DefendAmerica - U.S. Defense Dept. War on Terror: 06/08/2004

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Jun 08, 2004

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Military Photographers on the Frontlines Flash Slide Show

PARKING LOT — The aircraft from Carrier Air Wing 7, stationed aboard USS George Washington, are parked in formation on the flight deck in the Arabian Gulf, June 3, 2004. The Norfolk, Va. -based nuclear aircraft carrier is on a scheduled deployment in support on the global war on terrorism. U.S. Navy photo by Petty Officer 1st Class Brien Aho

Bush to Welcome New Iraqi
President at G-8 Summit

By Gerry J. Gilmore / American Forces Press Service

     WASHINGTON, June 7, 2004 — President Bush will greet Iraq's new interim government leader, President Ghazi al-Yawar, at the G-8 Summit starting June 8 at Sea Island, Ga.
     "President Bush and his G-8 counterparts are very excited to welcome to the summit the new president of Iraq," U.S. National Security Adviser Condoleezza Rice told reporters today.
     Bush is hosting this year's June 8-10 conference, the 30th such meeting since the first was held in France in 1975. More

SECURITY IMPROVES DESPITE INCIDENT

CENTCOM Officials Report
Mosque Explosion in Kufa

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

WASHINGTON, June 7, 2004 — U.S. Central Command reported a large explosion and fire at the Kufa Mosque today.
Iraqi police tried to render assistance and were fired on by unknown attackers within the mosque, the news release stated. U.S. forces were not operating in the area at the time of the explosion. News media reported that ammunition stored inside the mosque caught fire caused today's explosion. More

Most Iraqi Militias Will Disband,
Reintegrate by 2005 Elections

By Gerry J. Gilmore / American Forces Press Service

WASHINGTON, June 7, 2004 — Iraqi Prime Minister Ayad Allawi today announced an agreement that calls for most of Iraq's independent militias to reintegrate or disband.
About 90,000 of the approximately 100,000-militia members affected by the agreement, Allawi explained, "will have joined state security forces or entered civilian life by the time of Iraq's first elections," which are slated for early 2005. More

Attacks Kill Three American Soldiers; Others Wounded

By American Forces Press Service

WASHINGTON, June 7, 2004 — Attacks by insurgents killed three U.S. soldiers and a civilian contractor, and injured several others and Iraqi civilians in incidents June 5-6, according U.S. Central Command officials. Another soldier died from noncombat related causes.
A soldier with the 13th Corps Support Command was killed, and another injured June 6 after a mortar attack on their base camp near Baghdad. They were both initially evacuated to medical facilities, where one later died. More

Deployments, Global Posture
Factors in Troop Realignment

By Jim Garamone / American Forces Press Service

WIESBADEN, Germany, June 7, 2004 — No final decisions have been made about the posture of American forces in Europe, the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff said during a press conference here today.
Air Force Gen. Richard B. Myers told reporters the news reports that both American divisions are moving out of Germany are premature. "Any realignment of our troops is in the context of a larger global posture look that the United States is taking," he said. More

Secretary Rumsfeld on
Passing of President Reagan

President Ronald Reagan's resolve in the defense of freedom helped to change the course of modern history. Among his many legacies, he restored America's pride in the men and women who wear the military uniform. This modest man of good humor had the conviction and personal courage to provide our nation and the free world with directional leadership at a time when it was so sorely needed.
My thoughts and prayers are with Nancy and the Reagan family.

Bush Issues Executive Order, Proclamation on Reagan's Death

Marine Killed In Action

CAMP FALLUJAH, Iraq, June 8, 2004 — One Marine assigned to 1st Marine Expeditionary Force was killed in action June 7 in the Al Anbar Province while conducting security and stability operations, according to Multinational Force Iraq officials. The name of the deceased is being withheld pending next of kin notification.

Mosul Car Bomb Targets
Government Officials

MOSUL, Iraq, June 8, 2004 — A car bomb was detonated in downtown Mosul several hundred meters from the City Hall around 9:15 a.m. June 8, according to Multinational Force Iraq officials. More

Myers Visits 1st Armored
Division Families in Germany

WIESBADEN, Germany, June 7, 2004 — "The first casualties after the extension were the hardest to bear," a 1st Armored Division spouse said. "But we all pulled together." More

Wolfowitz Welcomes
Civilian Leaders to 'DoD 101'

WASHINGTON, June 7, 2004 — Deputy Defense Secretary Paul Wolfowitz welcomed civilian business, academic and local government leaders from throughout the nation to the Pentagon today to kick off a weeklong schedule that will offer a firsthand look at the military at work in the war on terror. More

Stars and Stripes Launches
Father’s Day Messages

GRIESHEIM, Germany, June 7, 2004 — Stars and Stripes has again launched their annual Father's Day Messages, according to Stars and Stripes officials. These messages will appear in the European edition, and for the first time, will also appear in the Middle East edition. More

Defense Leaders Speak

Defense Secretary Donald H. Rumsfeld

"...No area of the world is immune from extremists’ attacks. A terrorist need only be lucky once or twice; civil society needs to be prepared always. ... So the only way... to win this global struggle ... is to go on the offense and to root out terrorists at their source, and for us to collectively put steady pressure on them and all of their enablers that sustain them."

