Saturday, July 26, 2008

Photo Essay: A Look Inside Joint Task Force Guantanamo’s Camp Delta; Part 1 of 3

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Navy guards escort a detainee through Joint Task Force Guantanamo’s Camp Delta, June 10, 2008. Joint Task Force Guantanamo conducts safe and humane care and custody of detained enemy combatants. The JTF conducts interrogation operations to collect strategic intelligence in support of the Global War on Terror and supports law enforcement and war crimes investigations. JTF Guantanamo is committed to the safety and security of American service members and civilians working inside its detention facilities. (Photographer: 1st Lt. Sarah Cleveland, Joint Task Force Guantanamo Public Affairs.)

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A detainee interacts with Joint Task Force Guantanamo guards from the 525th Military Police Battalion through a “bean hole” in his cell door in Camp 6 July 8, 2008. Camp 6 houses enemy combatants detained by the JTF and is modeled after detention facilities in the United States. JTF Guantanamo conducts safe and humane care and custody of detained enemy combatants. The JTF conducts interrogation operations to collect strategic intelligence in support of the Global War on Terror and supports law enforcement and war crimes investigations. JTF Guantanamo is committed to the safety and security of American service members and civilians working inside its detention facilities. (Photographer: 1st Lt. Sarah Cleveland, Joint Task Force Guantanamo Public Affairs.)

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A tomato plant blossoms in Joint Task Force Guantanamo’s Camp 4 detainee garden, June 10, 2008. Detainees in Camp 4 are given the opportunity to tend to their gardens during their daily recreation period. JTF Guantanamo conducts safe and humane care and custody of detained enemy combatants. The JTF conducts interrogation operations to collect strategic intelligence in support of the Global War on Terror and supports law enforcement and war crimes investigations. JTF Guantanamo is committed to the safety and security of American service members and civilians working inside its detention facilities. (Photographer: 1st Lt. Sarah Cleveland, Joint Task Force Guantanamo Public Affairs.)

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A detainee interacts with Joint Task Force Guantanamo guards from the 525th Military Police Battalion through a “bean hole” in his cell door in Camp 6 July 8, 2008. Camp 6 houses enemy combatants detained by the JTF and is modeled after detention facilities in the United States. JTF Guantanamo conducts safe and humane care and custody of detained enemy combatants. The JTF conducts interrogation operations to collect strategic intelligence in support of the Global War on Terror and supports law enforcement and war crimes investigations. JTF Guantanamo is committed to the safety and security of American service members and civilians working inside its detention facilities. (Photographer: 1st Lt. Sarah Cleveland, Joint Task Force Guantanamo Public Affairs.)

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A Navy guard interacts with detainees in the communal-style detention facilities of Joint Task Force Guantanamo’s Camp 4 , June 10, 2008. JTF Guantanamo conducts safe and humane care and custody of detained enemy combatants. The JTF conducts interrogation operations to collect strategic intelligence in support of the Global War on Terror and supports law enforcement and war crimes investigations. JTF Guantanamo is committed to the safety and security of American service members and civilians working inside its detention facilities. (Photographer: 1st Lt. Sarah Cleveland, Joint Task Force Guantanamo Public Affairs.)

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An Army guard from the 525th Military Police Battalion stands ready in Joint Task Force Guantanamo’s Camp 6 July 8, 2008. Camp 6 houses enemy combatants detained by the JTF and is modeled after detention facilities in the United States. JTF Guantanamo conducts safe and humane care and custody of detained enemy combatants. The JTF conducts interrogation operations to collect strategic intelligence in support of the Global War on Terror and supports law enforcement and war crimes investigations. JTF Guantanamo is committed to the safety and security of American service members and civilians working inside its detention facilities. (Photographer: 1st Lt. Sarah Cleveland, Joint Task Force Guantanamo Public Affairs.)

