Marines Magazine 2005 Year in Review

T h e C o r p s ’ O f f i c i a l M a g a z i n e w w w . m a r i n e s . m i l • W i n t e r 2 0 0 5

THE MOMENTS THAT DEFINED A YEAR IN THE CORPS

S P E C I A L I S S U E

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OnPointAL QA’IM, Iraq – Lance Cpl. Steven L. Phillips, aWaynesburg, Pa., native, stands with his shotgun and MK-152Shoulder Mounted Antitank Weapon ready to advance duringOperation Steel Curtain Nov. 20. Phillips is an antitank assault-man with I Company, 3rd Battalion, 6th Marine Regiment,Regimental Combat Team 2.The objectives of the operation areto restore Iraqi sovereign control along the Iraqi-Syrian borderand destroy insurgents operating throughout the region.Photo by Sgt. Jerad W. Alexander SemperFidelis

GougeV o l u m e 3 4 | N u m b e r 5 | w w w . m a r i n e s . m i l

Winter 2OO5

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2OO5InReview

4 |NewsFrom the harsh deserts of Iraq to the valleys of Afghanistan,Marines were there as guides and protectors of history making elections. When disaster struck,Marines responded with humanitarian assistance at home and abroad. Whether on stamps or coins, Marines continued to leave their mark on the world.

14 | PortraitsThe faces captured in 2005 showa variety of characters. Marinesshines the spotlight on hard-chargers, young children, civilians and Marine units.

KORANGAL VALLEY, Afghanistan – Capt. Ken Barr meets with the mullahs and elders of the village to discuss the Marines’ plan to search for suspected terrorists and weapons caches.The citizens were responsive and willing to help the Marines complete their mission, said Barr. Barr is the company commander of Weapons Company,3rd Battalion, 3rd Marine Regiment, otherwise known as “America’s Battalion.”Photo by Cpl. Rich Mattingly

Pictorials | 46Military photographers used interesting

lighting, framing and composition techniques to create some of

the best graphically appealing photos of the year.

Sports | 24Marines train hard and play hard.

The tenacity and vigor that Marines showin training and on the battlefield easily

translate to the gridiron and squaredcircle. In this section Marinesshows their athletic prowess.

36 | FeaturesThis section showcases a moments of training, deployments, operations and interaction with Marines.

T h e C o r p s ’ O f f i c i a l M a g a z i n e

W i n t e r 2 0 0 5w w w . m a r i n e s . m i l / m a r i n e s m a g a z i n e

Commandant of the Marine Corps Gen. Michael W. Hagee

Sgt. Maj. of the Marine CorpsSgt. Maj. John L. Estrada

M A R I N E C O R P S N E W S

Editor-in-Chief Lt. Col. Greg Reeder

Managing Editor Gunnery Sgt. Glenn Holloway

Editor Sgt. Leo A. Salinas

Combat Correspondent Sgt. Clinton Firstbrook

Webmaster Tim Delobe

P U B L I C A T I O N D E S I G N

Bates Creative Group, LLC

Creative Director Debra Bates-Schrott

Art Director Roger O. Selvage Jr.

Associate Art Director Michael Barkley

Marines (USPS 013-867) is published seven timesannually (quarterly, plus three special editions) bythe Division of Public Affairs, Marine Corps News Branch, HQMC, U.S. Marine Corps (PA)3000 Marine Corps Pentagon, Washington D.C.20350-3000. Periodicals-class postage paid atWashington, D.C., and additional mailing stations.The Secretary of the Navy has determined that this publication is necessary in the transaction ofbusiness, required by law, of the Department of the Navy. Funds for printing this publication have been approved by the Navy Publications and Printing Policy Committee. All photos notcredited are official USMC photos.

Postmaster: Send change of address to: Marines,Commandant of the Marines Corps, HeadquartersMarine Corps, U.S. Marine Corps (PA), 3000Marine Corps Pentagon, Washington D.C. 20350-3000 or e-mail to [email protected].

DoD Disclaimer: This DoD magazine is anauthorized publication for members of theDepartment of Defense. Contents of Marines are not necessarily the official views of, or endorsedby, the U.S. Government, the Department ofDefense, or the United States Marine Corps.

S U B S C R I P T I O N I N F O

Official DoD Units (Marine & Non-Marine):Send a fax, letter, or e-mail requesting an individ-ual activity code to: Commandant of the MarinesCorps, Headquarters Marine Corps, U.S. MarineCorps (PA), 3000 Marine Corps Pentagon,Washington D.C. 20350-3000. The letter mustcontain a complete mailing address, point of contact, phone number, and number of copiesrequired. Fax the request to 703/697-5362.E-mail: [email protected].

Personal/Civilian Subscriptions: Request yourone-year subscription from the Superintendent of Documents, U.S. Government Printing Office, Washington, D.C. 20402. Personal subscriptions can be ordered via the Internet at http://bookstore.gpo.gov, or by calling 888/293-6498.

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Gouge“He went away a young man, but has come back with a self-confidence that can’t be bought or taught.

You can’t get it over the counter or in the classroom. You earn it by going somewhere where things are difficult and overcoming adversity, and performing those things when the stakes are very real.”

— John Harrold,father of Cpl. Michael J. Harrold, analyst with

2nd Radio Battalion, II Marine Expeditionary Force.He and his wife, Beatrice, were on hand to welcome

their son home when his battalion returned after a 10-month deployment to Iraq in

support of Operation Iraqi Freedom.

SoundOffMarines AnswerCall to Duty

T HE MARINE CORPS’ ABILITY TO DEPLOY IN EVERY CLIME AND PLACE

has been a constant throughout its history. Whether deploying as

“America’s 911” force or providing humanitarian relief to other

countries, the Corps has always answered the call.

This year was no different.

America and the world had their fair share of disasters and

Marines put down their rifles to help those in need – saving lives

at home and abroad.

Marines answered the call to help rebuild nations during

Operation Unified Assistance after a devastating tsunami swept

through 12 countries on the shores of the Indian Ocean.

They answered the call to provide relief and medical supplies

to Pakistan when an earthquake struck the country. Marines

answered the call when Hurricane Katrina struck the Gulf

Coast region, using

helicopters and amphibi-

ous vehicles to pull

people from rising flood waters. And again, without

rest, Marines answered the call after Hurricane Rita.

Marines helped make elections in Iraq and

Afghanistan a reality, changing the face of government for

both nations. They continue to fight insurgency and help democracy

prevail in both war-ravaged countries.

Marines trained alongside America’s allies from the blazing sands of

Egypt during Exercise Bright Star to the frozen grounds of Norway

during Battle Griffin. They joined Philippine forces during training in

Exercise Talon Vision and trained infantry from the Republic of Georgia.

