Saturday, October 27, 2007

Navy SEAL Lt. Michael P. Murphy Awarded Medal of Honor

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WASHINGTON (Oct. 2, 2007) - The Medal of Honor rests on a flag beside a SEAL trident during preparations for an award ceremony for Lt. Michael P. Murphy. Murphy was killed by enemy forces during a reconnaissance mission, Operation Red Wing, June 28, 2005, while leading a four-man team tasked with finding a key Taliban leader in the mountainous terrain near Asadabad, Afghanistan. The team came under fire from a much larger enemy force with superior tactical position. Murphy knowingly left his position of cover to get a clear signal in order to communicate with his headquarters and was mortally wounded while exposing himself to enemy fire. While being shot and shot at, Murphy provided his units location and requested immediate support for his element. He returned to his cover position to continue the fight until finally succumbing to his wounds. U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Brandan W. Schulze (RELEASED)

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Navy file photo of SEAL Lt. Michael P. Murphy, from Patchogue, N.Y. Murphy was killed by enemy forces during a reconnaissance mission, Operation Red Wing, June 28, 2005, while leading a four-man team tasked with finding a key Taliban leader in the mountainous terrain near Asadabad, Afghanistan. The team came under fire from a much larger enemy force with superior tactical position. Murphy knowingly left his position of cover to get a clear signal in order to communicate with his headquarters and was mortally wounded while exposing himself to enemy fire. While being shot and shot at, Murphy provided his units location and requested immediate support for his element. He returned to his cover position to continue the fight until finally succumbing to his wounds. U.S. Navy photo (RELEASED)

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Navy file photo of Navy SEALs operating in Afghanistan in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. From left to right, Sonar Technician (Surface) 2nd Class Matthew G. Axelson, of Cupertino, Calif; Senior Chief Information Systems Technician Daniel R. Healy, of Exeter, N.H.; Quartermaster 2nd Class James Suh, of Deerfield Beach, Fla.; Hospital Corpsman 2nd Class Marcus Luttrell; Machinist’s Mate 2nd Class Eric S. Patton, of Boulder City, Nev.; and Lt. Michael P. Murphy, of Patchogue, N.Y. With the exception of Luttrell, all were killed June 28, 2005, by enemy forces while supporting Operation Red Wing. U.S. Navy photo (RELEASED)

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WASHINGTON (Oct. 22, 2007) - President George W. Bush presents the Medal of Honor to Daniel and Maureen Murphy, the parents of Navy SEAL Lt. Michael Murphy, during a ceremony at the White House. Lt. Murphy was killed during a reconnaissance mission near Asadabad, Afghanistan, while exposing himself to enemy fire in order to call in support after his four-man team came under attack by enemy forces June 28, 2005. Murphy is the first service member to receive the honor for actions during Operation Enduring Freedom and the first Navy recipient of the medal since Vietnam. U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Brien Aho (RELEASED)

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Navy file photo of the Medal of Honor certificate presented by President George W. Bush to Daniel and Maureen Murphy, the parents of Navy SEAL Lt. Michael Murphy, during a ceremony at the White House. Lt. Murphy was killed during a reconnaissance mission near Asadabad, Afghanistan, while exposing himself to enemy fire in order to call in support after his four-man team came under attack by enemy forces June 28, 2005. Murphy is the first service member to receive the honor for actions during Operation Enduring Freedom and the first Navy recipient of the medal since Vietnam. U.S. Navy photo (RELEASED) (CLICK TO ENLARGE IMAGE)

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Navy file photo of the Medal of Honor citation presented by President George W. Bush to Daniel and Maureen Murphy, the parents of Navy SEAL Lt. Michael Murphy, during a ceremony at the White House. Lt. Murphy was killed during a reconnaissance mission near Asadabad, Afghanistan, while exposing himself to enemy fire in order to call in support after his four-man team came under attack by enemy forces June 28, 2005. Murphy is the first service member to receive the honor for actions during Operation Enduring Freedom and the first Navy recipient of the medal since Vietnam. U.S. Navy photo (RELEASED) (CLICK TO ENLARGE IMAGE)

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WASHINGTON (Oct. 22, 2007) - President George W. Bush embraces Daniel Murphy, father of Navy SEAL Lt. Michael Murphy, prior to the Medal of Honor ceremony at the White House. Lt. Murphy was killed during a reconnaissance mission near Asadabad, Afghanistan, while exposing himself to enemy fire in order to call in support after his four-man team came under attack by enemy forces June 28, 2005. Murphy is the first service member to receive the honor for actions during Operation Enduring Freedom and the first Navy recipient of the medal since Vietnam. Daniel and Maureen Murphy accepted the posthumous award on behalf of their son. U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Brien Aho (RELEASED)

