DefendAmerica - U.S. Defense Dept. War on Terror: 06/04/2004

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Jun 04, 2004

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Military Photographers on the Frontlines Flash Slide Show

INTERIM IRAQI PRESIDENT — Interim Iraqi president Ghazi Masha Aji al-Yawer, speaks at a ceremony in Baghdad, Iraq, June 1, 2004. Defense Dept. photo by U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. D. Myles Cullen

RUMSFELD

Terrorist Acts Provide Intel to
Help Thwart Future Attacks

By John D. Banusiewicz / American Forces Press Service

SINGAPORE, June 4, 2004 — Noting various recent terrorist attacks around the world, Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld said today that while each is a tragedy, each also uncovers more about the terrorists.
His comments came during a town hall meeting with sailors and Marines on the flight deck of the amphibious assault ship USS Essex, following a re-enlistment ceremony for 30 sailors and two Marines. The secretary is in Singapore meeting with officials and to participate in the annual "Shangri-la Dialog" conference of Pacific nations. More

Rumsfeld Says Tenet's Work Helped Save Lives on Battlefield

Safe, Disciplined Procedures Yield Valuable Intelligence

By Donna Miles / American Forces Press Service

WASHINGTON, June 3, 2004 — Interrogations procedures being used at the detention facility at Naval Base Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, are safe, humane and disciplined — and approved personally by the secretary of defense with input from the DoD general counsel and U.S. Justice Department, the head of U.S. Southern Command told Pentagon reporters today.
Army Gen. James T. Hill said the system governing Joint Task Force Guantanamo is "not based on trust, but rather on layers of checks and balances" that include close legal and command oversight and strict legal and policy reviews. More Transcript

Iraq's Sovereignty Deserves
'Full Support,' Says President

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

WASHINGTON, June 3, 2004 — President Bush, with close ally Australian Prime Minister John Howard by his side, told reporters today that Iraq's sovereignty deserves the "full support" of the international community as that country works toward a freely elected government in the months ahead.
The president's remarks at the White House came after meeting with Howard to discuss the coalition's progress in Iraq, as well as economic issues between the two countries. More Remarks

Fewer Numbers Don’t Mean
Less Capability, Rumsfeld Says

By John D. Banusiewicz / American Forces Press Service

SINGAPORE, June 3, 2004 — As changes in the U.S. military's global posture take place, no one should confuse fewer numbers of troops or hardware in any given place with a lessening of capability, Defense Secretary Donald H. Rumsfeld told reporters en route here overnight.
Rumsfeld was responding to a reporter's question about some U.S. forces deploying from South Korea to Iraq. More Photos Press Availability

War Against Terror Is Top U.S. Priority for Asia-Pacific

Two Iraqis Detained
Following Attack

TIKRIT, Iraq, June 4, 2004 — Two Iraqis were detained following an indirect-fire attack on a U.S. patrol near Abayach, June 3, according to Multinational Force Iraq officials.
The patrol detained the two near the point where the attack originated. The pair were taken to a nearby coalition base where one tested positive for traces of explosives. Both are being detained for questioning.

Transformation

Rumsfeld Foresees Increasing
Capability, Lethality for Navy

SINGAPORE, June 4, 2004 — Though the Navy may ultimately be smaller in terms of numbers of people, it is on the path toward being a more capable and more lethal force, Secretary of Defense Donald H. Rumsfeld said here today. Story

Wartime Footing
Shapes Army Training

WASHINGTON, June 3, 2004 — The nature of today's military — where war has become the expected rather than simply the anticipated — is ushering in sweeping changes in the way the Army trains its soldiers. The new nature of the threat, the pace of operations and most importantly, the certainty of war, is having a direct impact on military training. Story

More Transformation News

Defense Leaders Speak

Defense Secretary Donald H. Rumsfeld

"We have asked the world to assist Iraq and Afghanistan. And a very large number of countries have stepped up and agreed to do that.... They’re assisting with troops, in many cases. They’re assisting with humanitarian assistance in some places. They are assisting in training police and military forces in cooperation with us."