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A detainee receives medical care at the hospital inside Joint Task Force Guantanamo’s Camp Delta, June 10, 2008. The facility is equipped with 20 in-patient beds, a physical-therapy area, pharmacy, radiology department, central sterilization area and a single-bed operating room. JTF Guantanamo conducts safe and humane care and custody of detained enemy combatants. The JTF conducts interrogation operations to collect strategic intelligence in support of the Global War on Terror and supports law enforcement and war crimes investigations. JTF Guantanamo is committed to the safety and security of American service members and civilians working inside its detention facilities. (Photographer: 1st Lt. Sarah Cleveland, Joint Task Force Guantanamo Public Affairs.)

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Army guards from the 525th Military Police Battalion escort a detainee back into Joint Task Force Guantanamo’s Camp 6 after his outside recreational time, July 8, 2008. Detainees enjoy at least two hours daily in the outdoor recreation area. JTF Guantanamo conducts safe and humane care and custody of detained enemy combatants. The JTF conducts interrogation operations to collect strategic intelligence in support of the Global War on Terror and supports law enforcement and war crimes investigations. JTF Guantanamo is committed to the safety and security of American service members and civilians working inside its detention facilities. (Photographer: 1st Lt. Sarah Cleveland, Joint Task Force Guantanamo Public Affairs.)

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A detainee receives medical care at the hospital inside Joint Task Force Guantanamo’s Camp Delta, June 10, 2008. The facility is equipped with 20 in-patient beds, a physical-therapy area, pharmacy, radiology department, central sterilization area and a single-bed operating room. JTF Guantanamo conducts safe and humane care and custody of detained enemy combatants. The JTF conducts interrogation operations to collect strategic intelligence in support of the Global War on Terror and supports law enforcement and war crimes investigations. JTF Guantanamo is committed to the safety and security of American service members and civilians working inside its detention facilities. (Photographer: 1st Lt. Sarah Cleveland, Joint Task Force Guantanamo Public Affairs.)

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A detainees sits in a Joint Task Force Guantanamo Camp 4 classroom, June 10, 2008. Compliant detainees have the opportunity to take classes in Arabic, Pashtu and English. JTF conducts safe and humane care and custody of detained enemy combatants. The JTF conducts interrogation operations to collect strategic intelligence in support of the Global War on Terror and supports law enforcement and war crimes investigations. JTF Guantanamo is committed to the safety and security of American service members and civilians working inside its detention facilities. (Photographer: 1st Lt. Sarah Cleveland, Joint Task Force Guantanamo Public Affairs.)

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A detainee kicks a soccer ball around the central recreation yard in Joint Task Force Guantanamo’s Camp 4, June 10, 2008. Detainees in Camp 4 enjoy up to 12 hours daily of outdoor recreation, including two hours in a central recreation yard. JTF Guantanamo conducts safe and humane care and custody of detained enemy combatants. The JTF conducts interrogation operations to collect strategic intelligence in support of the Global War on Terror and supports law enforcement and war crimes investigations. JTF Guantanamo is committed to the safety and security of American service members and civilians working inside its detention facilities. (Photographer: 1st Lt. Sarah Cleveland, Joint Task Force Guantanamo Public Affairs.)

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A detainee kicks a soccer ball around the central recreation yard in Joint Task Force Guantanamo’s Camp 4, June 10, 2008. Detainees in Camp 4 enjoy up to 12 hours daily of outdoor recreation, including two hours in a central recreation yard. JTF Guantanamo conducts safe and humane care and custody of detained enemy combatants. The JTF conducts interrogation operations to collect strategic intelligence in support of the Global War on Terror and supports law enforcement and war crimes investigations. JTF Guantanamo is committed to the safety and security of American service members and civilians working inside its detention facilities. (Photographer: 1st Lt. Sarah Cleveland, Joint Task Force Guantanamo Public Affairs.)

