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Apr 12, 2004

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KNIGHTHAWK LANDING — Landing signal officers watch an F/A-18C Hornet from the "Knighthawks" of Fighter Attack Squadron 136 make an arrested landing during flight operations aboard the USS George Washington, April 8, 2004 during a scheduled deployment in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. U.S. Navy photo by Petty Officer 1st Class Brien Aho

Iraq, Not U.S., Holds the Key
To Solving Security Issues

By Kathleen T. Rhem / American Forces Press Service

WASHINGTON, April 12, 2004 — Iraqis, not the U.S. military, will ultimately solve security problems within their country, the top American general in the region said today.
"I think we all need to understand that the solution to Iraq's security problems does not lay with the United States armed forces," Army Gen. John Abizaid, head of U.S. Central Command, said. "It's with the Iraqis themselves." More

2 Soldiers, 7 Contract Workers
Missing After Convoy Attack

By Kathleen T. Rhem / American Forces Press Service

WASHINGTON, April 12, 2004 — Two American soldiers and seven U.S. contractors are missing following an attack on a convoy in Iraq, the top two U.S. generals in the region said today from Baghdad.
The seven missing civilians work for Kellogg Brown & Root, Army Lt. Gen. Ricardo Sanchez, commander of Combined Joint Task Force 7, said via a video link with reporters in the Pentagon. KBR is a major American defense contractor in overseas locations. More

Marines Take Fire in Fallujah
While Negotiations Continue

By Gerry J. Gilmore / American Forces Press Service

WASHINGTON, April 12, 2004 — Coalition Provisional Authority and Iraqi officials are continuing negotiations with insurgents in Fallujah and southern Iraq, CPA officials said in Baghdad today.
Fighting across Iraq has caused about 70 U.S. and coalition combat deaths since April 1, Army Brig. Gen. Mark Kimmitt told reporters at a Baghdad news conference. The general estimated enemy casualties to be "10 times" over coalition forces' losses during that period. More

Marines Took Fight to Streets in Fallujah

DoD Ready to Step Forward
In Event of Homeland Attack

By Gerry J. Gilmore / American Forces Press Service

WASHINGTON, April 12, 2004 — The Defense Department stands ready to assist authorities at the federal, state and local levels in the event of another terrorist attack on the homeland, a senior DoD official said here April 8.
In prepared remarks delivered to Armed Forces Communications and Electronics Association members, Peter F. Verga said the Office of the Assistant Secretary of Defense for Homeland Defense "is responsible for DoD's support to civil authorities for domestic incident management," such as during attacks on the homeland. More

Baghad Troops Observe Easter
At Camp Victory Sunrise Service

Members of the 1st Cavalry Division band play during an Easter celebration at dawn on Camp Victory in Baghdad, April 11, 2004. U.S. Army photo by Staff Sgt. Tony Sailer

BAGHDAD, Iraq, Army News Service, April 12, 2004 — In the quiet dawn, soldiers assembled for a special Easter sunrise service lakeside near the 1st Cavalry Division’s main headquarters at Camp Victory.
Scores of troops – enlisted, officer and civilian – sang, prayed and worshiped during the hour-long celebration opened by 1st Cavalry Division Commander Maj. Gen. Pete Chiarelli. More

President Celebrates Easter With Families at Fort Hood

Egyptian President Urges
Swift Sovereignty Transfer

WASHINGTON, April 12, 2004 — Egypt's senior leader today told President Bush it's paramount to transfer sovereignty to an Iraqi government "as soon as possible."
During his visit to Bush's ranch in Crawford, Texas, Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak praised Egyptian-U.S. relations. More

U.S. Task Force
Reports Casualties

WASHINGTON, April 12, 2004 — Combined Joint Task Force 7 today reported coalition forces casualties sustained April 10 and 11 in Iraq.
According to CJTF 7 news releases, three Marines from 1st Marine Expeditionary Force were killed April 11 in enemy action in Anbar province. More

Defense Officials
Identify Casualties

WASHINGTON, April 12, 2004 —- Defense Department officials have announced the names of 13 Marines, six soldiers, a sailor and an airman killed while supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom. More

Defense Leaders Speak

President George W. Bush

"I know what we're doing in Iraq is right. It's right for long-term peace. It's right for the security of our country. And it's hard work."