Homecomings and memorials brought Marines together for reflection;

medals were awarded and milestones were reached. A Marine became

the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, making history as the first

Marine to hold the nation’s highest military post.

The Marines were called upon many times in 2005, and without

hesitation, our Corps once again lived up to its legacy, proving we are

most ready when the world is least ready.

In this issue, Marines recognizes the moments captured in 2005.

Semper Fidelis,Marines

From the Editor

On the CoverThe Marine Corps has built a storied

legacy for 230 years. The year of2005 was no exception as Marines

continued to shine and finishanother chapter of Corps’ history.

Photo by Sgt. Tracee L. JacksonPhoto Illustration by

Roger Selvage, Bates Creative Group

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T h e C o r p s ’ O f f i c i a l M a g a z i n e

w w w . m a r i n e s . m i l • W i n t e r 2 0 0 5

THE MOMENTS THAT DEFINED A YEAR IN THE CORPS

S P E C I A L I S S U E

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GALLE, Sri Lanka – Okinawa-based Marineswith the 9th Engineer Support Battalion, 3rd Marine

Logistics Group, demolish concrete walls severelydamaged during the Dec. 26 tsunami. More than

18,000 service members joined Combined SupportForce-536 in support of Operation Unified Assistance.

While stationed in Southwest Asia, the Marines participated in the large-scale, humanitarian

assistance/disaster relief effort that aided the affected people of Thailand, Sri Lanka and Indonesia.

Photo by Air Force Staff Sgt. James Harper

KORANGAL VALLEY, Afghanistan – Capt. Ken Barr meets with the mullahs and elders of the village to discuss the Marines’ plan to search for suspected terrorists and weapons caches.The citizens were responsive and willing to help the Marines complete their mission, said Barr.Barr is the company commander of Weapons Company, 3rd Battalion, 3rd Marine Regiment,otherwise known as “America’s Battalion.” Photo by Cpl. Rich Mattingly

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GALLE, Sri Lanka – More than 13,000 Marines, sailors,airmen, soldiers and Coast Guardsmen with CombinedSupport Force 536 work with international militaries

and nongovernmental organizations to aid the affected people of Thailand, Sri Lanka and Indonesia

after a 9.0 earthquake triggered devastatingtsunamis. Many other nations including Japan,

Malaysia, Australia and the United Kingdom joinedthe U.S. to support Operation Unified Assistance.

Year in ReviewON THIS DATE:

01/01

2005

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AL ASAD, Iraq – A CH-53E Super Stallion from MarineHeavy Helicopter Squadron 465 approaches a Russian

armored vehicle as Marines from Combat LogisticsBattalion 2 helicopter support team wait to hook the

vehicle to the helicopter. One Super Stallion from HMH-465 moved six former Iraqi Army vehicles, saving

time and avoiding the risk of lives and damage to ground transportation equipment.

Photo by Sgt. Juan Vara

KUNAR PROVINCE,Afghanistan – Lance Cpl. DanRobert, squad automatic weapongunner with L Company, chargesforward through the deep snowof the Hindu Kush Mountains tohis squad’s next objective during Operation Spurs.The cordon and search operation was part of a combined coalitionoffensive against terrorist threats in Afghanistan during the winter months.Photo by Cpl. Rich Mattingly

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ST. BERNARD PARISH, La. – Using a ‘Jim boat’ pulled from a tree and makeshift paddles,Cpl. Kyle E. Gaubert and Lance Cpl. Brandon K. Burleigh, riflemen with 1st Platoon, B Company,1st Battalion, 8th Marine Regiment, cross a small canal to search homes after Hurricane Katrina.The Marines were the first on the ground to search the remote community in St. Bernard Parish.They conducted search-and-rescue patrols with the help of 4th Assault Amphibian Battalion.Photo by Cpl. Rocco DeFilippis

MARINE CORPS RECRUIT DEPOT SAN DIEGO –Sgt. Jeremy Masters, Marine Corps Air Bases Western Area, carries the national colors as San Diego-area service members wait to present a football field-sizedAmerican flag to fans at Qualcomm Stadium. Marines and sailors from Southern California’s military units were recognized for their service during a military appreciation ceremony at a preseason San Diego Chargers football game.Photo by Staff Sgt. Scott Dunn

IWO JIMA, Japan – Nearly 59 years after the battle that played a pivotal role in the Corps’

history, Marines from 7th Platoon, 2nd Fleet Anti-Terrorism Security Team Company visit the island to

commemorate the battle’s anniversary. The trip,which included a climb up Mount Suribachi,

was one of the platoon's last operational events. The unit left Japan Jan. 22 for its homeport of

Yorktown Naval Weapons Station in Yorktown, Va.


01/17

2005

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SHINKIARI, Pakistan – Navy Cmdr. Joseph Taddeo cares for athree-year-old Pakistani boy who suffered second-degree burns on

most of his left arm and was brought to the field hospital for treatment. His sister held him during the entire process.Taddeo is a general surgeon with U.S. Naval Hospital Yokosuka, Japan,

currently assigned to Combined Medical Relief Team 3. Okinawa-basedMarines and sailors provided medical treatment and humanitarian

aid to those affected by the Oct. 8 earthquake.Photo by Lance Cpl. Scott M. Biscuiti

HAIA, Norway – A Marinemakes his way across the frozenterrain using snow shoes and skipoles. About 1,300 Marines fromMarine Air Ground Task Force 25participated in exercise BattleGriffin ’05, a Norwegian invitationalexercise involving more than14,000 troops from 15 nations.Norway plays host in the exercisethat tests a multinational taskforce’s ability to respond to humanitarian crises in a coldweather environment. Simulatedembargo control and mine operations at sea were also part of the exercise.Photo by Cpl. Enrique Saenz

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MARINE BARRACKS WASHINGTON – Gen. Michael W. Hagee, commandant of theMarine Corps, and John E. Potter, postmaster general of the United States Postal Service,shake hands at the unveiling of the Distinguished Marines commemorative 37-cent U.SPostage stamps.The stamps depict Marine legends Daniel Daly, John Basilone,John A. Lejeune and Lewis “Chesty” Puller. Photo by Cpl. David Revere

KORANGAL VALLEY, Afghanistan – Marines with I Company, Combined Joint Task Force 76, patrol through one of the many graveyards that mark the hills of the valley duringOperation Cornhuskers.The “Valley of Islam” is a grim reminder of the violence that has spawned in the region.The Marines were tasked with locating and eradicating anti-coalition militias operating in the region. Photo by Cpl. Rich Mattingly

IRAQ – Millions of Iraqis cast their ballots in thenation’s first free election in half a century. U.S. State Department spokesman Noel Clay

said 5,171 out of 5,232 polling centers were openon the historic day. Iraqis elected a 275-member

transitional national assembly to draft a newconstitution and pick the country’s next

president and two vice presidents.


