Saturday, August 11, 2007

Combat Camera: Exercise Valiant Shield 2007, 11 Aug

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PACIFIC OCEAN (Aug. 10, 2007) - An SH-60F Seahawk assigned to the "Eightballers" of Helicopter Anti-Submarine Squadron (HS) 8, attached to Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 9, hovers near the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS John C. Stennis (CVN 74) acting as plane guard during exercise Valiant Shield 2007. A plane guard is in the air during flight operations to respond in the event of a man overboard or aircraft incident. The John C. Stennis, Kitty Hawk and Nimitz Carrier Strike Groups are participating in Valiant Shield, the largest joint exercise in recent history. Held in the Guam operating area, the exercise includes 30 ships, more than 280 aircraft and more than 20,000 service members from the Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, and Coast Guard. U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Paul Perkins (RELEASED)

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PACIFIC OCEAN (Aug. 10, 2007) - Interior Communications Electrician 3rd Class Jose Hernandez tests the plat camera in USS Kitty Hawk (CV 63) island camera booth. Plat camera video is broadcasted via the ships closed-circuit television system for Kitty Hawk's crew to observe. The Kitty Hawk, John C. Stennis and Nimitz Carrier Strike Groups are participating in Valiant Shield 2007, the largest joint exercise in the Pacific this year. Held in the Guam operating area, the exercise includes 30 ships, more than 280 aircraft and more than 20,000 service members from the Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, and Coast Guard. Kitty Hawk is entering its third month of its summer deployment. U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Kyle D. Gahlau (RELEASED)

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PACIFIC OCEAN (Aug. 10, 2007) - The Military Sealift Command ship USNS John Ericsson (T-AO 194) refuels USS Kitty Hawk (CV 63) during exercise Valiant Shield 2007. The Kitty Hawk, John C. Stennis and Nimitz Carrier Strike Groups are participating in Valiant Shield 2007, the largest joint exercise in the Pacific this year. Held in the Guam operating area, the exercise includes 30 ships, more than 280 aircraft and more than 20,000 service members from the Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, and Coast Guard. Kitty Hawk is entering the third month of its summer deployment. U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Juan Antoine King (RTELEASED)

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PACIFIC OCEAN (Aug. 10, 2007) - Ticonderoga-class guided missile cruiser USS Cowpens (CG 63) receives fuel from the Military Sealift Command (MSC) fleet replenishment oiler USNS John Ericsson (T-AO 194) during exercise Valiant Shield 2007. As part of the USS Kitty Hawk (CV 63) Carrier Strike Group, Cowpens is accompanying the Kitty Hawk, John C. Stennis and Nimitz Carrier Strike Groups while participating in Valiant Shield 2007, the largest joint exercise in the Pacific this year. Held in the Guam operating area, the exercise includes 30 ships, more than 280 aircraft and more than 20,000 service members from the Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, and Coast Guard. U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Juan Antoine King (RELEASED)

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PACIFIC OCEAN (Aug. 9, 2007) - A group of F/A-18 Hornets and Super Hornets attached to Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 11 prepare to launch off the flight deck of the nuclear-powered aircraft carrier USS Nimitz (CVN 68). The Nimitz Carrier Strike Group (CSG) and embarked (CVW) 11 are deployed in the U.S. 7th Fleet area of operations, participating in exercise Valiant Shield 2007. Valiant Shield the largest joint exercise in recent history, includes 30 ships, more than 280 aircraft and more than 20,000 service members from the Navy, Marine Corps, Air Force and Coast Guard. U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Eduardo Zaragoza (RELEASED)

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PACIFIC OCEAN (Aug. 9, 2007) - An F/A-18C, assigned to the "Sunliners" of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 81, prepares to land on the flight deck of the nuclear-powered aircraft carrier USS Nimitz (CVN 68). The Nimitz Carrier Strike Group (CSG) and embarked (CVW) 11 are deployed in the U.S. 7th Fleet area of operations, participating in exercise Valiant Shield 2007. Valiant Shield the largest joint exercise in recent history, includes 30 ships, more than 280 aircraft and more than 20,000 service members from the Navy, Marine Corps, Air Force and Coast Guard. U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Eduardo Zaragoza (RELEASED)

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PACIFIC OCEAN (Aug. 9, 2007) - Aviation Structural Mechanic Airman Joshua Dowdy prepares an SH-60F Seahawk helicopter, assigned to the "Indians" of Helicopter Anti-Submarine Squadron (HS) 6, for take off on the flight deck of the nuclear-powered aircraft carrier USS Nimitz (CVN 68). The Nimitz Carrier Strike Group (CSG) and embarked Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 11 are deployed in the U.S. 7th Fleet area of operations, participating in Valiant Shield 2007 (VS07). Valiant Shield the largest joint exercise in recent history, includes 30 ships, more than 280 aircraft, and more than 20,000 service members from the Navy, Marines, Air Force and Coast Guard. U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Jake Berenguer (RELEASED)