Remarks at Fort Hood, April 11, 2004

Defense Views

Quotes by U.S. defense leaders

Honoring the Fallen

Fallen Airman Honored

MAXWELL AIR FORCE BASE, Ala., April 12, 2004 — A fallen hero of Operation Enduring Freedom was honored here recently when Enlisted Heritage Hall on Gunter Annex dedicated the Tech. Sgt. John Chapman exhibit. More

Disabled Terror War Vets
Hit the Slopes at Snowmass

SNOWMASS VILLAGE, Colo., Army News Service, April 12, 2004 — Soldiers who lost limbs in operations Iraqi Freedom and Enduring Freedom spent a week at the 18th Annual National Disabled Veterans Winter Sports Clinic. More

Group Supports
MPs, Working Dogs

Military working dogs wear donated Doggles, eyewear designed especially to protect dogs' eyes from heat and desert sandstorms, while working in Iraq with their military police partners. no photo credit

FORT MONROE, Va., Army News Service, April 9, 2004 — The military police motto "of the troops and for the troops" has been taken to heart by some American citizens concerned for the Army's four-legged troops: the military working dogs. More

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

Radio

Television

Living the High Life Deep in the Desert 12More Photos

When not providing security to the camp here or patrolling the outside area, Marines with Battery I, 3rd Battalion, 11th Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division use the space near their living area as a soccer field. The buildings, called bunkers, belonged to the Iraqi military but were abandoned some time after the first Gulf War. U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Paula M. Fitzgerald Photo Essay Archive

Maintainers Keep Choppers Flying

Marine Lance Cpl. James M. Cazel and Sgt. Eric P. Macey maintain choppers from Marine Light Attack Helicopter Squadron 167, Marine Aircraft Group 16, 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing, at Al Asad Air Base, Iraq. U.S. Marine Corps photo Sgt. Nathan K. LaForte

AL TAQADDUM AIR BASE, Iraq, April 10, 2004 — Technicians from Marine Light Attack Helicopter Squadron 167 have been working almost non-stop for the past three days since the squadron sent the Marines and a group of helicopters, to the area known as the Sunni Triangle, in support of Operation Vigilant Resolve.
"We have to work together to get our planes up because the ground guys are depending on support from the helicopters," said one unit member. "The way I look at it, we're protecting Marines and doing our part." More

Marines Conduct Casualty Evacuations

Marines carry a wounded comrade onto a CH-46E helicopter for casualty evacuation in Ramadi, Iraq, April 6, 2004. U.S. Marine Corps photo by Sgt. Nathan K. LaForte

AL TAQADDUM AIR BASE, Iraq, April 10, 2004 — Marine Medium Helicopter Squadron 161, Marine Aircraft Group 16, 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing, from Marine Corps Air Station Miramar, Calif., is flying casualty evacuation missions into the heart of the Sunni Triangle's most dangerous places for the singular purpose of pulling their wounded brethren out of the fire.
Since the squadron's arrival in Iraq less than two months ago, they have wasted no time in performing all the missions required of a "Phrog" squadron, according to Staff Sgt. Michael A. Miller, A CH-46E helicopter crew chief. More

Bremer Announces Key Iraqi Appointments

BAGHDAD, Iraq, April 12, 2004 — Ambassador L. Paul Bremer III announced the appointments of a new Minister of Interior and a new National Security Advisor during a meeting Friday morning in Baghdad. Following consultation with the Iraqi Governing Council, Ambassador Bremer named Samir Shakir Mahmood Sumaiday as the new Minister of Interior and Dr. Mowaffak Al Rubaie as the new National Security Advisor. More