01/30

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FALLUJAH, Iraq – A Fallujah nativedisplays his ink-stained finger next to his

son after voting in Iraq’s referendum.The 2nd Marine Division supported

Iraqi Security Forces through security operations along the outer perimeter of the polling sites, while ISF soldiers

were responsible for security at and immediately surrounding the sites.

The Marines and their ISF counterparts continue to conduct counter-insurgency

operations throughout the western Al Anbar province to provide a safe

and secure environment for the Iraqi people to participate in their

new democratic government.Photo by Cpl. Robert R. Attebury

WASHINGTON – Col. George Dunbardonates blood during a Headquarters MarineCorps’ blood drive. Dunbar said he donates to help save Marines and sailors lives.“Knowing that is incentive enough,”said the assistant deputy director for the Strategy and Plans Division, Plans,, Policy,Operations.The Armed Services Blood Bank needs 200 pints of blood per week tosupply medical units in Iraq and Afghanistan,along with the National Capitol Area’s three military hospitals:The National Naval Medical Center at Bethesda NavalHospital; Walter Reed Army Medical Center;and Malcolm Grow Medical Center atAndrews Air Force Base.Photo by Sgt. Leo A. Salinas

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CAIRO – A formation of coalition fighter jets flies past the ancient Pyramids of Giza duringExercise Bright Star 2005.The historic fly-over brought several nations together in the early days of the six-week exercise. About 8,600 U.S. troops participated in the exercise. “It was basically a multi-national ‘handshake,’” said Sgt. Justin R. Peterson, a Deerborn, Mich., native.“It shows that we’re all willing to use our assets to support our coalition missions.”Photo by Cpl. Chad Leddy

ABOARD USS JUNEAU – Marines from 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit’s F Company standby to board a CH-46E Sea Knight helicopter on the flight deck during Amphibious LandingExercise ‘06.The event is an annual bilateral exercise designed to improve interoperability,increase readiness and continue professional relationships between the United States andPhilippine Armed Forces. Photo by Navy Seaman Adam R. Cole

KUWAIT – Against a desert sunset,a Helicopter Suspension Team from

MEU Service Support Group 15 connects an external load to a CH-46E

helicopter during external load training.The helicopter belongs to MarineMedium Helicopter Squadron 165

(REIN).The squadron was set to fly aterrain flight to get them ready for

future operations over land.Photo by Gunnery Sgt. Robert Knoll

NORWAY – 1,300 Marines from Marine Air GroundTask Force 25 deploy for exercise Battle Griffin

‘05, a Norwegian invitational exercise involvingmore than 14,000 troops from 15 nations.

The Marines conduct cold-weather and humanitarian-assistance training

during the exercise.


02/21

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CAMP BAHARIA, Iraq – Combat engineers from2nd Platoon, A Company, 2nd Combat Engineer Battalion,

comfort each other as they pay their final respects to fallen brothers, Lance Cpl. Mario Castillo and Lance

Cpl. Andrew Kilpela, after a memorial service.The twoengineers died June 10 when an improvised explosivedevice detonated near their vehicle outside of Fallujah.

Photo by Cpl. Mike Escobar

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MARINE CORPS RECRUIT DEPOT SAN DIEGO – Staff Sgt. Jerry Royal, depot operations chief, builds motorcycles

from the ground up, adding personal touches like the increased neckangles, racing cams and mag wheels on this 1974 Harley Davidson.

Royal, a mortarman by trade, worked at a Schwinn bicycle shop when he was 13, and his interest kick-started from there.

He gradually moved on to motorcycles. “I like to work on choppers,”said Royal. “There’s nothing cooler than a nice, wide chopper.”

Photo by Staff Sgt. Scott Dunn

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CHATAN, OKINAWA, Japan – Lance Cpl. Herman Reyes spends his liberty time in a gym honing his skills in kickboxing andwrestling. Reyes has been fighting in Ju-jitsu and kickboxing for more than five years and is a data network specialist for Marine WingSupport Squadron 172, 1st Marine Aircraft Wing. “After wrestling in high school there is really no other route to take but to start eitherfighting full contact or ju-jitsu,” said the Chicago native. “I just happened to know someone who was into ju-jitsu, so I started going to tournaments and matches. I lost a lot at first, but then I started to get the hang of it.” Photo by Cpl. Martin R. Harris

NANGALAM, Afghanistan – Afghanistan’ssmallest citizens also feel the impacts of war.

Children, like the ones here, often go a year or morewithout receiving new clothes, said 1st Lt. Matt D.Bartels. After seeing the poverty in the region, Sgt.Eric J. Rinda and other Marines and sailors of 2ndBattalion, 3rd Marine Regiment contacted friends,families and organizations back home, asking for

donations. Donations poured in, allowing the Marines to hand out more than 600

school outfits to children here.Photo by Sgt. Robert M. Storm

AL ASAD, Iraq – The deployment of Marine FighterAttack Squadron 142 marks the first time in

50 years that a Marine reserve fixed-wing tacticalfighter squadron has deployed to combat

operations. The unit, known as the “Gators” based at Naval Air Station Atlanta,

Marietta, Ga., were told about this deployment in early December 2004 and have been

running full force since their activation.


03/18

2005

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AL ASAD, Iraq – Sgt. Oneal A. Paguada oversees the budget,supplies and quality control of the Al Asad dining facilities.