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PACIFIC OCEAN (Aug. 9, 2007) - Aviation Structural Mechanic Airman Joshua Dowdy prepares an SH-60F Seahawk helicopter, assigned to the "Indians" of Helicopter Anti-Submarine Squadron (HS) 6, for take off on the flight deck of the nuclear-powered aircraft carrier USS Nimitz (CVN 68). The Nimitz Carrier Strike Group (CSG) and embarked Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 11 are deployed in the U.S. 7th Fleet area of operations, participating in Valiant Shield 2007 (VS07). Valiant Shield the largest joint exercise in recent history, includes 30 ships, more than 280 aircraft, and more than 20,000 service members from the Navy, Marines, Air Force and Coast Guard. U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Jake Berenguer (RELEASED)

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PACIFIC OCEAN (Aug. 9, 2007) - An SH-60F assigned to the "Eightballers" of Helicopter Anti-Submarine Squadron (HS) 8 lands on the flight deck of the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS John C. Stennis (CVN 74) following a day of flight operations and training missions during exercise Valiant Shield 2007. The John C. Stennis, Kitty Hawk and Nimitz Carrier Strike Groups are participating in Valiant Shield, the largest joint exercise in recent history. Held in the Guam operating area, the exercise includes 30 ships, more than 280 aircraft and more than 20,000 service members from the Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, and Coast Guard. U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Jon Hyde (RELEASED)

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PACIFIC OCEAN (Aug. 9, 2007) - Aircraft, assigned to Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 9, are secured to the flight deck of the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS John C. Stennis (CVN 74) following a long day of flight operations and training missions during exercise Valiant Shield 2007. The John C. Stennis, Kitty Hawk and Nimitz Carrier Strike Groups are participating in Valiant Shield, the largest joint exercise in recent history. Held in the Guam operating area, the exercise includes 30 ships, more than 280 aircraft and more than 20,000 service members from the Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, and Coast Guard. U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Jon Hyde (RELEASED)

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Friday, August 10, 2007

Charges Dropped Against Marines In Haditha Deaths

News in balance

News in Balance:

While news of Marine Cpl. Marshall Magincalda's conspiracy to commit murder, larceny and housebreaking conviction is one of the most viewed stories on the Internet Friday, another story about the dropping of murder charges against two other Marines has been all but buried

The Associated Press reports all charges have been dismissed against two Marines accused in the killings of 24 Iraqi civilians in Haditha, the Marine Corps announced Thursday.

Lance Cpl. Justin L. Sharratt, 22, of Canonsburg, Pa., was charged with murdering three brothers. Capt. Randy Stone, 35, a battalion lawyer from Dunkirk, Md., was charged with failing to adequately report and investigate the Nov. 19, 2005, combat action in which women and children were among the dead.

In his decision to dismiss charges, Lt. Gen. James Mattis, the commanding general with jurisdiction in the case, said he was sympathetic to the challenges Marines on the ground face in Iraq.

"Where the enemy disregards any attempt to comply with ethical norms of warfare, we exercise discipline and restraint to protect the innocent caught on the battlefield," Mattis wrote in his letter to Sharratt.
Additional sources: The Washington Post, CNN.

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Combat Camera Video: I-35 Bridge Collapse Recovery Efforts

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Video: I-35 Bridge Collapse Recovery Efforts
B-roll of recovery efforts at the site of the I-35 bridge collapse in Minneapolis, Minn. Scenes include divers entering and searching the water, a vehicle being removed from the water, and underwater footage of a searching diver.

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Video: Cmdr. Shultz
Talks to a military reporter in Minneapolis, Minn., about the mission of his unit, why his unit was chosen to work with the recovery efforts at the site of the collapsed bridge, the specialized skills of his unit, and how their work relates to the war efforts. Also see "I-35 Bridge Collapse Recovery Efforts" in the B-roll section.