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WASHINGTON (Oct. 23, 2007) - Daniel and Maureen Murphy, the parents of Navy SEAL Lt. Michael Murphy, unveil a photo of their son during a ceremony held at the Hall of Heroes inside the Pentagon. Lt. Murphy was posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor yesterday in a ceremony held at the White House. Lt. Murphy was killed during a reconnaissance mission near Asadabad, Afghanistan, while exposing himself to enemy fire in order to call in support after his four-man team came under attack by enemy forces June 28th, 2005. Murphy is the first service member to receive the honor for actions during Operation Enduring Freedom and the first Navy recipient of the medal since Vietnam. U.S. Navy photo by Chief Mass Communication Specialist James Pinsky (RELEASED)

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WASHINGTON (Oct. 23, 2007) - A wall inscription of Navy SEAL Lt. Michael Murphy is revealed during a ceremony held at the Hall of Heroes inside the Pentagon. Lt. Murphy was posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor yesterday in a ceremony held at the White House. Lt. Murphy was killed during a reconnaissance mission near Asadabad, Afghanistan, while exposing himself to enemy fire in order to call in support after his four-man team came under attack by enemy forces June 28th, 2005. Murphy is the first service member to receive the honor for actions during Operation Enduring Freedom and the first Navy recipient of the medal since Vietnam. U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Kevin S. O’Brien (RELEASED)

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WASHINGTON, D.C. (Oct. 23, 2007) - Members of the Navy Ceremonial Guard stand watch over a display table of Navy SEAL Lt. Michael Murphy during a Medal of Honor Flag Ceremony held at the United States Navy Memorial. Lt. Murphy was posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor on Oct. 22 in a ceremony held at the White House. Lt. Murphy was killed during a reconnaissance mission near Asadabad, Afghanistan, while exposing himself to enemy fire in order to call in support after his four-man team came under attack by enemy forces June 28th, 2005. Murphy is the first service member to receive the honor for actions during Operation Enduring Freedom and the first Navy recipient of the medal since Vietnam. U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Kevin S. O'Brien (RELEASED)

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WASHINGTON (Oct. 23, 2007) - Members of the Navy Ceremonial Guard fold the Medal of Honor Flag to be presented to Daniel and Maureen Murphy, the parents of Navy SEAL Lt. Michael Murphy, during the special ceremony in honor of their son held at the United States Navy Memorial. Lt. Murphy was posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor on Oct. 22 in a ceremony held at the White House. Lt. Murphy was killed during a reconnaissance mission near Asadabad, Afghanistan, while exposing himself to enemy fire in order to call in support after his four-man team came under attack by enemy forces June 28th, 2005. Murphy is the first service member to receive the honor for actions during Operation Enduring Freedom and the first Navy recipient of the medal since Vietnam. U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Brien Aho (RELEASED)

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WASHINGTON (Oct. 23, 2007) - Members of the Navy Ceremonial Guard stand behind the United States Navy Ceremonial Band during a Medal of Honor Flag ceremony recognizing the actions of Navy SEAL Lt. Michael Murphy held at the United States Navy Memorial. Lt. Murphy was posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor on Oct. 22 in a ceremony held at the White House. Lt. Murphy was killed during a reconnaissance mission near Asadabad, Afghanistan, while exposing himself to enemy fire in order to call in support after his four-man team came under attack by enemy forces June 28th, 2005. Murphy is the first service member to receive the honor for actions during Operation Enduring Freedom and the first Navy recipient of the medal since Vietnam. U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Brien Aho (RELEASED)

President Bush Presents Medal of Honor to Parents of Navy SEAL

WASHINGTON, Oct. 22, 2007 -- President Bush today posthumously presented the Medal of Honor earned by Lt. Michael P. Murphy, a Navy SEAL who sacrificed his life in an attempt to save fellow SEALs during a fierce battle with Taliban fighters in Afghanistan.

The Medal of Honor, accepted by Murphy’s parents, Maureen and Dan Murphy, during a White House ceremony, is the highest military decoration. Murphy’s is the first Medal of Honor awarded for service in Operation Enduring Freedom in Afghanistan.