He serves as the food service operations officer with 2nd MarineAircraft Wing (Forward). His work ensures more than 35,000 hot meals are served each day to Marines, sailors, soldiers,

airmen and civilian contractors. Paguada, a Bronx, N.Y., native,volunteered for a 14-month tour and says he is happy to do

his part to ensure the freedom of the Iraqi people.Photo by Cpl. Rocco DeFilippis

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MARINE AIR GROUNDCOMBAT CENTER TWENTY-

NINE PALMS, Calif. – Jacob and Chad Good cling to their

father, Maj. Matthew T. Good,before raising their grandfather’s

internment flag above the combat center. Since Good began flying his

father’s flag in 2000 to honor theWorld War II veteran, it has flown at

many locations, including MarineCorps Base Quantico, Va., Austin,

Texas and Habbaniya, Iraq.Photo by Lance Cpl. Brian A. Tuthill

MARINE CORPS AIR STATION CHERRY POINT,N.C. – Retired Brig. Gen. George L. Bartlett looks out the window ofthe B-25 bomber named Panchitoand into the past while flying during the 2005 Cherry Point AirShow. Bartlett began his service as an 18-year-old navigator-bom-bardier aboard a B-25 in the NorthSolomons' area as a member ofMarine Bomber Squadron 443.“My first mission aboard a B-25was a low-level flight over one ofthe hot spots in the South Pacific.We were bombing Japanese supplies hidden under a grove ofcoconut trees. Directly after thepassing the target, a 44 mm cutloose at us filling the plane next to us with bullets. I knew then thatit was going to be a long war.”Photo by Cpl. J.R. Stence

WASHINGTON – The Department of Defenseannounces the creation of two campaign medals for

Afghanistan and Iraq. Presidential Executive Order13363 established the Afghanistan and Iraq

campaign medals to recognize members, who madespecific sacrifices and significant contributions in

these areas of operation. The area of eligibilityencompasses all land areas of the country of

Afghanistan and all air spaces above the land.


04/07

2005

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CAMP LEMONIER, Djibouti – Cpl. Michael Keenan of Marine Heavy HelicopterSquadron 464, laughs while chatting with other crew chiefs as they prepare a CH-53 Super

Stallion helicopter for transport back to the United States. HMH-464 was in countryfor 10 months with Combined Joint Task Force-Horn of Africa.The mission of CJTF-HOA

is to detect, disrupt and defeat terrorist operations in the region in conjunction withcoalition partners.The CJTF headquarters was formed to oversee operations in the Horn

of Africa for U.S. Central Command in support of the Global War on Terrorism.Photo by Air Force Staff Sgt. Stacy L. Pearsall

MARINE CORPS BASEQUANTICO, Va. – HenryRojas and three of his five children – Maximo, Caleb andHenry Jr. – spend an afternoonskateboarding in their apart-ment complex’s basketballcourt. Rojas, a Marine Corpsretail clerk for the QuanticoExchange and seven-day stores,occasionally takes the boys to local skateboard parks towork on skating ramps and half-pipes. Rojas saidskatinggives him and his sons something to do together that they all enjoy.Photo by Cpl. Justin P. Lago

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Portraits AL ASAD, Iraq –The Nuclear, Biological and Chemical defense unit of the 2nd

Marine Aircraft Wing (Forward) displays some of the tools of their trade.The Marines are responsible for all the protective, detection and decontamination gear for military

members here, and work each day to ensure its readiness.The unit consolidated all of its assets into one shop to better handle emergencies and maintain the

equipment more efficiently against the harsh conditions of the desert.Photo by Cpl. Rocco DeFilippis

CAMP GANNON, Iraq – Lance Cpl. Nicholas M. Zallis serves aboard Camp Gannon with other Marines of Combat Logistics Battalion 2, 2nd Marine Logistics Group. A little over a year ago, Zallis was nearing the end of his sophomore year at Colombia Art Institute ofChicago when he decided to enlist in the Marine Corps. Today, Zallis and the Marines of CLB-2 are an invaluable resource, providing fuel, food, water, ammunition and security to help deter the return of insurgents to communities along the Syrian border.Photo by Sgt. Josh H. Hauser

WASHINGTON – Gen. Peter Pace is nominated as the next chairman of the Joint Chiefs

of Staff by President Bush. Pace became the first Marine chairman since the position

was formally established in 1947. Pace served as the vice chairman from Oct. 1, 2001

to Aug. 12, 2005. Pace is now the top military advisor to the president.


04/25

2005

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KADENA AIR BASE, OKINAWA, Japan – Rocky sneers while his owner Sgt. Samuel C. Hayes

holds up the bulldog’s certificate of pedigree.Rocky, born Nov. 10, has the same birthday as

the Marine Corps. Hayes is the noncommissioned officer in charge of Marine Corps Air/Departure

Airfield Control Group, Landing Support Company Detachment, 3rd Transportation Support

Battalion, 3rd Marine Logistics Group.Photo by Lance Cpl. Martin R. Harris

SAQALAWIYAH, Iraq – A young boy at SaqalawiyahPrimary School for Boys watchesas the older children receive flags and backpacks from Marinesand Iraqi Police. Marines from 6th Civil Affairs Group, 2nd MarineDivision, worked with the localcommunity and Iraqi police to help rebuild schools in the city.Photo by Staff Sgt. Ronna M. Weyland

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MARINE CORPS AIR STATIONMIRAMAR, Calif. – Fire Capt. Paul J.Tompkins, from Station 62 on EastMiramar, received the 2004 MarineCorps Civilian Firefighter of the Yearaward.Tompkins received the award forbringing Miramar’s fire and fuels man-agement program up to nationally rec-ognized standards for wild land firemanagement. “It is really a nominationof the entire Miramar Fire Department,because what I have been able toaccomplish here is not an individualeffort, but (the result of) outstandingsupport from the rest of the department,” said Tompkins.Photo by Lance Cpl. James B. Hoke

CHIANG MAI, Thailand – More than 500 military andcivilian personnel from the United States, Thailand,

Singapore, Japan and several other countries attendthe opening ceremony for exercise Cobra Gold 2005

at the Lotus Pang Suan Kaew Hotel, marking theofficial start of the 25th annual exercise. Cobra Gold

is a combined, joint, multilateral training exerciseheld in Thailand, designed to improve multinational

interoperability and strengthen national relationships.


05/02

2005

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CAMP BAHARIA, Iraq –Team 3, Detachment 2, 5th Civil Affairs Group is comprised of Staff Sgt. DarianPatterson, Cpl.Tyler Allamong, Sgt. Daniel Duff, Maj. Chris Phelps, Sgt. Sean Lawlor and Sgt. Matthew Dreher.Theteam of mobilized Marine reserves from the Baltimore area operated out of the Northern Fallujah and Saqlawiyahareas during their seven-month tour of duty in Iraq.The Marines worked with 1st Battalion, 6th Marine Regiment

infantrymen, Iraqi Security Forces, local contractors and government officials to continue the ongoing task of rebuilding the communities and restoring the nation’s broken infrastructure.