En route to Singapore, June 2, 2004

Defense Views

Quotes by U.S. defense leaders

Honoring the Fallen

Fallen Special Operations
Troops Honored in Afghanistan

BAGRAM AIR FIELD, Afghanistan, June 3, 2004 (USASOC News Service) — In a somber Memorial Day ceremony here May 31, the Combined Joint Special Operations Task Force-Afghanistan honored four service members who were killed May 29 in southern Afghanistan. Honored were Army Capt. Daniel W. Eggers, Army Spc. Joseph A. Jeffries, Army Sgt. 1st Class Robert J. Mogensen and Navy Petty Officer 1st Class Brian J. Ouellette. Story

Radio

Television

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

http://www.defendamerica.mil/homecoming/archive.html

Defeating Terrorists on the Waterfront

By U.S. Navy Cmdr. James Pelkofski

Fighting terrorism involves efforts on many fronts. One of the most vital for the Navy is guaranteeing the safety of harbors, piers, and ships pierside. Anticipating how terrorists will attempt to exploit the Navy's vulnerabilities on the waterfront is key to defeating them.
Stealing a page from Sun Tzu, al Qaeda preaches to its disciples the value of knowing your enemy. More

Air Force Academy Class of 2004 7 More Photos

President George W. Bush walks to the stage band while being saluted by U.S. Air Force Academy cadets during his introduction at the U.S. Air Force Academy graduation ceremony in Colorado Springs, Colo., June 2, 2004. White House photo by Eric Draper Photo Essay Archive

International Partners

Republic of Korea Hospital
Treats 100,000th Patient in Afghanistan

BAGRAM AIR BASE, Afghanistan, June 3, 2004 — Having to be seen for a foot abscess isn’t normally cause for celebration, but when 13-year-old Wahidulahgul, a local Afghan child came to the Korean Hospital here for just that reason, the Koreans celebrated.
To commemorate Wahidulahgul being the 100,00th patient, the Republic of Korea Army’s 924th Medical Support Group invited service members from the units that helped them accomplish their mission to their compound May 20. More

NATO-Led Force Now in Charge
Of Military Part of Kabul Airport

WASHINGTON, June 3, 2004 — The NATO-led International Security Assistance Force in Afghanistan assumed control of the military part of Kabul International Airport June 1, NATO said in a press notice.
The force will assist the Afghan Ministry of Civil Aviation and Tourism, which is responsible for civilian operations, with logistics and overall operations. Iceland is the lead nation providing staff and resources. More

Seabees Complete Work on Iraqi Oil Terminals

By U.S. Navy Petty Officer 2nd Class Wes Eplen

MANAMA, Bahrain, June 3, 2004 (NNS) — U.S. Navy Seabees from Naval Support Activity Bahrain returned May 25 after spending 10 days completing construction projects aboard Iraq’s Al Basrah and Khawr Al Amaya Oil Terminals.
Enduring austere conditions, Marines from Interim Marine Corps Security Force Bahrain and sailors from Naval Coastal Warfare Group 1 have inhabited the terminals since April 29, enhancing Iraqi security forces following the failed insurgent attacks of April 24. More

Marine Snipers Train with French Commandos

By U.S. Marine Corps Cpl. Adam C. Schnell

ARTA, Djibouti, June 3, 2004 — As the sounds from several sniper rifles echo off the mountainous Djiboutian landscape, Marines and soldiers supporting Combined Joint Task Force-Horn of Africa familiarize themselves with French sniper weapons systems here May 31.
Many Americans around the world take May 31, Memorial Day, to remember service members fallen in the line of duty. More

Stryker Brigade Soldiers Train Iraqi Recruits

MOSUL, Iraq, June 2, 2004 (Army News Service) — In Qayarrah, a new group of recruits are training to be infantry soldiers in the Iraqi Civil Defense Corps.
The men were once farmers, taxi drivers and some even served in the former Iraqi army. No matter what their past was, these men took a vow to serve their country, under new leadership, and wear a uniform that symbolizes the future of Iraq. More

Iraqi Battalion Assumes Security Role
From Soldiers in 1st Marine Division Zone

COMBAT OUTPOST KILLEEN, Iraq, June 1, 2004 — A new page was turned in the Iraqi security force history book here June 1.
Hundreds of citizens from the neighboring community of Khalidiyah gathered outside the camp's perimeter to witness as American soldiers from 1st Battalion, 34th Armored Regiment turned over security to the 502nd Battalion of the Iraqi Civil Defense Corps. More