“Today we add Lieutenant Michael Murphy’s name to the list of recipients who have made the ultimate sacrifice,” Bush said. “By presenting Michael Murphy’s family with the Medal of Honor that he earned, a grateful nation remembers the courage of this proud Navy SEAL.”
On June 28, 2005, as Murphy led a four-man SEAL team in search of key terrorist commander, the unit came under attack by some 50 Taliban fighters. The lieutenant is credited with risking his own life to save the lives of his teammates, according to a summary of action published by the Navy.

Despite intense combat around him, Murphy -- already wounded in the firefight -- moved into the open where he could gain a better transmission signal and request backup from headquarters. At one point, Murphy was shot in the back, causing him to drop the transmitter. The lieutenant picked it back up, completed the call and continued firing at the enemy as they closed in.

By the time the two-hour gunfight had concluded, Murphy and two others SEALs had been killed. An estimated 35 Taliban died in the fighting.

As a somber postscript to Murphy’s bravery, the helicopter that he requested crashed after being struck by a rocket- propelled grenade, killing everyone on board. In total, 19 Americans died in what Bush referred to as “the deadliest for Navy Special Warfare forces since World War II.”

The president characterized Murphy as a born Navy SEAL.

“SEALs get their name from operating by sea, air and land, and even as a toddler, Michael could find his way through any obstacle,” Bush said. “When he was just 18 months old, he darted across a neighbor's yard and dove into the swimming pool. By the time his frantic parents reached him, Michael had swum to the other side with a big smile on his face.”
In addition to his physical strength, Bush said Murphy’s strong moral character also was apparent at an early age.

“One day in school, he got into a scuffle sticking up for a student with a disability. It's the only time his parents ever got a phone call from the principal, and they couldn't have been prouder,” Bush said. “Michael's passion for helping others led him to become a caring brother, a tutor, a life guard and eventually a member of the United States armed forces.”
The president welcomed Murphy’s parents and brother, John, who hail from Patchogue, N.Y., to the White House’s East Room, noting that Murphy’s decision to join the U.S. military was not easily accepted by his family. “As a Purple Heart recipient during Vietnam, Michael's father understood the sacrifices that accompany a life of service. He also understood that his son was prepared to make these sacrifices,” Bush added.

Murphy is remembered by fellow SEALs as a wisecracking friend who went by "Mikey" or "Murph," a patriot who wore a New York City firehouse patch on his uniform in honor of the heroes of 9/11, Bush said.

“And they remember an officer who respected their opinions and led them with an understated yet unmistakable sense of command. Together Michael and his fellow SEALs deployed multiple times around the world in the war against the extremists and radicals,” Bush said. “And while their missions were often carried out in secrecy, their love of country and devotion to each other was always clear.”
Murphy is one of three servicemembers to receive the Medal of Honor posthumously for gallantry in action during the war on terror. The president has presented medals to the families of Army Sgt. 1st Class Paul R. Smith and Marine Cpl. Jason L. Dunham, who died in Iraq.

(Report by John J. Kruzel, American Forces Press Service.)

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Friday, October 26, 2007

Combat Camera: Military Supports Southern California Wildfire Efforts Pt. 4

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A smoke filled sunrise, from a nearby wildfire, fills the area of downtown San Diego, Calif., Oct. 24, 2007. The Department of Defense has teamed up with the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection to help put out the wildfires blazing across Southern California. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Raymond D. Petersen III) (Released)

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C-130 Hercules aircraft sit on the runway due to low visibility and weather conditions at Channel Islands Air National Guard Base, Calif., Oct. 26, 2007. The aircraft and it's crew are supporting the California firefighting efforts. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Hector Garcia) (Released)

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Firefighters from the Camp Pendleton Fire Department monitor a controlled back fire used to prevent wild fires at Camp Pendleton, Calif., Oct. 25, 2007. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Grant T. Walker) (Released)

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U.S. Air Force Senior Airman Leo Alvarado and Tech. Sgt. Kriss Todd, both from 153rd Aircraft Maintenance Engine Shop, pressure wash fire retardant off a C-130 Hercules aircraft on Channel Islands Air National Guard Base, Calif., Oct. 26, 2007, in support of California firefighting efforts. The Department of Defense has teamed up with the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection to help put out the wildfires blazing across Southern California. DoD photo by Staff Sgt. Hector Garcia, U.S. Air Force. (Released)