COMBAT CAMERA Recent Combat Camera Imagery on THE TENSION

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Friday, July 25, 2008

Military Strike Teams Provide Aid for Hurricane Dolly Victims

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South Padre Island, Texas, looking for relief aid July 24 while U.S. Army Specialist Luis Dominguez prepares bags of ice to be loaded into vehicles. Texas Task Force 1 members passed out nearly 4,000 bags of ice, 50 tons of water and 1,200 self-heating meals to victims of Hurricane Dolly. Specialist Dominguez is stationed with the 133rd Aviation Battalion at New Braunfels, Texas. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Bennie J. Davis III.)

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A Texas task force convoy crosses a two-mile bridge July 24 bringing food, water and ice to the people of South Padre Island, Texas. Hurricane Dolly made landfall at the island. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Bennie J. Davis III.)

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Relief task force members hand out self-heating food packages, bags of ice and cases of water July 24 to residents of South Padre Island, Texas, after the island was impacted by Hurricane Dolly. Task force members from the Army National Guard and civilian emergency response organizations were on hand to provide aid immediately following the hurricane. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Bennie J. Davis III.)

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Army Spc. Luis Dominguez hands out bags of ice July 24 to residents of South Padre Island, Texas, the morning after the island was struck by Hurricane Dolly. Nearly 4,000 bags of ice, 50 tons of water and 1,200 meals were delivered to families by Texas Task Force 1 members. Specialist Dominguez is stationed with the 133rd Field Artillery at New Braunfels, Texas. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Bennie J. Davis III.)

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Army Spc. Jose Ramirez talks with a South Padre Island, Texas, resident looking for relief aid July 24 following Hurricane Dolly. Texas Task Force 1 members handed out nearly 4,000 bags of ice, 50 tons of water and 1,200 self-heating meals to hurricane victims. Specialist Ramirez is stationed with the 133rd Field Artillery at New Braunfels, Texas. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Bennie J. Davis III.)

On the Home Front:

SOUTH PADRE ISLAND, Texas, July 25, 2008 -- For nearly a quarter million people, calm is beginning to settle across the south Texas Rio Grande region after the relentless lashing that Hurricane Dolly doled out recently.

This calm is due in part by the relief efforts of strike task forces that set out before dawn July 24 to set up points of distribution across 15 counties.

"The unity of effort between state operations center, the county judges, the disaster district controllers, Texas military forces and all the agencies associated with the hurricane relief is really phenomenal," said Col. John Nichols, Joint Task Force commander, and 149th Fighter Wing commander.

"We've got 99 percent of the solutions in place. People are being taken care of, roads are being cleared, search and rescue operations are nearly complete," Colonel Nichols said. "The points of distribution operations are going full force."

"The other really good thing is electricity is coming back on so it's causing us to have to set up less and less PODs as we call them," said Colonel Nichols. "We're very happy. We're working hard and we'll be finished when it's finished."

One of the first tasks forces to hit the road before dawn July 24 carried supplies from a staging area at an HEB Distribution Center in Weslaco, Texas to a POD site at Schlitterbahn Beach Water Park on South Padre Island.

"I had a good idea I'd be going," said Army Spc. Jeremy Holley, a unit supply specialist with the battalion. He is an auto mechanic in his civilian life.

Cruising at an average speed of 45 mph, the strike force edged their way through towns flooded by Hurricane Dolly. Metal roofs were peeled back. Palm trees ripped by the roots lay strewn about. Power lines hacked in half or laying on the roads.

The devastation took its toll on towns but didn't take the peoples' spirits -- evident by the honking, waving and smiles of the residents as the convoy passed and the gracious thank yous from the thousands who accepted the relief packages.

"Our home is a different story. The garage flew away, all of are trees have fallen into the street," said Esmeralda Alaniz, a South Padre resident and mother of three young children. "This was the worst I've ever seen."

Before the convoy had time to set up, residents and travelers at South Padre made their way in droves to get ice, water and food.