Donated Goods Lift Spirits in Iraq

Iraqi children show off their new, donated frisbees given out by Marines from 3rd Battalion, 11th Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division during a visit April 6. U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Paula M. Fitzgerald

CAMP BLUE DIAMOND, Iraq, April 9, 2004 — Warriors from 1st Marine Division and Jim Hake, founder of Spirit of America, have similar aspirations: to help the Iraqi people and to build better relations between Americans and Iraqis.
But that's easier said than done. 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

. Building Iraqi Security Forces Must Continue, Sanchez Says

. Sovereignty Transfer on Track

. Bremer Blames Violence On 'Poison' in Iraqi Society

. Delaying Sovereignty Transfer Is Enemies' Wish, Bush Says

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

. Coalition Forces Overpowering Pockets of Resistance in Iraq

Military News

. Guard, Reserve Leaders Discuss Budget, Deployment Issues

. Deployed Troops Step Up Anti-Malarial Protections

. National Guard, Reserve Update

Transformation

DoD Seeks Technology
For Anti-Terrorism Fight

WASHINGTON, April 12, 2004 — The Defense Department is seeking out technology
suitable for use in combating terrorism. In fact, much of the progress in the war on terror has come from technological developments, a defense official said recently. Story

More Transformation News

Combat Device Approved
For Expeditionary Ribbon

WASHINGTON (AFPN), April 9, 2004 — Secretary of the Air Force Dr. James G. Roche and Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. John P. Jumper have approved the addition of a gold border to the Air Force Expeditionary Service Ribbon to signify satisfactory participation in combat operations.
"This gold border, signifying participation in combat operations, reflects the global, expeditionary nature of airpower and our Air Force," Jumper said. More

Enduring Freedom
Ops Continue

KABUL, Afghanistan, April 12, 2004 — In coordination with the Islamic Transitional Government of Afghanistan, Combined Forces Command-Afghanistan continues to train the Afghan National Army, provide civil affairs support, and disrupt, deny, and destroy terrorist and anti-government forces in order to establish a stable and secure Afghanistan. More

. Maps of Afghanistan

Profile

U.S. Marine Corps
Lance Cpl. Brett T. Newman

Marine Lance Cpl. Brett T. Newman builds furniture for office spaces at Camp Hurricane Point, Iraq. U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Paula M. Fitzgerald

CAMP HURRICANE POINT, Iraq — Waking up to the sounds of machine-gun fire and Muslim prayer songs is nothing new for Marine Lance Cpl. Brett T. Newman, an infantryman with 1st Marine Division. More

More Profiles

In Afghanistan

Task Force Phoenix
Welcomes Oklahoma Guard

Oklahoma National Guard soldiers exit a C-17 Globemaster airplane that delivered them to Afghanistan. U.S. Army photo by Staff Sergeant Robert R. Ramon

KABUL, Afghanistan, April 8, 2004 - The C-17 Globemaster III made its way to the end of the runway before coming to a stop. As the door opened, soldier after soldier made the trip out of the red-lit interior into the darkness of Afghanistan. More

In Iraq

Security, Humanity Rule Day
At Marine Detention Facility

CAMP AR RAMADI, Iraq, April 11, 2004 — It's home sweet home for enemy combatants in the Ar Ramadi area if units with 1st Marine Division capture them.
Surrounded by barricades, fencing and layers of razor-sharp wire, the detention facility here is manned by military policemen . More

Marines Live High Life
Deep in Iraqi Desert

When not providing security to the camp here or patrolling the outside area, Marines with Battery I, 3rd Battalion, 11th Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division use the space near their living area as a soccer field. U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Paula M. Fitzgerald

CAMP MUDAYSIS, Iraq, April 7, 2004 — Marines like it rough. Just ask the artillerymen of Battery I, 3rd Battalion, 11th Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division. More

'On The Ground' Archive