Jordan Trains New Iraqi Helicopter Pilots

Marines, Iraqis Open Joint Coordination Center

War on Terrorism

. Officials Support $25B Request For Iraq, Afghan Operations

. Iraqi, Afghani Delegations Attend Global Summit of Women

. Bush Tells Academy Grads: 'I'm Confident of Our Cause'

Iraq

. Muqtada Militia Attacks U.S. Soldiers; More Weapons Found

. Rice Proclaims Ajil al-Yawer 'Terrific Leader' for New Iraq

• Victim of Former Iraqi Regime Cruelty 'Recalls the Horrors'

. President Praises Interim Iraqi Gov’t; U.S. Troops Will Stay

Military News

. Life Not Predictable, Rumsfeld Tells 935 New Army Officers

. National Guard, Reserve Update

Coast Guard Crew Deploys
To Support Iraqi Freedom

SAN DIEGO, June 2, 2004 — The crew of San Diego-based Coast Guard Cutter Tybee will fly to the East Coast June 6 to prepare to deploy in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. Story

Former Marine, Wife Rally
Community Behind Troops

Alan and Shelly Stein presented the 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit with more than 500 books, puzzles and 67,000 minutes worth of phone cards. U.S. Marine Corps photo by Sgt. Roman Yurek

CAMP LEJEUNE, N.C., June 4, 2004 — The 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit Marines will have an easier time finding something to do on ship, once deployed, after Alan and Shelly Stein delivered more than 500 books, several puzzles and 67,000 minutes worth of phone cards recently, outside the unit headquarters building. More

Country Star Keith, Rock Star Nugent Entertain Troops

U.S. Army Brig. Gen. Thomas P. Mancino (right), commander of Coalition Joint Task Force Phoenix autographs a guitar as singers Toby Keith (left) and Ted Nugent (center) look on at Camp Phoenix in Kabul, Afghanistan, June 3, 2004.

KABUL, Afghanistan, June 3, 2004 — Coalition Joint Task Force Phoenix soldiers were treated to a special visit by this year’s Academy of Country Music Entertainer of the Year, Toby Keith and rock star Ted Nugent at Camp Phoenix near Kabul, Afghanistan today. More

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Profile

World War II Veteran
Marian R. Elcano

World War II Army nurse Marian R. Elcano, 83, said the German "screaming mee-mies" buzz bombs made a terrible noise as they were coming down. Defense Dept. photo by Rudi Williams

WASHINGTON, June 3, 2004 — World War II nurse Marian R. Elcano didn't know what lay ahead when she signed up for a one-year stint in the Army Nurse Corps on June 26, 1943, at the age of 22. More

U.S. Marine Corps
Cpl. Kayelee Yazzie

Marine Cpl. Kayelee Yazzie, switchboard maintainer with 1st Marine Division, grew up on a reservation in Tohatchi, N.M., located in the northwest corner of the state. The 20-year-old Navajo comes from a military family. U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Paula M. Fitzgerald

CAMP BLUE DIAMOND, Iraq, June 3, 2004 — Since the age of 12, Cpl. Kayelee Yazzie knew she wanted to be a communicator in the Marine Corps. Yazzie, a Navajo, comes from a long line of military family members. More

More Profiles

In Iraq

Airmen, Soldiers Team
Up to Move Payload

BAGHDAD, Iraq, June 4, 2004 (AFPN) — Airmen and soldiers here are joining forces to get passengers and cargo in and out of Baghdad International Airport rapidly. “We push an average of 20,000 passengers and (4 million pounds) a month,” said 1st Lt. David Auretto, the aerial port flight’s commander. More

Communications Unit Helps
Marine Air Wing Stay Connected

Marine Cpl. Michael A. Nolen is part of a detachment attached to Marine Wing Communications Squadron 38, Marine Air Control Group 38, 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing, in the Al Anbar Province of Iraq. U.S. Marine corps photo by Sgt. J. L. Zimmer III

AL ANBAR PROVINCE, Iraq, June 2, 2004 — A new piece of satellite communications gear was brought here in February to support the Marine troops on the ground in Iraq and has worked nearly flawlessly since arriving in theater. More

'On The Ground' Archive