Remarks in Singapore, June 5, 2004

Defense Views

Quotes by U.S. defense leaders

Radio

Television

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

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

31st Fighter Wing commander, Brig. Gen. Michael Worden, speaks to the families and friends in Hangar 1 at Aviano Air Base, Italy, awaiting the June 3, 2004, arrival of the 603rd Air Control Squadron, returning from a 7-month deployment at Balad Air Base, Iraq, in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Nichole Adamowicz 7 More Photos

Versed in Iraqi Culture, Language,
Seabees Support Coalition Efforts

By U.S. Navy Petty Officer 1st Class Scott Sutherland

BAGHDAD, Iraq, June 7, 2004 (NNS) — A dozen Seabees from Naval Mobile Construction Battalion 5, operating as a tactical movement team, are supporting the Coalition Provisional Authority of the Program Management Office in Baghdad.
According to Lt. Brian Lindoerfer, the officer-in-charge of the Battalion's Detail Southwest Asia I, the team received training and is proficient in navigation, communications, weapons, and convoy operations. The team also has a basic knowledge of Arab culture and language, said Lindoerfer. More

Soldiers Help Preserve Ancient Sites

By U.S. Army Spc. Sean Kimmons / 25th Infantry Division

KIRKUK AIR BASE, Iraq, June 7, 2004 — Four and five thousand-year old artifacts from Iraq's multi-cultured past were discovered here when soldiers of Company B, 65th Engineer Battalion dug into a hill while gathering dirt for Hesco defense barriers in late April.
Capt. Nicholas Gianforti, an intelligence officer for the 2nd Brigade Combat Team and an anthropology major from St. John Fisher University, was one of the first to respond to the archeological site after its discovery. More

Diyala Province Gets New Ambulances

Two members of the Diyala Province Ministry of Health prepare to drive away in one of five ambulances donated in a ceremony on June 6. U.S. Army photo by Sgt. 1st Class Nancy McMillen

TIKRIT, Iraq, June 7, 2004 — Members of the Iraqi Ministry of Health traveled from Diyala for the dedication ceremony of five new ambulances on June 6, 2004, according to 1st Infantry Division officials.
After an assessment of medical needs throughout the local area, the Public Health Team, comprised of soldiers from the division surgeon’s office and the 415th Civil Affairs Battalion, chose several provinces to receive the new vehicles. More

Seabees, Marines Work to Improve Iraqis' Lives

CAMP FALLUJAH, Iraq, June 7, 2004 — Navy Seabees recently began training young Iraqis through an innovative program called Iraqi Construction Apprentice Program, according to Multinational Force Iraq officials.
The program teaches construction skills the Iraqis can take back to their communities to foster self-sufficiency and a more prosperous future. More

Jobs, Fresh Water to Flow to Iraqi Village

CAMP HABBANIYAH, Iraq, June 6, 2004 — Supporting coalition efforts to rebuild the Iraqi infrastructure, Marines awarded a contract June 4, 2004, that will bring clean drinking water to a village near here.
The $146,000 project, coordinated between the local Iraqi government and 3rd Battalion, 24th Marine Regiment, sets in motion the installation of a water purification system in the small fishing community of about 1,000 people. More

Al Anbar Governor, Marines Talk Summer Electricity

AL ANBAR PROVINCE, Iraq, June 6, 2004 — Marines from the 1st Marine Division recently met with the governor of Iraq's Al Anbar Province to discuss electrical distribution and infrastructure issues, according to Multinational Force Iraq officials.
The two parties discussed steps to ensure power is available throughout the summer months as well as plans for back-up power for critical structures, including hospitals and clinics.