Photo by Cpl. Mike Escobar

JALALABAD, Afghanistan – Sgts. Jeremy D.Sadler and Alexander Papiernik, Cpl. Andrew P. Parsons and Lance Cpl. Michael D. Hargis are tactical data networking specialists with 2nd Battalion, 3rd MarineRegiment.The self-proclaimed cyber-warriors demonstrate the growing trend in the Marine Corps evolution to a modern battlefield.The tactical data-networking specialists are responsible for installing, operating and maintaining network systems.They are deployed in support of Operation Enduring Freedom.Photo by Sgt. Robert M. Storm

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MARINE CORPS BASE QUANTICO, Va.–Quantico Rugby Football Club’s Todd Gerace and

Josh Good engage the Virginia Beach pack in ascrum April 2. Quantico defeated Virginia Beach

20-5 in rainy conditions at Barnett Field.Photo by Sgt. Donald Bohanner

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SAN DIEGO – Marine starter Larry Drakethrows heat during the 16th Annual Navy-Marine Corps All-Star Baseball Game at PETCO Park July 17.The Marine Corps teambeat Navy 6-3 tying the 16-year series 8-8.Photo by Wayne Short

CAMP FALLUJAH, Iraq – The first democratically-elected city council of Fallujah holds its inaugural

meeting at the Civil-Military Operations Center.The 20-member council met for about two hours,

during which time they elected the chairman, vice chairman and secretary of the council.

Imams, sheiks, engineers, lawyers, educators,administrators and businessmen are among

those who make up the council.


05/17

2005

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MARINE CORPS BASE CAMPLEJEUNE, N. C. – Lance Cpl. Jason

Battey, a heavy equipment operatorwith Bridge Company, 8th Engineer

Support Battalion, participates in the hammer throw event during

the 8th ESB Birthday Celebration Field Meet, March 18.The Charlotte,N.C., native and others participated

in the field meet to foster camaraderie and esprit de corps.

Photo by Lance Cpl. Bobby J. Segovia

NAVAL AIR STATION-JOINT RESERVEBASE FORT WORTH,Texas – About1,600 runners participated in the 7th Annual MarineMud Run at Naval Air Station-Joint Reserve Base Fort Worth,Texas Oct. 15.The 6.3 mile coursewas loaded with tons of mud and more than 30 obstacles.The event served as the kick-off forthe Dallas/Fort Worth Toys for Tots campaign, anannual tradition in the Metroplex that has growntremendously in recent years. Funds raised fromthe charity mud run benefited victims of HurricaneKatrina through the Toys for Tots program andadditional distribution through Dallas and Tarrantcounties’ Young Marines Programs.Photo by Navy Chief Petty Officer Eric A. Clement

MARINE CORPS RECRUIT DEPOT SANDIEGO – Sailors, Marines, Coast Guardsmen andcivilians take off for the 2005 Marine Corps RecruitDepot/Marine Corps Community Services 5K FreedomRun June 30. More than 400 people ran in the 3.1-milerace with the fastest runner coming in at 16:59.Photo by Cpl. Jess Levens

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CAMP BLUE DIAMOND, RAMADI, Iraq – Marines,sailors and soldiers from Regimental Combat Team 8,2nd Marine Division and Iraqi Security Force soldiersconduct combat operations early this morning in the

Southern Lake Thar-Thar region of Al Anbar. OperationKhanjar (Dagger) focused on locating hidden weapons

caches and denying insurgents sanctuary in the areathat is a suspected insurgent and terrorist logistical

hub located about 50 miles northwest of Baghdad.


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MARINE CORPS BASE CAMP PENDLETON,Calif. – Angelica Hutt traps Sara Mecca during theCommanding General’s Cup three-on-three BasketballChallenge at the Paige Field House Aug. 3. Hutt’s two-woman team challenged the theory of “power in numbers” by placing first during a round-robin format. “We just kept the pressure on them, and didn’t give them a chance to set up their shots,”said Rosenberg. “That was the game plan going in.”Photo by Wayne Short

MARINE CORPS BASE QUANTICO, Va. – The baseand the Marine Corps Heritage Foundation

host the unveiling ceremony for the U.S. Mint’scommemorative U.S. Marine Corps silver

dollar coin at Lejeune Hall. Congress authorizedthe Mint to create the coin to commemorate

the Marine Corps’ 230th birthday and to honorpast, present and future Marines who have

made sacrifices to defend the nation.


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MARINE CORPS BASE CAMPPENDLETON, Calif. – James Moore

hurdles a Miramar defender during afootball game at Camp Pendleton.By defeating Miramar, Moore and

his teammates advanced to the All-Base Championship Game. Moore,assigned to Headquarters and Service

Battalion, Marine Corps Base, was acandidate for the 2005 Mike Anderson

Offensive Player of the Year Award.Anderson played on the 11th Marine

Regiment’s intramural tackle footballteam before going on to play as a

running back for the Denver Broncosin the National Football League.

Photo by Wayne Short

CAMP SCHWAB OKINAWA,Japan – Mark Mullen applies an arm bar to Ernesto Martinez during the Open “Tap Out”Tournament at Camp Schwab’sPower Dome Gym Oct. 22.The tournamentfeatured 30 competitors in five weight divisions ranging from 132 pounds to 210 pounds. Marine Corps CommunityServices hosted the tournament, allowingnew and experienced wrestlers to compete and show their grappling skills.Photo by Lance Cpl. C. Warren Peace

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KADENA AIR BASE, OKINAWA, Japan – Idris Turay lands a right hook to Shota Koja’s left cheek during the King of Fights 10 at the RockerNoncommissioned Officers Club July 16.Turay wonthe fight by way of knock out in the second round.The Rockville, Md., native is an operations NCO withHeadquarters Group, III Marine Expeditionary Force.Photo by Lance Cpl. C. Warren Peace

CAMP BLUE DIAMOND, AR RAMADI, Iraq – About1,000 Iraqi Security Force soldiers and Marines from

Regimental Combat Team 2 move into the city ofHaqliniyah and the surrounding area today as part

of Operation Quick Strike. The operation began Aug.3 with Iraqi soldiers and Marines positioning theirunits. The operation’s objective is to interdict and

disrupt insurgents and foreign terrorists’ presencein the Haditha, Haqliniyah, and Barwanah area.


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MARINE CORPS AIR STATIONIWAKUNI, Japan – Marine Aviation

Logistics Squadron 12 pulls with allof its might against Electronic AttackSquadron 140 during the tug-of-war

event. Marine Aircraft Group 12 hostedthe field meet at Penney Lake

July 1 for Marines and sailors tostrengthen unit camaraderie.