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Combat Camera: Paratroopers Push Through the Pain

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Sgt. Dustin Slack, Company A, 5th Squadron, 73rd Cavalry Regiment, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 82nd Airborne Division, marks a military-aged man in Had Maksar, Iraq, during Operation Hoplite, Aug. 4. The Soldiers place markings on the citizens so they know who has been searched. Photographer: Pfc. Benjamin Fox, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division Public Affairs

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As the Iraqi Army clears the house, Spc. Mario Mendoza, Company A, 5th Squadron, 73rd Cavalry Regiment, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 82nd Airborne Division, labels the gate to a compound during Operation Hoplite in Had Maksar, Iraq, Aug. 4. Photographer: Pfc. Benjamin Fox, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division Public Affairs

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Staff Sgt. Adam Jeter, Company A, 5th Squadron, 73rd Cavalry Regiment, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 82nd Airborne Division, rests after eight hours of clearing houses in Had Maksar, Iraq, during Operation Hoplite, Aug. 4. The Soldiers spent two days searching for terrorists in 120 degree weather. Photographer: Pfc. Benjamin Fox, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division Public Affairs

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Carrying an M249 squad automatic weapon, Spc. Mario Mendoza, Company A, 5th Squadron, 73rd Cavalry Regiment, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 82nd Airborne Division, clears palm groves near Had Maksar, Iraq, during Operation Hoplite, Aug. 4. Photographer: Pfc. Benjamin Fox, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division Public Affairs

Paratroopers Push Through the Pain
08.09.2007
By Pfc. Ben Fox, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division


HAD MAKSAR, Iraq -- A CH-47 Chinook helicopter touched down in a small clearing outside Had Maksar, a village in the Diyala River Valley, Iraq.

Immediately, the ramp lowered and a group of Iraqi and U.S. Soldiers streamed out of the chopper to prepare for their mission.

The Soldiers were about to endure two days of Operation Hoplite, where they would clear houses and palm groves in and around Had Maksar – all while fighting temperatures in the 120s.

“There is a lot that goes through your mind,” said Staff Sgt. Adam Jeter, Company A, 5th Squadron, 73rd Cavalry Regiment, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 82nd Airborne Division, attached to the 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division, in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom 06-08. “You’re not sure what you’re getting into.
“As soon as the wheels hit the ground, your immediate thought is if you are going to make contact or not when you hit the (landing zone),” said Jeter.

“You don’t really know what to expect,” said Spc. Mario Mendoza, also with Co. A, 5-73 Cav. “When you hit the LZ you could take contact immediately, but that’s why you pull security,” said Mendoza.
After the Chinook took off, the Soldiers left the field and began clearing houses. Each of the men knew the harsh conditions of fatigue – referred to by many Soldiers as “the suck,” – they were going to face in the near future.

“The suck starts to hit after about two or three hours of clearing, even though we started at roughly two o’clock in the morning,” said Jeter. “It doesn’t take long because you’re wearing (Interceptor body armor), in other words, 40 to 50 pounds.

“Since we did an air assault mission, all the gear that you’re taking with you is on your back,” he said. “So you’re looking at carrying 110 or 120 pounds on your back.

“It doesn’t take long for that to set in,” said Jeter. “It gets rough. I mean it’s only a couple of hours until your body is wanting to give out on you,” he said.

“For this particular mission it just started to suck when it started getting hotter,” said Mendoza. “Your gear starts to weigh down and your water is all hot.

“You just want to get done with it,” he said.
With the harsh conditions, the Soldiers have to find ways to continue on and keep focus.

“It’s up in the head,” said Mendoza. “You just have to keep going. Sometimes I think of worse situations we’ve been in,” he said. “Some of the time, you just don’t think about it and just continue on with what you are doing.”

“The way that I have always gotten through and… maintain my focus is, first of all, my immediate situation – me and my men,” said Jeter. My goal from day one was to make sure myself and my men made it home alive,” he said. “I can pretty much deal with anything as long as I make sure that my guys get home alive. Secondly, my family,” continued Jeter. “I have a wife and three kids, and I want to make it home to them. Dealing with that short bit of pain is worth it to make sure I have my focus and stamina to make it through,” he said.
After all of their assigned houses had been cleared, the Soldiers found a house to stay in that night. The next morning, they had to complete the last stage of the mission, which was to clear the palm groves.

“We call the palm groves Vietnam,” said Mendoza. “The humidity is just (ridiculous) there.”
Getting up in the morning and knowing that they are going to go through possibly worse conditions than the day before did not faze Jeter.

“It almost becomes kind of comedic,” said Jeter. “You get up and you know it’s going to suck,” he said. “You know you are getting ready to go through hell, and you know your backs going to hurt … you’re going to get dehydrated and feel light headed. The palm groves are going to be humid, and you’re going to be bent over trying to walk down under the (vineyards),” said Jeter. “You get to the point where you know it’s going to happen one way or the other, so you may as well laugh about it,” he said.
Mendoza said it could have been worse.

