Photo Essay: Obama, Fellow Senators, Visit US Forces in Iraq

Sen. Barack Obama gets first look inside Iraq as he listens to Gen. David H. Petraeus explain security improvements in Baghdad while giving him and Sens. Jack Reed and Chuck Hagel an aerial tour of the city Monday, July 21, 2008. (Photographer: Staff Sgt. Lorie Jewell, Multi-National Forces Iraq Public Affairs.)

Gen. David H. Petraeus explains security improvements in Sadr City while giving an aerial tour of Baghdad Monday to Sen.'s Barack Obama, Jack Reed and Chuck Hagel. (Photographer: Staff Sgt. Lorie Jewell, Multi-National Forces Iraq Public Affairs.)

Gen. David H. Petraeus greets Sen. Barack Obama after his arrival at Baghdad International Airport Monday with Sen.'s Jack Reed and Chuck Hagel. (Photographer: Staff Sgt. Lorie Jewell, Multi-National Forces Iraq Public Affairs.)

Sen. Barack Obama chats with Gen. David H. Petraeus and Lt. Gen. Lloyd Austin after arriving at Baghdad International Airport Monday with Sen.'s Jack Reed and Chuck Hagel. (Photographer: Staff Sgt. Lorie Jewell, Multi-National Forces Iraq Public Affairs.)

Gen. David H. Petraeus greets Sen. Barack Obama, along with Sen.'s Jack Reed and Chuck Hagel, after their arrival to Baghdad International Airport Monday. (Photographer: Staff Sgt. Lorie Jewell, Multi-National Forces Iraq Public Affairs.)

Gen. David H. Petraeus gives Sen.'s Barack Obama, Chuck Hagel and Jack Reed (not pictured) an aerial tour of Baghdad after the congressional delegation's arrival Monday.

Gen. David H. Petraeus shares a laugh with Sen.'s Barack Obama and Chuck Hagel during an aerial tour of Baghdad, which also included Sen. Jack Reed. (Photographer: Staff Sgt. Lorie Jewell, Multi-National Forces Iraq Public Affairs.)

Gen. David H. Petraeus gives an aerial tour of Baghdad to Sen.'s Barack Obama, Jack Reed and Chuck Hagel Monday. (Photographer: Staff Sgt. Lorie Jewell, Multi-National Forces Iraq Public Affairs.)

Gen. David H. Petraeus heads to a Blackhawk helicopter with Sen. Barack Obama after his arrival Monday at Baghdad International Airport with Sen.'s Jack Reed and Chuck Hagel. (Photographer: Staff Sgt. Lorie Jewell, Multi-National Forces Iraq Public Affairs.)

Dispatches from the Front:

BASRA, Iraq, July 21, 2008 -- A congressional delegation visited the Multi-National Division – South East headquarters in Basra, Iraq, July 21 while on a fact-finding mission during a trip through the area.

Senators Jack Reed, D-R.I., Chuck Hagel, R-Neb., and Barack Obama, D-Ill., arrived at Basra Air Station on an Air Force C-130. They were escorted by Lt. Gen. Lloyd J. Austin III, commander, Multi-National Corps – Iraq, and Command Sgt. Maj. Joseph R. Allen, command sergeant major, MNC-I.

The senators met with MND-SE leaders and Iraqi Army leaders, Lt. Gen. Mohammad, commander, Basra operations, and Maj. Gen. Aziz, commander, 14th Iraqi Army Division. The senators also met with American servicemembers and Iraqi Army soldiers.

“We’re very grateful,” said Obama during an address to Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen and Marines. “You have uniform support all across the country. The only thing people always cheer for and never disagree about is supporting our troops. There is unanimity that what you guys are doing is outstanding work and we’re very proud of you. Thank your families, because we’re thankful for them, too.”

(Compiled from Multinational Force Iraq and Multinational Corps Iraq news releases.)

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