Iraqi Police Officers Graduate from Baghdad Academy

BAGHDAD, Iraq, June 5, 2004 — Nearly 300 newly hired and trained Iraqi police officers will begin their work on the streets of Baghdad in the coming days following their graduation from the Baghdad Public Service Academy this week. More

New Oil Tankers Aid Fuel Delivery to Iraqis

Coalition Pays Iraqis for Damages

Marine Civil Affairs Teams Active in Al Anbar

Marines, Sailors Train for Pan Sahel Initiative

QUANTICO, Va., June 5, 2004 — A group of 30 Marines and sailors from U.S. Marine Corps Forces, Europe, Atlantic, and Second Marine Expeditionary Force, recently formed up to take part in a U.S. State Department program called the Pan Sahel Initiative. The initiative aims to train and equip selected military units from countries within the Sahel Region of Africa. More

War on Terrorism

• Bush Discusses War on Terror, Iraqi Sovereignty with Leaders

• Terror War Being Fought on Many Fronts, President Says

• Extremism Threatens Prosperity, Clouds Civil Society's Future

. Myers: Today's Terror Threat As Dangerous as World War II's

Iraq

• U. S., U. N. ‘Close’ to Reaching Agreement on Iraq Resolution

• Rumsfeld Cites 'Gap' in Media Reports on Iraq

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

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

Military News

• Military Needs 'Full-Time' Care, Advocacy for Sexual Assault Victims

. Life Not Predictable, Rumsfeld Tells 935 New Army Officers

. National Guard, Reserve Update

Defense Officials
Identify Army Casualties

WASHINGTON, June 7, 2004 — Defense Department officials announced today the death of nine soldiers supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom. More

Soccer Team Pays
Tribute to Troops

WASHINGTON, D.C. June 7, 2004 — Service members in the national capital region will be treated to an evening of soccer jockeying, entertainment and celebrating everything military at the D.C. United’s fifth-annual Armed Forces Appreciation Day. More

Toby Keith, Ted Nugent
Rock Baghdad

BAGHDAD, Iraq, June 5, 2004 — More than 500 soldiers, sailors, Marines and airmen crowded around a stage in front of the post exchange on Camp Victory North June 5 to hear Toby Keith and Ted Nugent. More

Sign an On-line Thank You Note

Profile

U.S. Marine Corps
Master Sgt. Christobal D. Cowan

Marine Master Sgt. Christobal D. Cowan, operations chief for 3rd Battalion, 11th Marine Regiment, received this 8-foot-by-5-foot flag during his tour as a Marine security guard at the U.S. Embassy in Santiago, Chile. He has taken his flag on every deployment since receiving it. U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Paula M. Fitzgerald

CAMP RAMADI, Iraq, June 7, 2004 — Marine Master Sgt. Christobal D. Cowan and his American flag have been traveling the world since 1989. Cowan received the 8-foot-by-5-foot flag during his tour as a Marine security guard at the U.S. Embassy in Santiago, Chile. Story

U.S. Air Force Capt. Joy Param & U.S. Army Capt. Jennifer Finch

ROYAL AIR FORCE MILDENHALL, England, June 7, 2004 — Ver and Josie Param were in for a surprise May 27 when they arrived at 3rd Air Force headquarters here to witness their youngest daughter’s promotion to captain. More

More Profiles

In Iraq

Soldiers Awarded Combat
Patches on D-Day Anniversary

Maj. Gen. John R.S. Batiste, 1st Infantry Division and Task Force Danger commander, presents a 1st Infantry Division soldier with his combat patch in a ceremony at Forward Operating Base Dagger, Tikrit, Iraq, June 6, 2004. U.S. Army photo by Spc. Joe Alger

TIKRIT, Iraq, June 7, 2004 — First Infantry Division and Task Force Danger soldiers were presented with combat patches, officially known as the shoulder sleeve insignia indicating former wartime service, during ceremonies throughout North Central Iraq on June 6, 2004, according to 1st Infantry Division officials. More

In Djibouti

U.S, French Troops Strengthen
Bond with D-Day Exercise

American soldiers with Bravo Company, 3rd U.S. Infantry Regiment, “The Old Guard,” and Marines with Kilo Company, 3rd Battalion, 2nd Marine Regiment along with French Special Forces participated in a reconnaissance patrol before assaulting their simulated enemy during a training exercise to commemorate the 60th anniversary of the D-Day Landings June 6, 2004. U.S. Army photo by Cpl. Adam C. Schnell

ARTA PLAGE, Djibouti, June 7, 2004 — French and American fighting men strengthened a bond of partnership, forged 60 years ago on the beaches of Normandy, France, during a bilateral amphibious landing and live-fire training mission here, June 6. More

'On The Ground' Archive

READY FOR TAKEOFF — U.S. Navy sailors position an E-2C Hawkeye, assigned to the "Bluetails" of Carrier Airborne Early Warning Squadron 121, for launch from a powered catapult aboard USS George Washington, June 1, 2004. The Norfolk, Va. based nuclear powered aircraft carrier and Carrier Air Wing 7 are on a regularly scheduled deployment in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. Defense Dept. photo by U.S. Navy Seaman Lori Howard