“We did it when it was still relatively cool out, so it wasn’t that bad,” he said. “When it gets hotter in the day, it’s not dry anymore -- it’s humid,” said Mendoza, “which makes it that much worse.

“The vineyards are the worst because they are so low,” he said. “It sucks to be bent over walking around in the IBA.

“The only thing that was going through my head was ‘Last day of this (stuff),’” said Mendoza.
Jeter said that each mission gives him something to reflect on for future operations.

“It does get easier each time, because each time you can fine tune what you didn’t do perfect the last time,” he said. “With each mission comes that additional refinement that makes you that much better for the next one.”
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Combat Camera: Soldiers Revamp Lethal Iraqi War Jet

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Soldiers with Bravo Company, 209th Aviation Support Battalion, 25th Combat Aviation Brigade repair a L-29 Telfin at Contingency Operating Base Speicher. (Photo provided by 1st Lt. Brian Crawford and Sgt. Ricardo E. Thongs, B Co. 209th ASB)

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Left to deteriorate at Contingency Operating Base Speicher, the L-29 Telfin is being restored by Soldiers volunteering from Bravo Company, 209th Aviation Support Battalion, 25th Combat Aviation Brigade during Operation Iraqi Freedom 2006-2008. (Photo provided by 1st Lt. Brian Crawford and Sgt. Ricardo E. Thongs, B Co. 209th ASB)

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Spc. John Oldham, aircraft structural repairer, with Bravo Company, 209th Aviation Support Battalion, 25th Combat Aviation Brigade, uses his artistic talents to add a 209th symbol to the L-29 Telfin war fighter, July 30. The L-29 was reconstructed by B Co. after being deserted at Contigency Operating Base Speicher. (Photo provided by Spc. Bryanna Poulin, 25th Combat Aviation Brigade Public Affairs )

Innovative Soldiers Revamp Lethal Iraqi War Jet
08.09.2007
By Spc. Bryanna Poulin, 25th Combat Aviation Brigade Public Affairs


TIKRIT, Iraq -- Disregarded as rubbish and primarily used by insects, varmints and wild creatures, a piece of junk found new life as an aviation masterpiece through the creative skills and ingenuity of Soldiers at Contingency Operating Base Speicher.

Soldiers from Company B, 209th Aviation Support Battalion, 25th Combat Aviation Brigade took time out of their personal agenda to rebuild an L-29 Delfin war trainer jet to look as if it had never been through the callous elements of Iraq.

“The task was to find an abandoned plane and put it back to the condition of when it was flown,” said 1st Lt. Brian Crawford, platoon leader for Company B. “Besides being a home for wild animals, the fire department used it as a training aid for downed aircrafts … and it was a horrible mess.”
Powered by a Bristol Siddeley Viper turbojet engine, the L-29 trainer originated in Czechoslovakia in 1959 and was designed to be straightforward, rugged but yet, an easy to fly aircraft.

The L-29, which was sold to Iraq between the late 1960s and early 1980s, was ideally used as a primary jet trainer and advanced combat trainer.

“There is a lot of history behind the Delfin, making the restoration significant for the 25th CAB,” Crawford noted.
Fascinatingly enough, this isn’t the first time Company B Soldiers have restored old aircrafts.

“We have previously restored an aircraft at Wheeler Army Airfield,” Crawford said. “The difference in restoring this one though, is the operational tempo in Iraq is higher than in the rear … making it difficult to find time to fix the aircraft.”
Working under stringent conditions with limited time, the Soldiers use on hand supplies and scrap metal to reconstruct the Delfin.

“All the supplies were lying around the shop … we used our own paint and the scrap metal from the airframe shop.” Sgt. Ricardo E. Thongs, Company B, 209th ASB, 25th CAB air structural repair supervisor and also had a direct role in the first aircraft reconstruction at Wheeler. “It (L-29 reconstruction) has taken awhile to complete because we have had other missions and can only work on this (Telfin) when we don’t have regular aircraft maintenance … so this takes back seat.”
More importantly, Crawford and Thongs explained, was Company B Soldiers using their personal time to work on the aircraft, giving the Telfin a more personal touch while instilling a sense of pride for the Soldiers.

“We (209th leaders) made this a volunteer project … so it wasn’t mandatory,”
Crawford said. “These guys work 12-hour days. By volunteering, the Soldiers feel passionate about it, ultimately giving the Telfin better quality.”

“Little by little, Soldiers worked on the plane, boosting the spirits among the company,” Thongs added.
In addition to the time constraints, Soldiers must deal with the unforgiving elements of Iraq and situations unlike those faced in Hawaii.