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A bambi bucket attached to a CH-53D Sea Stallion pours water over a nearby wildfire on Camp Pendleton, Calif., Oct. 24, 2007. The Department of Defense has teamed up with the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection to help put out the wildfires blazing across Southern California. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Raymond D. Petersen III) (Released)

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Emergency response vehicles from 5th Army, U.S. Army North, sit outside the operational control center, which is transmitting information at March Air Reserve Base in Riverside, Calif., Oct. 25, 2007. The Operational Command monitors and coordinates efforts as part of a federal support package used to assist federal, state and local agencies responding to the California wildfires at March Air Force Base in Riverside, Calif. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Daniel St. Pierre) (Released)

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Evacuees from the San Diego wildfires gather clothing donated by San Diego area high schools on Turner Field at Naval Amphibious Base Coronado, Oct. 24, 2007. More than 268 military personnel and their families have evacuated their homes to seek shelter at a 500-person tent camp constructed by Amphibious Construction Battalion (ACB) 1. U.S. Navy photo (RELEASED)

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Fires burn through the hills near Camp Horno on Camp Pendleton, Calif., Oct. 25, 2007. Fire Department officials have been fighting the blazes for four days. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Tyler Hill) (Released)

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An MH-60S Seahawk helicopter retrieves water from a lake near the wildfires in San Diego. Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron (HSC) 85 has teamed up with the San Diego California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection to help put out the wildfires blazing across Southern California, Oct. 24, 2007. U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Jon Husman (RELEASED)

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The sun rises over the Coronado Bay Bridge with smoke from the Harris fire looming overhead. Numerous fires are burning in San Diego County, however none are threatening Navy facilities. Navy Region Southwest has established several Military Evacuation Centers for Navy families (and their pets) who have been forced to evacuate their homes, Oct. 23, 2007. U.S. Navy photo by Lt. Nick Sherrouse (RELEASED)

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Culinary Specialist 3rd Class Noah Rose, attached to the Naval Medical Center San Diego, conducts a routine check on a dog which is one of several animals held in a makeshift kennel during the San Diego wildfires, Oct. 24, 2007. The wildfires have burned over 200,000 acres in San Diego County. U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Greg Mitchell (RELEASED)

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The sun rises through the smoke from the Harris Wildfires as seen from on board USS Ronald Reagan (CVN 76), Oct. 23, 2007. With raging wildfires spreading throughout the greater Southern California area, local naval bases opened their gates to provide shelter and supplies to the displaced families of service members. U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Kathleen Gorby (RELEASED)

Additional imagery:
Military Supports Southern California Wildfire Efforts Pt. 1
Military Supports Southern California Wildfire Efforts Pt. 2
Military Supports Southern California Wildfire Efforts Pt. 3

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Military Continues Assault on California Wildfires

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CORONADO, Calif. (Oct. 24, 2007) - Coronado ferry commuters watch the sun rise over the Coronado Bay Bridge with smoke from the Harris fire looming overhead. The numerous fires in San Diego County pose no threats to Navy facilities in the area. The Navy Region Southwest has established several Military Evacuation Centers, and is working with various agencies to aide in combating the fires and providing assistance to both military and civilians forced to evacuate their homes. U.S. Navy photo by Lt. Nick Sherrouse (RELEASED)

On the Home Front:

WASHINGTON, Oct. 26, 2007 (AFPS) -- Air Force Reserve and Air National Guard C-130s fitted with modular air firefighting systems hit the California wildfires hard yesterday, flying 18 sorties, Pentagon spokesman Bryan Whitman said today.

The six aircraft took advantage of dying Santa Ana winds to drop fire retardant and allow California firefighters to make progress against the widespread blazes that destroyed or damaged thousands of homes and forced hundreds of thousands of Californians to evacuate their homes.

The aviation assault on the fires was only one part of the total Defense Department effort in aid of California firefighters.

There are now 13 active fires in southern California, U.S. Northern Command officials said. NORTHCOM is the Defense Department's lead agency in the effort.

More than 461,000 acres have burned so far. At the Marines' Camp Pendleton, more than 17,000 acres have burned, but officials say the fire is now 40 to 50 percent contained, Whitman said.

The Federal Emergency Management Agency has asked the Defense Logistics Agency to deliver more than 42,000 field-ration meals from the depot in San Joaquin, Calif.

"On the personnel side, we have 287 active duty, 84 Defense civilians and 2,562 National Guardsmen fighting the fires," Whitman said. This leaves 17,000 California Guardsmen still available for duty if needed.