Photo by Lance Cpl. Cristin K. Bartter

BAHRAIN – Cpl. William V. Caldwell II, fromWeapons Company, 2nd Battalion, 8th MarineRegiment, takes a shot during his first game of wheelchair basketball. Several Marines and sailorsfrom the 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit (SpecialOperations Capable) and the amphibious assault ship USS Kearsarge visited the Bahrain DisabledSports Foundation May 7 for a friendly game with thecountry’s national Special Olympics basketball team.Photo by Gunnery Sgt. Mark E. Bradley

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2nd Combat Engineer Battalion, II Marine Expeditionary Force,dig their boots in the sand March 20 as they attempt to drag an M-998 humvee during a field meet competition.Each three-man team muscled the 5,000-pound vehicle from start to finish, competing for the fastest time in their unit.Photo by Lance Cpl. Aaron P. Mankin

MARINE CORPS RECRUIT DEPOT SAN DIEGO – Alex Fisher,a recruit from Platoon 1053, attacks another recruit, Liberio Santiago,from Platoon 1055 with the butt of his pugil stick Jan. 21. In the pugilstick competition, recruits apply close combat techniques using a padded,double-ended stick as a weapon.The red pad simulates the bayonet endof a rifle, and the black pad the butt. While at the depot, recruits learnclose combat techniques and fight with pugil sticks three times. In thesecond evolution, recruits fight on a narrow, wooden bridge. In thethird evolution, they fight in the “Thunderdome,” a small buildingthat simulates fighting in close quarters.

Photo by Cpl. Jess Levens

FONTANA, Calif. – The Team Marines pit crewquickly refuels the No. 25 car and adds new tires.

The pit stop came during a mid-race caution flag atthe California Speedway May 3.The pits moved

extremely fast and kept Ashton Lewis Jr. from losingprecious ground in the race. Lewis started the Stater

Bros. 300 in the 27th spot on the two-mile track.He finished 11th.The Chesapeake, Va., native

started racing for Team Marines in 2005.Photo by Lance Cpl. Joseph L. Digirolamo

NEW ORLEANS – A Special Marine Air Ground TaskForce is formed to help in a humanitarian missionin support of those affected by Hurricane Katrina.

Joint Task Force Katrina responded to the emergency efforts in support of the Federal

Emergency Management Agency.


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MARINE CORPS BASE CAMPPENDLETON, Calif. – The Marines’

Yuni Perez was too much for theNavy’s Christopher Navarro during

the American Heroes boxing matchhosted here Aug. 9 and aired on

ESPN2. Perez won the three-roundbout by decision. A crowd of 7,395

boxing fans gathered for the fights.“This is the first time Camp Pendlet

on has had a show like this, and I’m just proud to be here,” the

145-pound Perez said after dominating his opponent.

Photo by Wayne Short

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MARINE CORPS BASE CAMP PENDLETON, Calif. —Military veteran Alex Kapitanski salutes as a Marine color guard posts

during a memorial service honoring the 4th Marine Division Sept. 8.More than 400 veterans and their families attended the service,

which also included a monument dedication. During the four World War II operations in which the division was

engaged, about 82,000 men saw action. Around 17,700 were killed, wounded or listed as missing in action.

Photo by Cpl. William Skelton

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MARINE CORPS RECRUIT DEPOT SAN DIEGO – Sgt. Miguel R. Saenz,a B Company drill instructor, encourages Platoon 1059 guide and series honor man

Pfc. Joseph M. Cuffel to pump out push-ups during a show of motivation.The company graduated 462 Marines during a ceremony April 22.

Photo by Pvt. Charlie Chavez

CAIRO – In a show of multinational military relations, fixed-wing assets from the 13th Marine

Expeditionary Unit (Special Operations Capable)and three countries fly over the ancient Pyramids

of Giza during Exercise Bright Star. The coalitionexercise brought together several participating

and observing countries, including 8,600 U.S. troops in northern Egypt for the duration

of the six-week, three-phase exercise.


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2005

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CAMP AL QA’IM, Iraq – A lone Marine with the 1st Mobile Assault Platoon, Weapons Company, 3rd Battalion, 6th MarineRegiment, Regimental Combat Team 2, stands looking out over the desert Sept. 26 in the Al Qa’im area of operations.The Marines worked with Iraqi Army soldiers to clear the region of insurgents.Two hundred applicants have been screened and approved for the Iraqi Police.Photo by Sgt. Jerad W. Alexander

JUNGLE WARFARE TRAINING CENTER, OKINAWA,Japan – Petty Officer 3rd Class Brian A. Neilsen back crawlsthrough a pit covered in concertina at the Jungle Warfare Training Center’s endurance course Aug. 17. Marines train service members from all military branches at the training center which is the Department of Defense’s only school for jungle warfare. Neilsen is a construction electrician assigned to Naval Mobile Construction Battalion 74’s Air Detachment.Photo by Lance Cpl. C. Warren Peace

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MARINE CORPS BASE CAMP LEJEUNE, N.C. – Marines of Class 2-05 of the SappersLeadership Course decide to have one final “snake party” after their graduation ceremony June 6.

A snake party requires Marines to use wooden logs for curls, bench presses, squats and sit-ups.Thirty-four Marines graduated the intense three-week course, which teaches basic and advanced

combat-engineering and reconnaissance techniques, battlefield fortifications and demolition training.Photo by Pfc. Adam Johnston

MARINE CORPS BASE CAMP LEJEUNE,N.C. – Sgt.Tara C. Landreth is greeted by her

mother, June J. Landreth, after the sergeant and the rest of 2nd Radio Battalion, II Marine

Expeditionary Force, arrived home from Iraq June 17.The communications satellite system operator

and her unit served 10 months in Iraq.Photo by Sgt. Stephen M. DeBoard

MARINE CORPS RECRUIT DEPOT SAN DIEGO – Staff Sgt.Jason A. Sheets, 2nd Battalion drill instructor, motivates Pvt. Justin K.Burchard, Platoon 2083, through the obstacle course June 14. Recruits

receive about 64 hours of physical fitness training during the 13-week train-ing.Their average final physical fitness test score is 245.7 points out of a

possible 300. Drill instructors try to instill in the recruits a lifelong commit-ment to physical fitness, said 1st Sgt. Dathan C. Edwards, Receiving

Barracks Company first sergeant.Photo by Lance Cpl. Dorian Gardner

AFGHANISTAN – Marines and sailors from 2nd Battalion, 3rd Marine Regiment, Marine

Corps Base Hawaii, Kaneohe Bay, provide securityfor the people of Afghanistan during elections

to choose a national assembly and local councilsfor the country’s 34 provinces. This was the second time since 2001 Afghans have been

able to go to the polls to select leaders.


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2005

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FALLUJAH, Iraq – Lance Cpl. Kevin Dixon digsup munitions in a small town outside of Fallujah

March 3. Dixon is with Engineer Platoon, 1stCombat Engineer Battalion, 1st Marine Division.

After an Iraqi citizen alerted coalition forces to theweapons cache, Marines with 1st CEB uncovered

rockets, mortars and rocket-propelled grenades.Photo by Sgt. Robert E. Jones Sr.