“Most of the time the work is done out in the sun … it’s so hot that the paint sometimes melts from the aircraft.” Crawford said. “Also, we do more maintenance for aircraft out here than we ever perform in Hawaii … so free time is limited.”
Finally, where the finished Telfin will go is still up in the air but the hard work and dedication is clearly seen as the Soldiers work meticulously putting the final touches on it.

“It’s been an impressive project to see what these guys can do with a pile of junk to a replica of what the Telfin once looked like,” Crawford concluded. “The perseverance that these Soldiers displayed (making the L-29 look how it does) is very powerful and inspiring.”
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Thursday, August 9, 2007

Combat Camera: Exercise Valiant Shield 2007, 9 Aug

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PACIFIC OCEAN (Aug. 8, 2007) - The guided missile destroyer USS Preble (DDG 88) steams into the sunset as storm clouds set in during exercise Valiant Shield 2007. Preble is part of the John C. Stennis Carrier Strike Group. The John C. Stennis, Kitty Hawk and Nimitz Carrier Strike Groups are participating in Valiant Shield 2007, the largest joint exercise in recent history. Held in the Guam operating area, the exercise includes 30 ships, more than 280 aircraft and more than 20,000 service members from the Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, and Coast Guard. U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Ron Reeves (RELEASED)

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PACIFIC OCEAN (August 08, 2007) - An F/A-18F Super Hornet, assigned to the "Black Aces" of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 41, launches off the flight deck of the nuclear-powered aircraft carrier USS Nimitz (CVN 68). The Nimitz Carrier Strike Group and embarked Carrier Air Wing Eleven (CVW) 11 are deployed in the U.S. 7th Fleet area of operations participating in exercise Valiant Shield 2007. Valiant Shield, the largest joint exercise in recent history, includes 30 ships, more than 280 aircraft, and more than 20,000 service members from the Navy, Marines, Air Force and Coast Guard. U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Eduardo Zaragoza (RELEASED)

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PACIFIC OCEAN (Aug. 8, 2007) - Fire Controlman 1st Class Matthew Forrest sits as missile system supervisor in the Combat Information Center aboard the guided missile destroyer USS O'Kane (DDG 77). O'Kane is part of the John C. Stennis Carrier Strike Group participating in Valiant Shield 2007. The John C. Stennis, Kitty Hawk and Nimitz Carrier Strike Groups are participating in Valiant Shield, the largest joint exercise in recent history. Held in the Guam operating area, the exercise includes 30 ships, more the 280 aircraft and more then 20,000 service members from the Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps and Coast Guard. U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Joseph R. Vincent (RELEASED)

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PACIFIC OCEAN (Aug. 7, 2007) - Electrician's Mate Seaman Nastasia Andreanoff operates a 2” inch fire hose during repair locker training on the flight deck of the guided missile destroyer USS O'Kane (DDG 77). O'Kane is part of the John C. Stennis Carrier Strike Group participating in Valiant Shield 2007. The John C. Stennis, Kitty Hawk and Nimitz Carrier Strike Groups are participating in Valiant Shield, the largest joint exercise in recent history. Held in the Guam operating area, the exercise includes 30 ships, more the 280 aircraft and more then 20,000 service members from the Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps and Coast Guard. U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Joseph R. Vincent (RELEASED)

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PACIFIC OCEAN (Aug. 8, 2007) - Sailors watch from the catwalk as an F/A-18F Super Hornet, assigned to the "Black Aces" of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 41, launches off the flight deck of the nuclear-powered aircraft carrier USS Nimitz (CVN 68). The Nimitz Carrier Strike Group and embarked Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 11 are deployed in the U.S. 7th Fleet area of operation participating in Valiant Shield 2007. Valiant Shield, the largest joint exercise in recent history, includes 30 ships, more than 280 aircraft, and more than 20,000 service members from the Navy, Marines, Air Force and Coast Guard. U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist David L. Smart (RELEASED)

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PACIFIC OCEAN (Aug. 8, 2007) - Aviation Boatswain's Mate (Handling) 3rd Class Anthony Coark directs an F/A-18E Super Hornet, assigned to the "Tophatters" of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 14, onto the catapult on the flight deck of the nuclear-powered aircraft carrier USS Nimitz (CVN 68). The Nimitz Carrier Strike Group and embarked Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 11 are deployed in the U.S. 7th Fleet area of operation participating in Valiant Shield 2007. Valiant Shield, the largest joint exercise in recent history, includes 30 ships, more than 280 aircraft, and more than 20,000 service members from the Navy, Marines, Air Force and Coast Guard. U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist David L. Smart (RELEASED)