"We still have a Marine force of approximately 520 (Marines) and 18 helicopters available if needed," Whitman said. A total of 35 helicopters and 14 fixed-wing aircraft are committed to the firefighting operations.

The Air Force is providing imagery for firefighters. Yesterday, a U-2 reconnaissance plane and a Global Hawk unmanned aerial vehicle flew over the affected portions of the state and sent imagery to the ground.

"The aircraft have live-feed capability, and (the imagery) is being centralized for dissemination," Whitman said. Officials at NORTHCOM, the National Guard Bureau, the Joint Field Office, the state Emergency Operations Center and the Joint Task Force in California can directly download the information.

The imagery gives state authorities "situational awareness so they can prioritize where they send their firefighting assets," Whitman said.

The U-2 and Global Hawk will fly more missions today and will be joined by a Navy P-3C Orion. Eighteen Defense Department fire engines and 84 personnel are involved in battling the blazes, NORTHCOM officials said.

San Diego officials announced that most evacuees may go home today and that Qualcomm Stadium will close as an evacuation center. The stadium has been home to more than 12,000 fire refugees for the past few days. More than 2,600 Defense Department evacuees are taking shelter at five Navy bases: San Diego, Coronado, Point Lomo, North Island and El Centro.

Some military assets that California had requested, including a mobile aeromedical staging activity, are not needed, and can stand down, officials said. But other military groups continue to flow into California. This includes the Joint Task Force Civil Support Joint Planning Augmentation Cell, which will deploy to the headquarters in Sacramento.

The California National Guard is preparing to provide relief for law enforcement, linguistics support, shelter administration, and redistribution of commodities and personnel, officials said.

(Story by Jim Garamone, AFPS.)

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Combat Camera: Iraqi Citizen Tip Leads to Massive Weapons Cache

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An explosive ordnance disposal specialist pulls copper disks, specifically machined to make explosively formed penetrators, out of a hidden room in a house in Sa'ada Village, Iraq, Oct. 23. Working off a tip from a concerned local citizen, coalition forces discovered a massive weapons cache in the home, including 124 fully-assembled EFPs and 159 copper disks of four different sizes. (U.S. Air Force photo/Staff Sgt. Dennis J. Henry Jr.)

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Soldiers carry mortar rounds found in a hidden room in a home in Sa'ada Village, Iraq, Oct. 23. A tip from a concerned local citizen lead Soldiers to a massive weapons cache in the home. (U.S. Air Force phot/Staff Sgt. Dennis J. Henry Jr.)

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Soldiers from Troop B, 2nd Squadron, 1st Cavalry Regiment, 4th Stryker Brigade Combat Team, from Fort Lewis, Wash., and the 717th Ordnance Company explosive ordnance disposal team, 184th Ordnance Battalion, Combined Joint Task Force Troy, Fort Campbell, Ky., empty a massive weapons cache that was discovered at Saada village, Iraq, Oct. 23, 2007. The cache marks the largest discovery of explosively formed penetrators ever found in Iraq at one location. (U.S. Air Force photo/Staff Sgt. Dennis J. Henry Jr.)

Dispatches from the Front:

WASHINGTON, Oct. 26, 2007 (AFPS) -- A concerned citizen led coalition forces to the largest cache of explosively formed penetrators ever found in a single location Oct. 23 in a home in Saada village, Iraq, officials reported.

EFPs, as the devices are known, are shaped charges designed to pierce even armored vehicles. Officials believe the deadly weapons originate in Iran.

"We knew we had something significant when the home's owner started bragging about how many weapons he had. A find like this helps keep my soldiers' morale up, because they know they've made a difference. It makes them feel good that they are saving soldiers' lives through their work," said Army Capt. Jason Rosenstrauch, B Troop commander, 2nd Squadron, 1st Cavalry Regiment.

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Video: Civilian Tip Leads to Cache
Soldiers searching Iraqi villages for weapon caches. Produced by Sgt. Ether Lewis.

This cache included more than 120 fully assembled EFPs and more than 150 copper disks of four different sizes used in making EFPs -- including 12-inch disks, among the largest ever discovered in Iraq. It also included 600-plus pounds of C4 and other explosive materials, 100 mortar rounds of various caliber, about 30 107 mm rockets, two mortar tubes and 20 claymore-type mines.

Coalition forces detained the cache owner in the raid.