MARINE CORPS RECRUIT DEPOT SAN DIEGO – Pvt. Daniel J. Carrillo withstands a figure-four blood choke

during Marine Corps Martial Arts Program testing Sept. 30.All recruits must pass a MCMAP test to earn their tan belts

and graduate from recruit training. MCMAP combines various techniques with different weapons, including the M-16A2 service

rifle and bayonet. Carrillo is with Platoon 3118, K Company.Photo by Lance Cpl. Dorian Gardner

REPUBLIC OF THE PHILLIPPINES – Marines with the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, III Marine

Expeditionary Force, begin two weeks of ground, airand naval integration training with the Armed

Forces of the Philippines. The exercises, called TalonVision and Amphibious Landing Exercise 06, are

designed to improve interoperability, increase readi-ness and continue professional relationships between

the United States and Philippine armed forces.


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2005

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FALLUJAH, Iraq – 2nd Lt. Ernest P. Abelson gives orders to Cpl. Chris W.Adair and other Marines after Iraqi Security Forces report a possible improvised explosive device Dec. 15. Abelson is attached to 2nd Battalion, 7th MarineRegiment, Regimental Combat Team 8.The “War Dogs” of RCT-8 operate inand around Fallujah.This is the third Operation Iraqi Freedom deployment for theunit from Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center at Twentynine Palms, Calif.Photo by Master Sgt. Gideon Rogers

FALLUJAH, Iraq – Rahma Katheer, 8, gives Cpl. David Pavon a kiss after receiving Valentine’s Daycards and candy from him Feb. 14. Pavon is a civil affairs noncommissioned officer with Civil AffairsDetachment 4, Regimental Combat Team 1, 1st Marine Division.The civil affairs Marines visited severalfacilities in the city during a civil military operation to check the progress of each location.Photo by Cpl. K. T. Tran

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SAQLQWIYAH, Iraq – Marines and Bosco,a K-9 military working dog, search for weaponcaches and improvised explosive devices Dec. 6.The Marines, with G Company, 2nd Battalion,6th Marine Regiment, provided security for the Iraqi Constitutional Referendum on Oct. 15and the Dec. 15 general elections. Military working dogs are key to the operational successof Marines in Iraq and other regions of the world.Their keen sense of smell often allows dogs to recognize dangerous situations well before their human partners.Photo by Lance Cpl. Mark E. Morrow

CAMP SCHWAB OKINAWA, Japan – Lance Cpl.Joshua J. Smith tries to free himself from Lance Cpl. JonathonG.Tufo during water grappling Oct. 11.The Marines from theProvost Marshal’s Office also participated in knife-to knife training and grappling in the sand during their daylong training. Smith is dog handler and Tufo is a patrolman.Photo by Lance Cpl. Cathryn Lindsay

MUZAFFARABAD, Pakistan – Marines and sailorsfrom Okinawa, Japan, deploy in a humanitarian

relief effort to aid the victims of a 7.6 magnitudeearthquake which left 2.2 million homeless

and resulted in more than 50,000 dead and 70,000 injured.


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MARINE CORPS BASE CAMP PENDLETON, Calif. – Lance Cpl. Juan L. Orozco takes a breather Oct. 20 in the Camp Horno rifle range pits after themoving-target portion of the Corps’ new range qualification. Orozco is a fieldartilleryman with G Battery, 2nd Battalion, 11th Marine Regiment.The MarineCorps introduced the new rifle-range course Oct. 1.The course involves a newscoring system and an emphasis on combat-oriented fields of fire. Marines are now required to pass two courses of fire to qualify on the range.Photo by Lance Cpl. Ray Lewis

HAQLANIYAH, Iraq – Cpl. Carlos A. Felix Jr., squad leader, enjoys a fewmoments of down time Feb. 28 in aburned-out hotel with his squad from C Company, 1st Battalion, RegimentalCombat Team 7. As the Marines brokeout their meals, ready-to-eat for somequick chow, they began to take machine-gun fire from insurgents in the area, ending their break.Photo by Cpl. Jan M. Bender

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ASADABAD, Afghanistan – Lance Cpl. Alberto Lopez pauses during a patrol

in the Korengal Valley.The infantryman, from El Paso,Texas, and other Marines from

with 2nd Battalion 3rd Marine Regimentworked with the Afghan National Army to conduct security operations in the valley.

Marine forces were frequently engaged in firefights during the operation.

Photo by Sgt. Robert M. Storm

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FALLUJAH, Iraq – Cpl. Jason J.Huelsman searches a house for hidden

weapons and ammunition during apatrol with Iraqi Security Forces.

Coalition forces uncovered weapons andimprovised explosive devices, including

cordless phones and cell phones used toremotely detonate IEDs; propaganda-

producing equipment with multipleaudio and video tapes; and small

arms and improvised rocket launchersand explosives. Huelsman is a

combat engineer with F Company, 2ndBattalion, 6th Marine Regiment.

Photo by Cpl. Robert R. Attebury

WASHINGTON – The Marine Corps Marathon celebrates its 30th anniversary with nearly

20,100 registered runners, carrying on the tradi-tion as the “People’s Marathon.” Ruben Garcia, a Mexico City native, finished first overall with

a time of 2:22:17. The marathon began in 1976 with 1,175 runners, as an effort to

boost the popularity of the armed services following the Vietnam War.


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Al ASAD, Iraq – Marines and other members of theDepartment of Defense sing “Silent Night” with Iraqi childrenduring a candlelight worship on Christmas Eve. The Marines

of Marine Wing Headquarters Squadron 2 (Forward) did an outstanding job of showing that, even though they are in Iraq,

it was still Christmas, said Master Gunnery Sgt. Arnold E.Breckenridge, acting sergeant major and a Baltimore native.

Photo by Cpl. Cullen J. Tiernan

MARINE CORPS BASE CAMP LEJEUNE, N.C. –Gunnery Sgt. Adam J.Taylor, a native of St. Mary, Kan.,was awarded the Bronze Star for his actions duringOperation Iraqi Freedom.The Bronze Star Medal is anindividual decoration and is the fourth highest award

within the Department of Defense for bravery,heroism, and meritorious service.Photo by Sgt. Tracee L. Jackson

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An employee of Naturalite Skylighting Systemslays down a bead of caulk, sealing a pane of

glass covering the central gallery of the NationalMuseum of the Marine Corps.The museum

is scheduled to open Nov. 10, 2006.The 115,000-square-foot structure will feature permanent exhib-

it galleries and a 50-ton steel spire symbolizing the 1945 Iwo Jima flag-raising. For more

information on the National Museum of the Marine Corps, visit www.usmcmuseum.org.