"It is great that people are here to help us," said Mrs. Alaniz, who has lived her entire life here. "We thought it would be just a tropical storm. We weren't as prepared as we should have been. We're just grateful to be all right and help is here"

Despite the destruction of Hurricane Dolly which swept across the south Texas Rio Grande region, Texas military forces, local and government agencies will continue to work day and night until everyone is accounted for, all PODS are pushed out and all electrical power is restored.

"We're providing personnel to support the PODS. Our team is on standby for specialized services such as electricians, heavy equipment operators, air conditioning repair and road clearing," said Lt. Col. Mike Reid, 149th Maintenance Squadron from the 149th FW. "With 75 personnel in place, and possibly more on the way if needed, we are looking forward to supporting the hurricane relief efforts in full force. Being here and supporting the relief efforts is great because we have the opportunity to serve the people in the state that we live."

(Story by by Tech. Sgt. Phyllis Hanson, Air Force News Agency.)

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Iraqis Expand Counterterrorism Capabilities

Bloggers' Roundtable

Bloggers' Roundtable:

WASHINGTON, July 25, 2008 -- An Iraqi organization tasked with consolidating and coordinating that country’s counterterrorism effort is now capable of conducting unilateral missions, a U.S. military official said yesterday.

“[The Iraqi National Counterterrorism Force’s] primary mission is to synchronize and focus all elements of Iraqi national power to defeat terrorism here in Iraq,” U.S. Army Brig. Gen. Simeon Trombitas, director of the Iraqi National Counterterrorism Force Transition Team, told online journalist and bloggers.

The Iraqi unit was formed in 2003 and has since been trained by U.S. Special Forces soldiers, Trombitas said.

While U.S. forces still train with the specialized Iraqi force and conduct missions with the Iraqis, they’re now capable of running their own missions with limited U.S. help, he said.

“They’re comfortable, at this point in time, doing unilateral operations, even without some of our enablers,” Trombitas explained. “I think that they’re well on the road to conducting the majority of their operations.”

Trombitas attributed the Iraqis’ capability to the high level of training they receive from U.S. Special Forces soldiers.

“They are trained to a high level,” Trombitas said. “Our Special Forces have a high level of confidence in them. They never hesitate to run a mission with each other, and I think that speaks highly of their capability and our guys’ trust in them.”

The Iraqi counterterrorism force’s demanding selection process is similar to that of U.S. Army Special Forces, he said.

“Those things that we expect of our Rangers and Special Forces are the type of things we train [the Iraqis] in,” Trombitas said.

The Iraqi National Counterterrorism Force headquarters is located in Baghdad, but the organization’s leaders are planning to expand capabilities by moving to four other locations throughout the country. The cities include Mosul, Basra, Asad, and Diyala.

“These capabilities will allow us to plan, execute, synchronize air assault operations on multiple objectives, and give us the ability to infiltrate, ex-filtrate, and have casualty evacuation,” Trombitas said.

Right now, there are four operational battalions, a training battalion, and a support battalion.
Trombitas stressed that, while there are no plans for any more battalions, there is a possibility that leaders will split the headquarters due to the size of the battalions.

As a result of the long presence U.S. forces have had in Iraq, Trombitas said he can envision working with Iraqi National Counterterrorism Force troops in the future on other operations.

“Right now there is a battalion of Salvadorians in combat here in Iraq, … and they’re here due to our long presence in working with them,” he said. “I foresee that in the future of Iraq.”

He also lauded the U.S. forces who had a hand in training the Iraqi units. “Our Special Forces are the best in the world, and I think they’ve exemplified that,” Trombitas said. “I’m just awful proud of our effort and theirs in conducting counterterrorism operations.”

(Story by U.S. Navy Seaman William Selby, New Media directorate of the Defense Media Activity.)

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Air Force Honors Crew of Crashed B-52

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ANDERSEN AIR FORCE BASE, Guam - Brig. Gen. Doug Owens, 36th Wing commander, delivers a heartfelt message to more than 1,800 guests who attended a memorial ceremony Friday at Andersen's Hangar One. The ceremony honored the six Airmen who died when their B-52 crashed Monday 25 miles off the coast of Guam. Their mission was to fly over Guam's Liberation Day parade celebrating the island's liberation from Japanese occupation in World War II. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Corey Todd.)