Rosenstrauch said the citizens of Khan Bani Saad are working closely with coalition forces to keep insurgents out of the city.
"We have a lot of peace in the city center now," Rosenstrauch said. "We have had (many concerned local citizens) reporting on enemy activity. The people are turning on the insurgents and telling us where they are."
In other recent Iraq operations:
  • Multinational Division Baghdad soldiers grabbed seven suspected al Qaeda terrorists during two separate raids in the southern Doura area of the Iraqi capital Oct. 24. The suspects included five men who were positively identified as terrorist suspects engaged in murders, sniper activities, placing improvised explosive devices, grenade attacks on coalition forces, and displacing Shiia families; one man accused of placing IEDs, forcing people from their homes and murdering women; and another man suspected of financing al Qaeda activities.

  • A tip from a resident led Iraqi national police with the 1st Battalion, 4th Brigade, 1st National Division, to a large weapons cache in the southeast district of New Baghdad in the Iraqi capital Oct. 24.

  • Soldiers from the 4th "Dragon" Infantry Brigade Combat Team, 1st Infantry Division, uncovered a weapons cache and detained a suspected terrorist during ongoing operations in Baghdad's Rashid district Oct. 23. The cache included three 120 mm mortar rounds and wire with a blasting cap. The suspected terrorist is accused of leading a terrorist cell believed to be involved in murders, IED placement and weapons trafficking.

(Compiled from Multinational Corps Iraq news releases.)

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Combat Camera: Military Supports Southern California Wildfire Efforts Pt. 3

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A member of the Camp Pendleton Fire Department prepares to engage one of the many fires burning on Camp Pendleton, Calif., Oct. 25, 2007. The fires, which began Oct. 23, 2007, continue to burn. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Sgt. Denise M. Serrano) (Released)

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Members of Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and U.S. Air Force Airmen of the 452nd Security Forces Squadron inspect tractor trailers with FEMA supplies and equipment to aid evacuees as part of a federal support package for federal, state and local agencies responding to the California wildfires at March Air Force Base in Riverside, Calif., Oct. 25, 2007 . (U.S. Navy photo by Chief Mass Communications Specialist Michael A. Strand) (Released)

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The sun rises over Marine One on the flightline at Marine Corps Air Station Miramar, Calif., as it prepares to take President George W. Bush on a tour of the fire ravaged San Diego County Oct. 25, 2007. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Kelly R. Chase) (Released)

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Three-thousand gallons of fire retardant is deployed over the Poomacha fire in North San Diego County, Calif., Oct. 25, 2007. The C-130 Hercules aircraft and crew are assigned to the 302nd Airlift Wing out of Peterson Air Force Base, Colo. (U.S. Air Force photo by Tech. Sgt. Roy A. Santana) (Released)

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Members of 5th Army Operational Command Post Two monitor and coordinate efforts as part of a federal support package used to assist federal, state and local agencies responding to the California wildfires at March Air Force Base in Riverside, Calif., Oct. 25, 2007. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communications Specialist 1st Class Troy Latham) (Released)

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U.S. Air Force Master Sgt. Tom Freeman, left, and Tech. Sgt. Lamont Wood prepare to deploy 3,000 gallons of wildfire retardant over a fire in North San Diego county, Calif., Oct., 24, 2007. The C-130 Hercules aircraft and crew are assigned to the 302nd Airlift Wing, Peterson Air Force Base, Colo. The aircraft launched from Channel Islands Air National Guard Station, Calif. The U.S. Air Force Reserves is participating in the Southern California firefighting effort. (U.S. Air Force photo by Tech. Sgt. Roy A. Santana) (Released)

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U.S. Army equipment is unloaded from an Air Force C-17 Globemaster III aircraft from the 452nd Air Mobility Wing at March Air Force Base, Calif., Oct. 24, 2007. The equipment is part of a federal support package used to assist federal, state and local agencies responding to the California wildfires. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Troy Latham) (Released)

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U.S. Army equipment is unloaded from an Air Force C-17 Globemaster III aircraft from the 452nd Air Mobility Wing at March Air Force Base, Calif., Oct. 24, 2007. The equipment is part of a federal support package used to assist federal, state and local agencies responding to the California wildfires. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Troy Latham) (Released)

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Members of Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton Fire Department make progress against one of the many fires burning at Camp Pendleton, Calif., Oct. 25, 2007. The fires, which began Oct. 23, 2007, continue to burn. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Sgt. Denise M. Serrano) (Released)

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Firefighters from the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection combat fires near a construction zone on Camp Pendleton, Calif., Oct. 24, 2007. The Department of Defense has teamed up with the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection to help put out the wildfires blazing across Southern California. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Gene A. Ainsworth) (Released)

