation News

Mission Complete for
Operation Freedom Lodging

PETERSON AIR FORCE BASE, Colo., April 8, 2004 — Due to the overwhelming response to its salute to troops returning from duty in Iraq and Afghanistan, Vail Resorts has stopped accepting reservations for the 1,000 free night promotion. More

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Saddam's Capture - A Video from Golf Troops' Perspective

Radio

Television

Polish Troops Pull Security 9 More Photos

A Polish Army soldier patrol leader debriefs his team after completing an afternoon patrol around the perimeter of Camp Babylon, Iraq, March 21, 2004. This was during Operation Iraqi Freedom. U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Ricky A. Bloom Photo Essay Archive

Marine Aircraft Unit Repositions
Forces to Support Vigilant Resolve

By U.S. Marine Corps Sgt. Nathan K. LaForte / 3d Marine Aircraft Wing

A Marine Corps AH-1W Cobra flies over the outskirts of Al Ramadi, Iraq, April 6. The helicopter was providing escort to a CH-46 Sea Knight, which was conducting a casualty evacuation mission in the middle of the city during Operation Vigilant Resolve. The Cobra belongs to Marine Light Attack Squadron 167, which is in the Sunni Triangle area in support of the operation. U.S. Marine Corps photo by Sgt. Nathan K. LaForte

AL TAQADDUM AIR BASE, Iraq, April 9, 2004 — Marine Aircraft Group 16 recently moved elements of its Marine Light Attack Squadron 167 in support of Operation Vigilant Resolve, which began early this month.
The move occurred April 5-6, and flight operations for the squadron kicked off as soon as boots and skids were on the deck. More 7 Photos from Fallujah

'Gunners' Recognize Heroes

By U.S. Army Cpl. Benjamin Cossel / 122nd Mobile Public Affairs Detachment

Lt. Col. William S. Rabina, 2nd Battalion, 3rd Field Artillery commander, attached the

BAGHDAD, Iraq, April 9, 2004 — Wounded warriors from the 2nd Battalion, 3rd Field Artillery Regiment, and the healers who cared for them were honored at a ceremony April 5.
In addition to honoring individual soldiers for the heroism, the “Gunners” battalion was recognized for its service during Operation Iraqi Freedom with a Presidential Unit Citation. More

Much Driving, Little Fighting: 1st Div.
Marines Relate Advance to Baghdad

MARINE CORPS BASE CAMP PENDLETON, Calif., April 8, 2004 — After fighting their way west and north through oil fields and southern Iraqi towns during the first week of Operation Iraqi Freedom, 1st Marine Division forces enjoyed an unexpected calm before the storm for more than a week - steamrolling toward Baghdad in what's billed as the swiftest infantry advance in Marine Corps history.
The advance to Baghdad saw the division's tanks, tracked vehicles, trucks and humvees cover nearly 200 miles over the next 11 days, with only sporadic, token resistance, for the most part, from enemy fighters through Iraq's desert interior. More

Iraqi Freedom Lessons Benefit Seabees

By U.S. Navy Cmdr. Meg Reed / 1st Naval Construction Division

FORT MAGSAYSAY, The Philippines, April 8, 2004 (NNS) — Members of the 9th Naval Construction Regiment and the Philippine Army’s 51st Engineer Brigade practiced lessons learned from Operation Iraqi Freedom in exercise “Kedge Hammer,” as part of an annual U.S. and Republic of the Philippines bilateral, combined exercise called Balikatan 2004 in March.
Officers from the Philippine Navy Seabees also participated. Members of the 30th Naval Construction Regiment /1st Naval Construction Division Forward, who were actually on the battlefield in Iraq in 2003, led the exercise control group. More

War on Terrorism

. Afghanistan Was First Priority After 9/11, Rice Says

. Rice: No Warning of Al Qaeda Using Planes As Bombs

. Technology Helps Get Supplies to Warfighters

. Dept. of Homeland Security Announces WMD Exercise Participants

Iraq

. Abizaid Says 1st Armored Div. Soldiers to Stay If Needed

. Coalition Forces Overpowering Pockets of Resistance in Iraq

. Coalition Seizes Weapons, Suspects in Afghanistan Ops

. Marines Prepared, Trained for Iraq Mission

. Bremer Urges Arbaeen Pilgrims To Remain Vigilant, Cautious

Military News

. Guard, Reserve Leaders Discuss Budget, Deployment Issues

. Deployed Troops Step Up Anti-Malarial Protections

. Corps' Top Leaders Visit Marines in Iraq

. Marine Leaders Visit Al Asad

. National Guard, Reserve Update

Defense Officials
Identify Casualties

     WASHINGTON, April 9, 2004 -- Defense Department officials announced today the death of two soldiers who were supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom.
     Sgt. 1st Class Marvin L. Miller, 38, of Dunn, N.C., died April 7, in Balad, Iraq, when he was shot while on traffic control duty. Miller was assigned to the Army’s 1st Squadron, 4th U.S. Cavalry, 1st Infantry Division, Schweinfurt, Germany.
     Sgt. 1st Class William W. Labadie Jr., 45, of Bauxite, Ark., died April 7, in Baghdad, Iraq, when his camp was attacked by individuals using rockets and small arms fire. Labadie was assigned to the Army National Guard’s Troop E, 151st Cavalry Squadron, 39th Infantry Brigade, 1st Cavalry Division, from Marianna, Ark.

. Maps of Afghanistan

Profile

U.S. Army Sgt. Donald Sandy
And Staff Sgt. Dave Sandy

Brothers Donald (left) and Dave Sandy reunite in Mosul, Iraq, after a year apart. Donald was deployed last year for Operation Iraqi Freedom I, while Dave recently arrived to serve in Operation Iraqi Freedom II. U.S. Army photo by Spc. Jessika Ross

MOSUL, Iraq, April 9, 2004 - Imagine two bothers, both in the Army National Guard, but from two different states, meeting for the first time in almost a year, thousands of miles away from their hometown of Parkersburg, West Va. More

More Profiles

In Afghanistan

Airmen Keep 'Hogs' Flying

Airmen assigned to the 455th Expeditionary Aircraft Maintenance Squadron here at Bagram Air Base clean an A-10 Thunderbolt II. The harsh and dusty environment in Afghanistan gets into every part of the aircraft and a good scrubbing is the only way to keep the A-10 clean. U.S. Air Force photo by Chief Master Sgt. David Stuppy

BAGRAM, Afghanistan, April 9, 2004 — When many of us were passing out candy to trick-or-treaters last October, 26 crew chiefs left their home at Davis-Monthan Air Force Base, Ariz., for Afghanistan, ready to do their part in the worldwide war on terrorism. More

'On The Ground' Archive

WELCOME HOME — Lauren Delarosa awaits the arrival of her father, Marine Staff Sgt. Mark Delarosa, a reservist with Marine Light Attack Helicopter Squadron 773, at the Naval Air Station, Joint Reserve Base, Belle Chasse, La., April 7, 2004. The squadron is returning home from a six-month deployment to Afghanistan in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Andrew Z. Williams