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ANDERSEN AIR FORCE BASE, Guam - Ursula Martin, wife of Col. George Martin, thanks the myriad of agencies Friday in for their search for the Airmen who lost their lives in Monday's B-52 crash. Colonel Martin, 36th Medical Group deputy commander, was on "Raider 21" when it crashed 25 miles off the coast of Guam. Mrs. Martin, who stands next to a photo of her husband, also extended her gratitude to Andersen's Airmen and families for their support and shared her condolences with the families of the other aircrew members. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Corey Todd.)

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ANDERSEN AIR FORCE BASE, Guam - Andersen Airmen, deployed personnel, friends and family mourn the six Airmen who died Monday when their B-52 Stratofortress crashed. The "Raider 21" crew was scheduled to perform a flyover of Guam's Liberation Day Parade. Andersen held a memorial ceremony here for the aircrew Friday. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Courtney Witt.)

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ANDERSEN AIR FORCE BASE, Guam - Brig. Gen. Doug Owens, 36th Wing commander, delivers a heartfelt message to more than 1,800 guests who attended a memorial ceremony Friday at Andersen's Hangar One. The ceremony honored the six Airmen who died when their B-52 crashed Monday 25 miles off the coast of Guam. Their mission was to fly over Guam's Liberation Day parade celebrating the island's liberation from Japanese occupation in World War II. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Courtney Witt.)

News in Balance:

Accident Investigation Board Convened to Investigate B-52 Crash

LANGLEY AIR FORCE BASE, Va., July 25, 2008 -- Gen. John D.W. Corley, commander of Air Combat Command, has convened an accident investigation board to investigate the B-52 Stratofortress mishap off the northwest coast of Guam.

Brig. Gen. Mark A. Barrett, commander of the 1st Fighter Wing here, has been designated as the board president.

The B-52 was deployed to Andersen AFB from Barksdale AFB, La., as part of the Department of Defense's continuous bomber presence mission in the Pacific.

In addition to setting forth factual information concerning the mishap, the board president is required to state in the report his opinion concerning the cause or causes of the accident and describe those factors, if any, that substantially contributed to the accident. After the report has been approved by General Corley, it will be released to the general public

(Story from a U.S. Air Force news release.)

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Bush Signs Maritime Pollution Protection Act of 2008

News in Balance

News in Balance:

WASHINGTON, July 25, 2008 -- On July 21, 2008, President Bush signed into law the Maritime Pollution Protection Act of 2008.

This action paves the way for U.S. ratification of the Protocol of 1997 to amend the International Convention on the Prevention of Pollution from Ships (MARPOL) and incorporates the amended provisions of that important international instrument into U.S. law. The Protocol of 1997 contains amendments to prevent and control air pollution from ships (MARPOL Annex VI). The significant remaining step for the U.S. becoming a party to MARPOL Annex VI is the process of delivering a diplomatic instrument of ratification to the Secretary-General of the International Maritime Organization.

The contribution of international shipping to U.S. air pollution is substantial and is expected to grow significantly due to increases in foreign trade. In 2001, oceangoing vessels contributed nearly 6 percent of mobile source nitrogen oxide emissions (NOx), more than 10 percent of mobile source particulate matter (PM2.5) and about 40 percent of mobile source sulfur oxides (SO2). Without further controls, the contribution of these engines is estimated to increase to about 34 percent of mobile source NOx, 45 percent of mobile source PM2.5 and 94 percent of mobile source SO2 by 2030.

MARPOL is the principal global agreement to control all types of pollution from marine transportation. Annex VI to the Convention was developed to address the need to prevent and control air pollution. Among other provisions, it contains NOx emission limits for marine diesel engines and sets a cap on the sulfur content of the fuel used in these engines. It also contains a program for the designation of emission control areas in which more stringent fuel controls apply. MARPOL Annex VI entered into force in May 2005.