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U.S. Marines escort California Rep. Bill Brady to view the damages caused by wildfires outside of Camp Pendleton, Calif., Oct. 24, 2007. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Grant T. Walker) (Released)

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U.S. Air Force Master Sgt. Timothy Burnged, from the 145th Maintenance Squadron, gives the signal to stop the fire retardant flow into the module air firefighting system on a C-130 Hercules during a refueling stop Channel Islands Air National Guard Base, Calif., Oct. 25, 2007, in support of the California firefighting efforts. The Department of Defense has teamed up with the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection to help put out the wildfires blazing across Southern California. (US Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Hector Garcia) (Released)

Additional imagery:
Military Supports Southern California Wildfire Efforts Pt. 1
Military Supports Southern California Wildfire Efforts Pt. 2

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Thursday, October 25, 2007

Combat Camera: Soldiers Patrol Market in Baqubah, Iraq

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Soldiers from 1-12 'Charger' Combined Arms Battalion, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division, patrol the Old Baqubah market in Baqubah, Iraq, Oct. 21. Prior to Operations Arrowhead Ripper and Lightening Hammer, the city was virtually shut down due to widespread fear of extremist organizations. Photographer: Sgt. Serena Hayden, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division Public Affairs

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Spc. Jaime Martinez, a medic with the 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division, commander's personal security detachment, conducts a patrol through the Old Baqubah market in Baqubah, Iraq, Oct. 21. Prior to Operations Arrowhead Ripper and Lightening Hammer, the city was virtually shut down due to widespread fear of extremist organizations. Photographer: Sgt. Serena Hayden, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division Public Affairs

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Col. David Sutherland, commander of coalition forces in Diyala province, Iraq, gives a bump to local children while patrolling the Old Baqubah market in the province's capital city. Prior to Operations Arrowhead Ripper and Lightening Hammer, the city was virtually shut down due to widespread fear of extremist organizations. Photographer: Sgt. Serena Hayden, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division Public Affairs

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Children from Baqubah, Iraq, pose while coalition forces from 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division, patrol the Old Baqubah market area, Oct. 21. Prior to Operations Arrowhead Ripper and Lightening Hammer, the city was virtually shut down due to widespread fear of extremist organizations. Photographer: Sgt. Serena Hayden, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division Public Affairs

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A local girl smiles as Lt. Col. Morris Goins, battalion commander for 1-12 Combined Arms Battalion, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division, passes her candy through a bus window, Oct. 21. Prior to Operations Arrowhead Ripper and Lightening Hammer, the city was virtually shut down due to widespread fear of extremist organizations. Photographer: Sgt. Serena Hayden, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division Public Affairs

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Soldiers from 1-12 Combined Arms Battalion, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division, patrol the Old Baqubah market in Baqubah, Iraq, Oct. 21. Prior to Operations Arrowhead Ripper and Lightening Hammer, the city was virtually shut down due to widespread fear of extremist organizations. Photographer: Sgt. Serena Hayden, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division Public Affairs

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A soldier from 1-12 Combined Arms Battalion, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division, conducts security during a patrol in the Old Baqubah market area in Baqubah, Iraq, Oct. 21. Prior to Operations Arrowhead Ripper and Lightening Hammer, the city was virtually shut down due to widespread fear of extremist organizations. Photographer: Sgt. Serena Hayden, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division Public Affairs

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Combat Camera: Military Supports Southern California Wildfire Efforts Pt. 2

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3,000 gallons of fire retardant is deployed over a wildfire in North San Diego county, Calif., Oct., 24, 2007. The C-130 Hercules aircraft and crew are assigned to the 302nd Airlift Wing, Peterson Air Force Base, Colo. The aircraft launched from Channel Islands Air National Guard Station, Calif. The U.S. Air Force Reserves is participating in the Southern California firefighting effort. (U.S. Air Force photo by Tech. Sgt. Roy A. Santana) (Released)

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A U.S. Army soldier from the California Army National Guard patrols in a neighborhood where buildings and vehicles were destroyed in wildfires in Valley Center, Calif., on Oct. 25, 2007. More than 1,500 National Guard Army soldiers and Air Force airmen are assisting civilian authorities in tackling the fires. DoD photo by Staff Sgt. Jim Greenhill, U.S. Army. (Released)

