THE TENSION: Images: Combat Camera, Wed. 24 May

The Military Sealift Command fast combat support ship USNS Rainier (T-AOE 7), center, provides fuel for the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Ronald Reagan (CVN 76), bottom, and the Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS McCampbell (DDG 85) in the Persian Gulf May 20, 2006. All three ships are assigned to the Ronald Reagan Carrier Strike Group, which is conducting maritime security operations in support of Operations Iraqi Freedom and Enduring Freedom. DoD photo by Photographer's Mate 3rd Class Aaron Burden, U.S. Navy. (Released)

U.S. Marine Corps Sgt. Juan Morales, with 2nd Air-Naval Gunfire Liaison Company, lays down a barrage of gunfire to cover his fellow Marines during a firefight in Ramadi, Iraq, May 20, 2006. DoD photo by Photographer's Mate 2nd Class Samuel C. Peterson, U.S. Navy. (Released)

U.S. Marine Corps Cpl. Jeremy Rugg fires an HE grenade towards an enemy position during a firefight in Ramadi, Iraq, as Cpl. Julius Mitchell, left, lays covering fire and Cpl. Adam Gokey, right, spots insurgent positions May 20, 2006. All three Marines are assigned to 2nd Air-Naval Gunfire Liaison Company. DoD photo by Photographer's Mate 2nd Class Samuel C. Peterson, U.S. Navy. (Released)

An Iraqi army soldier and a judge inform citizens about the election process before voting begins to elect candidates to the town council in Sabeaa Al-Boor, Iraq, May 21, 2006. DoD photo by Photographer's Mate 1st Class Michael Larson, U.S. Navy. (Released)