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PACIFIC OCEAN (Aug. 7, 2007) - Chief Hospital Corpsman Gaspare Corrao plays a guitar during a morale, welfare, and recreation division sponsored music night on the mess decks of the guided missile destroyer USS O'Kane (DDG 77). O'Kane is part of the John C. Stennis Carrier Strike Group. The John C. Stennis, Kitty Hawk and Nimitz Carrier Strike Groups are participating in Valiant Shield 2007, the largest joint exercise in recent history. Held in the Guam operating area, the exercise includes 30 ships, more the 280 aircraft and more then 20,000 service members from the Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps and Coast Guard. U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Joseph R. Vincent (RELEASED)

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PACIFIC OCEAN (Aug. 7, 2007) - An SH-60F Seahawk, assigned to the "Eightballers" of Helicopter Anti-Submarine Squadron (HS) 8, lands on the flight deck of the guided missile destroyer USS O'Kane (DDG 77) as part of exercise Valiant Shield 2007. O'Kane is part of the John C. Stennis Carrier Strike Group. The John C. Stennis, Kitty Hawk and Nimitz Carrier Strike Groups are participating in Valiant Shield 2007, the largest joint exercise in recent history. Held in the Guam operating area, the exercise includes 30 ships, more the 280 aircraft and more then 20,000 service members from the Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps and Coast Guard. U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Joseph R. Vincent (RELEASED)

NEWSLINKS

Valiant Shield exercise tests U.S. military’s ability to consolidate forces

Airpower key to Exercise Valiant Shield

Valiant Shield exercise brings services together

The tip of the U.S. spear

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Combat Camera: Minneapolis Bridge Collapse

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MINNEAPOLIS, Minn. (Aug. 8, 2007) - Navy Diver 1st Class Josuha Harsh Mobile Diving and Salvage Unit (MDSU) 2 from Naval Amphibious Base Little Creek, Va., surfaces after completing a salvage dive in the Mississippi River as the vehicle he and his team rigged is lifted from the water. MDSU-2 is assisting other federal, state, and local authorities managing disaster and recovery efforts at the site. U.S. Navy photo by Senior Chief Mass Communication Specialist Andrew McKaskle (RELEASED)

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MINNEAPOLIS, Minn. (Aug. 09, 2007) - Navy divers attached to Mobile Diving and Salvage Unit (MDSU) 2 from Naval Amphibious Base Little Creek, Va., conduct operations from a U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Crane Barge at the site of the I-35 bridge collapse over the Mississippi River. MDSU-2 is assisting other federal, state, and local authorities in the recovery efforts at the site. U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Joshua Adam Nuzzo (RELEASED)

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MINNEAPOLIS, Minn. (Aug. 09, 2007) - Navy divers attached to Mobile Diving and Salvage Unit (MDSU) 2 from Naval Amphibious Base Little Creek, Va., conduct operations from a U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Crane Barge at the site of the I-35 bridge collapse over the Mississippi River. MDSU-2 is assisting other federal, state, and local authorities in the recovery efforts at the site. U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Joshua Adam Nuzzo (RELEASED)

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MINNEAPOLIS, Minn. (Aug. 09, 2007) - Navy divers attached to Mobile Diving and Salvage Unit (MDSU) 2 from Naval Amphibious Base Little Creek, Va., conduct operations from a U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Crane Barge at the site of the I-35 bridge collapse over the Mississippi River. MDSU-2 is assisting other federal, state, and local authorities in the recovery efforts at the site. U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Joshua Adam Nuzzo (RELEASED)

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MINNEAPOLIS, Minn. (Aug. 8, 2007) - Chief Navy Diver Scott Maynard of Mobile Diving and Salvage Unit (MDSU) 2 makes final checks on Navy Diver 2nd Class Noah Gotteman's MK-21 diving helmet before a dive into the Mississippi River. MDSU-2 is assisting other federal, state, and local authorities managing disaster and recovery efforts at the site. U.S. Navy photo by Senior Chief Mass Communication Specialist Andrew McKaskle (RELEASED)

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MINNEAPOLIS, Minn. (Aug. 8, 2007) - Navy Diver 1st Class Josuha Harsh of Mobile Diving and Salvage Unit (MDSU) 2 from Naval Amphibious Base Little Creek, Va., surfaces after completing a salvage dive in the Mississippi River as the vehicle he and his team rigged is lifted from the water. MDSU-2 is assisting other federal, state, and local authorities managing disaster and recovery efforts at the site. U.S. Navy photo by Senior Chief Mass Communication Specialist Andrew McKaskle (RELEASED)