Adoption of the Maritime Pollution Protection Act of 2008 allows for the United States to become a party to Annex VI, and will significantly enhance the stature of the United States among the community of maritime nations and its ability to influence ongoing and future negotiations. The United States will become a party to the Annex three months after a diplomatic instrument of ratification is submitted to the International Maritime Organization (IMO) in London.

In October of this year, the parties to MARPOL Annex VI are expected to adopt amendments to the Annex that would enhance NOx and SO2 emission reductions from ships through new tiers of uniform exhaust emission standards and sulfur fuel requirements. The United States played a very significant role in the development of these new international standards, which have the potential to reduce NOx emissions by 80 percent, SO2 emissions by 95 percent and PM2.5 emissions by 85 percent and would result in needed health and welfare benefits for U.S. citizens.

(From a U.S. Coast Guard news release.)

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US Troops Capture Suspected Bomber in Baghdad Raid

Dispatches from the Front

Dispatches from the Front:

WASHINGTON, July 25, 2008 -- U.S. soldiers in Baghdad today detained a suspect linked to roadside-bomb attacks against coalition forces during an operation in the city’s Risalah sector, military officials said.

The detainee was taken to a coalition base for questioning.

In yesterday’s operations:
  • U.S. soldiers in Baghdad found an explosive device on the side of a road in Baghdad’s Jazair community. An explosive ordnance team disposed of the bomb.

  • U.S. soldiers patrolling Baghdad’s East Rashid sector seized two AK-47 rifles, four magazines and 246 7.62 mm rounds.

  • U.S. soldiers found an improvised explosive device-making workshop in Baghdad’s East Rashid neighborhood. The workshop contained: radios, batteries, power sources, garage door openers, circuit boards, programmers, a cable, computer screens, tools, wire, plastic bags, a global positioning system device, electrical components, documents, identification cards, and propaganda tapes.

  • “Sons of Iraq” citizen volunteers in Baghdad found a weapons cache consisting of three rockets and recoilless-rifle ammunition.

  • Iraqi soldiers in Baghdad seized a rocket-propelled grenade, three grenade nose cones, six mortar rounds, eight anti-tank mines, 10 grenades, three flares, 500 machine-gun rounds, detonation cord, a container of bolts, and a license plate.

  • Iraqi police posted in Baghdad’s East Rashid sector found a 107 mm rocket and 15 mortar rounds.

  • U.S. soldiers patrolling the Mansour area of Baghdad found 500 rounds of ammunition, a body armor vest, and an AK-47 rifle.

  • Responding to a tip, U.S. soldiers seized a weapons cache in Baghdad and also discovered a stockpile of improvised explosive device-making materials located inside a store near the city’s Doura community market. Later, a Sons of Iraq member turned in a 155 mm artillery round to U.S. soldiers patrolling the Karb De Gla community.

In July 22 operations:
  • In Mosul, Iraqi special operations forces detained eight suspected members of the Islamic State of Iraq, a front organization for al-Qaida in Iraq. Two other suspects also were detained during the operation.

  • In Rutbah, an Iraqi special weapons and tactics unit detained a suspected terrorist linked to suicide and improvised-explosive-device attacks against Iraqi police. The detainee also is believed to have housed the woman who conducted the May suicide attack at an office in Rutbah. Four other suspects also were detained during the operation.

  • In Zaidon, the Fallujah special weapons and tactics team detained four suspected weapons dealers believed to be supplying criminals in the area.

  • In Baghdad, an Iraqi emergency response unit detained four suspected al-Qaida terrorists. The detainees are linked to attacks against Iraqi police and coalition forces. The suspects also are tied to improvised-explosive-device attacks, assassinations, sectarian violence, and displacement and intimidation of local Iraqis.