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U.S. Air Force Tech. Sgt. Lamont Wood checks the positioning of the nozzles prior to deploying 3,000 gallons of fire retardant over a wildfire in North San Diego county, Calif., Oct., 24, 2007. The C-130 Hercules aircraft and crew are assigned to the 302nd Airlift Wing, Peterson Air Force Base, Colo. The aircraft launched from Channel Islands Air National Guard Station, Calif. The U.S. Air Force Reserves is participating in the Southern California firefighting effort. (U.S. Air Force photo by Tech. Sgt. Roy A. Santana) (Released)

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U.S. Air Force Airmen from the 452nd Air Mobility Wing assist the U.S. Army North from Fort Sam in Houston, Texas, unload emergency response equipment from a C-17 Globemaster III aircraft at March Air Reserve Base, Calif., Oct. 24, 2007. The U.S. Army North is assisting with Southern California wildfires by managing and aiding all the DoD forces involved. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Daniel St. Pierre) (Released)

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A California Army National Guard UH-60 Black Hawk helicopter carries a Bambi bucket, an aerial firefighting tool, over San Diego County, Calif., Oct. 25, 2007. More than 1,500 National Guard Army Soldiers and Air Force Airmen are assisting civilian authorities tackling the fires. (U.S. Army photo by Staff Sgt. Jim Greenhill) (Released)

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A Ch-46 Sea Knight helicopter delivers water to a wildfire on Camp Pendleton, Calif., Oct. 23, 2007. (U.S. Marine Corps photo taken by Lance Corporal Grant T. Walker) (Released)

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U.S. Air Force Airmen from the 452nd Air Mobility Wing assist the U.S. Army North from Fort Sam in Houston, Texas, unload emergency response equipment from a C-17 Globemaster III aircraft at March Air Reserve Base, Calif., Oct. 24, 2007. The U.S. Army North is assisting with Southern California wildfires by managing and aiding all the DoD forces involved. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Hector Garcia) (Released)

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U.S. Marine Corps Lance Cpl. Crawford, top, and Cpl. Ron Harper, both from 1st Marine Division, Marine Corps Air Station, Air Rescue and Fire Fighting, extinguish trees during a backfire set to combat a fire burning on Camp Pendleton, Calif., Oct. 24, 2007. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Albert F. Hunt) (Released)

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U.S. Navy Chief Aviation Electronics Technician Rexford Sackett, left, and Aviation Warfare Systems Operator 3rd Class William Quadrino, both assigned to Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron Eight-Five (HSC-85), prepare to assemble a 420-gallon capacity bucket in San Diego, Calif., Oct. 23, 2007. HSC-85 has teamed up with the San Diego California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection to help put out the wildfires blazing across Southern California. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Chris Fahey) (Released)

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An MH-60S Seahawk helicopter assigned to Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron Eight-Five (HSC-85), dumps water from a full 420-gallon extinguishing trough onto of one of the many areas affected by wildfires in San Diego, Calif., Oct. 23, 2007. HSC-85 has teamed up with the San Diego California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection to help put out the wildfires blazing across Southern California. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Chris Fahey) (Released)

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U.S. Navy Aviation Warfare Systems Specialist 3rd Class Zach Sykora, attached to Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron Eight-Five (HSC 85), searches for an ideal spot to released water onto in an area affected by wildfires in San Diego, Calif., Oct. 23, 2007. HSC-85 has teamed up with the San Diego California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection to help put out the wildfires blazing across Southern California. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Dustin Kelling) (Released)

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U.S. Air Force Master Sgt. Tom Freeman, left, and Tech. Sgt. Lamont Wood, both assigned to the 302nd Airlift Wing, prepare to deploy 3,000 gallons of fire retardant from a C-130 Hercules aircraft over a wildfire in North San Diego County, Calif., Oct. 24, 2007. The U.S. Air Force Reserves is participating in Southern California firefighting efforts. DoD photo by Tech. Sgt. Roy A. Santana, U.S. Air Force. (Released)

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California Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger discuss the California wildfires as U.S. Army Maj. Gen. William H. Wade II, left, the adjutant general of the California Army National Guard, David Paulison, center, director of the Federal Emergency Management Agency, look on during a visit to Qualcomm Stadium in San Diego, Calif., Oct. 24, 2007. More than 1,500 National Guard Soldiers and Airmen are providing assistance to civilian authorities tackling the fires. (U.S. Army photo by Staff Sgt. Jim Greenhill) (Released)

Also see:
Combat Camera: Military Supports Southern California Wildfire Efforts Pt. 1

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