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MINNEAPOLIS, Minn. (Aug. 8, 2007) - A member of Mobile Diving and Salvage Unit (MDSU) 2 from Naval Amphibious Base Little Creek, Va., watches as a vehicle is lifted from the Mississippi River during recovery efforts. MDSU-2 is assisting other federal, state, and local authorities managing disaster and recovery efforts at the site. U.S. Navy photo by Senior Chief Mass Communication Specialist Andrew McKaskle (RELEASED)

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MINNEAPOLIS, Minn. (Aug. 07, 2007) - Navy divers from Mobile Diving and Salvage Unit (MDSU) 2 from Naval Amphibious Base Little Creek, Va., enter the water at the site of the I-35 bridge collapse over the Mississippi river. MDSU-2 is assisting other federal, state, and local authorities managing disaster and recovery efforts at the site. U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Joshua Adam Nuzzo (RELEASED)

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MINNEAPOLIS, Minn. (Aug. 7, 2007) - Navy divers from Mobile Diving and Salvage Unit (MDSU) 2 from Naval Amphibious Base Little Creek, Va., survey and assess the wreckage of the I-35 Bridge. MDSU-2 is assisting other federal, state, and local authorities managing disaster and recovery efforts at the site. U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Joshua Adam Nuzzo (RELEASED)

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MINNEAPOLIS, Minn. (Aug. 7, 2007) - Navy divers from Mobile Diving and Salvage Unit (MDSU) 2 from Naval Amphibious Base Little Creek, Va., survey and assess the wreckage of the I-35 Bridge. MDSU-2 is assisting other federal, state, and local authorities managing disaster and recovery efforts at the site. U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Joshua Adam Nuzzo (RELEASED)

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MINNEAPOLIS, Minn. (Aug. 7, 2007) - Navy divers from Mobile Diving and Salvage Unit (MDSU) 2 from Naval Amphibious Base Little Creek, Va., survey and assess the wreckage of the I-35 Bridge. MDSU-2 is assisting other federal, state, and local authorities managing disaster and recovery efforts at the site. U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Joshua Adam Nuzzo (RELEASED)

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MINNEAPOLIS, Minn. (Aug. 08, 2007) - People gather on the Stone Arch Bridge near the I-35 bridge collapse, to watch Navy divers from Mobile Diving and Salvage Unit (MDSU ) 2, assigned to Naval Amphibious Base Little Creek, Va., at work with federal, state, and local government agencies during search recovery efforts at the site. MDSU-2 is conducting operations from a U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Crane Barge at the site. U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Joshua Adam Nuzzo (RELEASED)

Also see: Minneapolis Bridge Collapse Video

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Combat Camera Video: Minneapolis Bridge Collapse

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Video: Minnesota Bridge Collapse
B-roll of aerial footage of the collapsed bridge in Minneapolis, Minn. Scenes include far away and close up footage of the collapsed bridge, vehicles on the bridge and the area around the bridge. Also see "Sec. of the Navy Winter Tours Collapse Site", “Gov. Pawlenty, Sec. of the Navy Winter, Sheriff Staneck" in the Briefings section and "Sec. of the Navy Winter" in the Interviews section.

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Coalition Targets Terrorist Cells, al Qaeda in Iraq

Dispatches from the Front

Dispatches from the Front:

Amid continued reports of success, it would seem a blackout is in effect Thursday for news out of Iraq.

Buried behind a page full of headlines, The Associated Press reluctantly reports even some critics of President Bush's Iraq war policies are conceding there is evidence of recent improvements from a military standpoint. But AP tempers the news by stating Bush supporters and critics alike agree that these have not been matched by any noticeable progress on the political front.

Still, there have been signs of changes in attitudes, some on the ground in Iraq, some in the United States:

  • Two critics of Bush's recent handling of Iraq, Michael O'Hanlon and Kenneth Pollack, both of the Brookings Institution, penned an op-ed opinion piece in The New York Times suggesting after a visit that "we are finally getting somewhere in Iraq, at least in military terms." They recommended Congress sustain the current troop buildup "at least into 2008."

  • Leading anti-war Democrat Rep. John Murtha of Pennsylvania predicted that U.S. commanders will begin drawing down troop levels early next year and that Congress can be more flexible in setting a fixed deadline for ending the U.S. occupation.

  • Polls suggest that Bush has had some degree of success in linking Islamic militants in Iraq with the al-Qaida terrorist movement.