Photo by Lawrence Giberson

AL ASAD, Iraq – An AV-8B Harrier II sits near the runway, gettinga rare break from operations. More than 250 flights are coordinatedfrom this airfield each day, keeping pilots and maintenance Marines

busy around the clock. Members of Marine Attack Squadron 311,Marine Aircraft Group 16, 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing work in shifts to

keep up with the demands of keeping their aircraft flying.Photo by Staff Sgt. Chad McMeen

MARINE BARRACKS WASHINGTON – Gen. MichaelW. Hagee, commandant of the Marine Corps,

and John E. Potter, Postmaster General of the United States Postal Service, unveil

the Distinguished Marines commemorative 37-cent U.S. Postage stamps on the 230th

Birthday of the Marine Corps. The stamps depictlegendary Marines, Daniel Daly, John Basilone,

John A. Lejeune and Lewis B. “Chesty” Puller.


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HADITHA, Iraq – Cpl. Justin T.Wigg, a Bloomingdale, Ill., native and team leader for L Company,

3rd Battalion, 1st Marine Regiment helps secure a building during Operation

River Gate. Marines worked with IraqiSecurity Force soldiers to stop insurgent

activities and rid the city of landmines,weapons caches and improvised

explosive devices.Photo by Cpl. Adam Schnell

MARINE CORPS RECRUIT DEPOTSAN DIEGO – Sgt. Oliver P. Schiess,Instructional Training Company, demonstratesto recruits the wrong way to rappel down thetower at the physical training field. In additionto rappelling, recruits receive training in corevalues, martial arts, combat water survival,marksmanship and other areas of physical fitness and academics.The depot graduatesmore than 21,000 Marines per year.Photo by Pvt. Charlie Chavez

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MARINE CORPS RECRUIT DEPOT SAN DIEGO – Recruit Tyler D. Bible, A Company,Platoon 1074, scales the Confidence Climb duringthe Confidence Course II run. Resembling a vertical railroad track into the sky, the obstacleis comprised of logs horizontally spaced and

connected to two vertical poles that ascendabout 30 feet.The recruits must climb to the top,

straddle the top log and descend the other side.The climb is one of three tall obstacles recruitsmust complete before they pass the course.Photo by Cpl. Edward R. Guevara Jr.

ELMENDORF AIR FORCE BASE, Alaska –Maj. Matthew Shortal and Capt. MatthewDesmond, both with Marine Fighter AttackSquadron (All Weather) 225, Marine Corps AirStation Iwakuni, Japan, taxi down the flight linehere in preparation for a mission during ExerciseNorthern Edge 2004. Northern Edge is Alaska'sannual joint training exercise designed to enhanceinteroperability among the services by sharpeningand honing joint service techniques and procedures. Photo by Pfc. Hugh Stephen Holder III

YAM HA RIVER, Republic of Korea – More than 70 U.S.Marines, Republic of Korea Marines and ROK soldiers

conduct a river-crossing demonstration during ExerciseHwang So ‘06. Marines with A Company, 9th EngineerSupport Battalion, 3rd Marine Logistics Group teamed

with Korean soldiers from the 1175th River CrossingGroup and Korean Reconnaissance Marines from ROK’s

2nd Marine Division to cross the river using variousmodes of transportation under combat-like conditions.


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USS NASSAU – Capt. Nicu N. Nastase uses a bit of down time to practice his golf swing on the flight deck as the ship transits the Atlantic Ocean. Nastase is an AV-8B Harrier II attack jet pilot with MarineMedium Helicopter Squadron 261 (Reinforced).The squadron is the aviationcombat element of the 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit (Special OperationsCapable), deployed as the landing force for Expeditionary Strike Group 8.Photo by Sgt. Richard D. Stephens

MARINE CORPS BASE HAWAII, KANEOHE BAY – Aaron Banks, a trafficmanagement specialist and Oklahoma native, trudges out of the water after a longday of surfing at North Beach. Banks says being a full-time Marine wasn’t enough,

so he decided to learn something new. “I’ve been stationed in Hawaii for almost fourmonths and all I see is people surfing or getting ready to surf,” he said. “It seemed

like a fun hobby that would help me keep in shape, so I decided to see how it was.”Photo by Lance Cpl. Roger L. Nelson

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MARINE CORPS BASE CAMP PENDLETON, Calif. – Marines of 1st Battalion, 4th MarineRegiment attend a memorial service atop Camp Horno’s “Microwave Hill” after an eight-mile hike.The service was held to honor Marines killed in Najaf, Iraq, during Operation Iraqi Freedom.Photo by Lance Cpl. Ray Lewis

CAMP BLUE DIAMOND, Ar Ramadi, Iraq – About 100Iraqi Army soldiers from 3rd Battalion, 3rd Brigade,

1st Iraqi Division and 400 soldiers from the 2/28Brigade Combat Team, launch Operation Tallie

( Rams ) in Ramadi. The operation is the sixth in a series of disruption operations conducted by the

Iraqi Army and coalition forces to neutralize theinsurgency and set conditions for a successful election in the Al Anbar provincial capital city.


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MARINE CORPS AIR GROUND COMBAT CEN-TER TWENTYNINE PALMS, Calif. – A platoon of M-1A1 Abrams Main Battle Tanks rests silently under theclear night skies of the Mojave Desert after a day of gunnery qualification on Range 500.Photo by Pfc. Michael S. Cifuentes

IMPERIAL PALACE,TOKYO,Japan – Chief Warrant Officer BenjaminJ. Bartholomew, III Marine ExpeditionaryForce band officer, renders a salute following a performance during MarchingFestival 2005 at the Nippon Budokan.U.S service members have performed at the 40-year-old event for the past 20 years, but this was the first performance by the Marine Corps.Photo by Lance Cpl. Karim D. Delgado

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CAMP LEMONIER, Djibouti – Marines with 3rd ProvisionalSecurity Company practice moving through different types of staircases

during Military Operations in Urban Terrain training at the shoot house.The 3rd PSC provides security for members of Marine Central

Command and the Combined Joint Task Force-Horn of Africa.Photo by Air Force Staff Sgt. Stacy L. Pearsall

SemperFidelis

TailendCharlieCAMP TAQADDUM, Iraq – More than 200 Marines with the

Camp Lejeune-based B Company, 2nd Transportation SupportBattalion returned to North Carolina Feb. 26.The unit – comprised

of military truck drivers, mechanics, and heavy equipment operators – arrived in Iraq last summer for duty with the

Camp Pendleton-based 1st Force Service Support Group.Photo by Staff Sgt. Jim Goodwin

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