Coalition Targets Terrorist Cells, al Qaeda Associates in Iraq
American Forces Press Service


WASHINGTON, Aug. 9, 2007 -- Coalition forces killed three terrorists and detained 21 suspected terrorists in Iraq’s Tigris River Valley over the past two days.
West of Balad yesterday, coalition forces killed three terrorists in a precision operation targeting the leader of a terrorist cell of foreigners and internationally connected Iraqis associated with al Qaeda. The cell is known to provide logistics support to al Qaeda, as well as facilitating suicide bombings and the movement of foreign terrorists, military officials reported. Coalition forces found rocket-propelled grenades, rifles and propane tanks in the vehicle the terrorists were driving.

Based on information from that operation, coalition forces raided five buildings west of Balad this morning. The ground forces captured a man they believed to be associated with foreign terrorist groups hiding in a well near the buildings.

"As long as terrorists continue to conduct their brutal attacks against the people of Iraq and those who seek to bring security to the country, we will continue to work toward eliminating the threat," said Army Lt. Col. Christopher Garver, a Multinational Force Iraq spokesman.

In other operations today:

  • Coalition forces captured the suspected deputy of a senior al Qaeda leader north of Tikrit. The captured individual allegedly works for the terrorist emir of Salah ad Din province, who allegedly was involved in strategy development for al Qaeda. In addition to the deputy, coalition forces detained seven individuals for suspected ties to the terrorist leader.

  • In Mosul, coalition forces targeted a suspected al Qaeda operative who allegedly escaped from prison in March and conducted attacks against coalition forces in May. Ground forces detained three suspected terrorists for alleged ties to the terrorist group.

  • Coalition forces detained nine suspected terrorists in Mosul while targeting a close associate of an al Qaeda in Iraq senior leader.

In operations yesterday:

  • Iraqi special operations forces with U.S. Special Forces advisors detained five suspected militia insurgents in Baghdad’s Mahmudiyah neighborhood. The primary individual detained is suspected of trafficking weapons. He is also the alleged leader of a death squad whose members are known to conduct kidnapping, torture and execution of local Iraqi citizens. Iraqi forces detained four other suspicious individuals during the raid. In addition, the extremists are suspected of emplacing explosively formed penetrators that target coalition and Iraqi forces.

  • Iraqi and U.S. special operations forces detained a militia cell commander in Karbala, a town on the southwestern outskirts of Baghdad. He is believed to have directed and overseen attacks on coalition forces using improvised explosive devices and explosively formed penetrators on multiple occasions. One other suspicious individual also was detained.

  • An alleged militia cell death squad leader and four members of his cell were detained in Bghdad’s East Rashid district. The extremist leads a cell that kidnaps local citizens, displaces residents from their homes, and kills Sunnis and Egyptians in the Baghdad area.

In earlier operations:

  • Iraqi and U.S. Special Forces units captured five suspected al Qaeda terrorists near the village of Ibrahim Sinjar during operations in western Iraq on Aug. 7. Information from local residents indicated that al Qaeda used the village for meetings and storing weapons caches and medication. These suspected terrorists are believed to be involved in attacks against Iraqi security forces using improvised explosive devices, U.S. officials said. After moving residents to a safe distance, a house used by al Qaeda to store explosives, stage attacks and facilitate operations, was destroyed by U. S. Special Forces soldiers. In addition, weapons, ammunitions, and Iraqi and U.S currency at the site were seized.

  • A joint operation conducted by Iraq police and army units with coalition advisors netted seven detainees and seized more than a dozen weapons northwest of the provincial capital Aug. 7. All the men detained were wanted by Iraqi security forces for suspected crimes or insurgent activity. The men were detained in different areas of the village. Weapons seized by the local security forces included 14 AK-47 machine guns, a pistol and a bolt-action rifle.

  • Iraqi and U.S. special operations soldiers destroyed a car-bomb cache Aug. 6 in a village near Sinjar. Already in the area conducting vehicle inspections, the Iraqi and U.S. air assault force noticed suspicious materials in the bed of a truck that contained four individuals. The forces stopped the vehicle, causing the four armed suspected terrorists to run in opposite directions. The vehicle contained five 120 mm mortar rounds, a 120 mm mortar system including the tripod and base plate, a rocket-propelled grenade, a machine gun with 1,000 rounds of ammunition, an improvised three-tube rocket launcher system, two cell phones and a video camera.

(Compiled from Multinational Force Iraq, Multinational Corps Iraq and Combined Joint Special Operations Task Force Arabian Peninsula news releases.)

Additional media sources: CNN, Reuters.

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