  • In Jisr Diyala, Iraqi special operations troops detained a suspected Iranian-trained “special groups” leader and two other suspects. The detainees are implicated in the killings of local Iraqis and are suspected of plotting to attack coalition bases in the area.

In July 21 operations, An Iraqi special weapons and tactics team detained two suspected special groups criminals during an operation in Kut. The detainees are linked to roadside-bomb and explosively formed projectile attacks against Iraqi and coalition security forces.

Also July 21, an Iraqi emergency response unit uncovered a suspected special groups weapons cache in Baghdad. The cache contained sniper rifles, machine guns, rockets, several thousand rounds of ammunition, rocket-propelled-grenade launchers and warheads, homemade explosive materials, and various bomb-making materials.

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

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Thursday, July 24, 2008

Combat Camera: Wolfhounds Patrol Taji Qada, Northwest of Baghdad

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Staff Sgt. Dusty Lamborn, a Hobart, Okla., native, maintains security while listening to the concerns of the people in the Taji Qada, northwest of Baghdad, to see what he could do to better to assist the community, July 21, 2008. Lamborn serves as an infantry squad leader with Company A, 1st Battalion, 27th Infantry Regiment “Wolfhounds,” 2nd Stryker Brigade Combat Team “Warrior,” 25th Infantry Division, Multi-National Division – Baghdad. (Photographer: Sgt. Brad Willeford, 2nd Stryker Brigade 25th Infantry Division.)

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Pfc. Victor Alaniz, a Montclair, Calif., native, takes a knee during a patrol in the Taji Qada, northwest of Baghdad,, July 21, 2008. Alaniz serves as an infantryman with Company B, 52nd Infantry Regiment, 1st Battalion, 27th Infantry Regiment “Wolfhounds,” 2nd Stryker Brigade Combat Team “Warrior,” 25th Infantry Division, Multi-National Division – Baghdad. (Photographer: Sgt. Brad Willeford, 2nd Stryker Brigade 25th Infantry Division.)

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Sgt. Kenneth Larsen, a Dayton, Nev., native, and Pfc. Richard Martinez, a Mission, Texas, native, take a look at several buildings during a patrol through the Taji Qada, northwest of Baghdad, July 21, 2008. The soldiers, who are both infantrymen with Company A, 1st Battalion, 27th Infantry Regiment “Wolfhounds,” 2nd Stryker Brigade Combat Team “Warrior,” 25th Infantry Division, Multi-National Division – Baghdad, took assessments of the buildings to find ways to bring essential services to the area. (Photographer: Sgt. Brad Willeford, 2nd Stryker Brigade 25th Infantry Division.)

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Soldiers with Company B, 52nd Infantry Regiment, 1st Battalion, 27th Infantry Regiment “Wolfhounds,” 2nd Stryker Brigade Combat Team “Warrior,” 25th Infantry Division, Multi-National Division – Baghdad make their way across a field during a patrol through the Taji Qada, northwest of Baghdad, July 21, 2008. (Photographer: Sgt. Brad Willeford, 2nd Stryker Brigade 25th Infantry Division.)

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Pfc. Corey Payne, a Jackson, N.C., native, maintains security while on a patrol in the Taji Qada, northwest of Baghdad, July 21, 2008. The purpose of the patrol was to find ways to assist in establishing essential services for many of the area shop owners in the area. Payne serves as an infantryman with Company A, 1st Battalion, 27th Infantry Regiment “Wolfhounds,” 2nd Stryker Brigade Combat Team “Warrior,” 25th Infantry Division, Multi-National Division – Baghdad. (Photographer: Sgt. Brad Willeford, 2nd Stryker Brigade 25th Infantry Division.)

COMBAT CAMERA More Combat Camera Imagery on THE TENSION

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US Air Force F-22 Raptors Deploy to Guam

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F-22 Raptors, like those shown here flying over New Mexico, in support of Operation Noble Eagle, were deployed to Guam for two weeks to fulfill security requirements in the Asia Pacific region(U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Russell Scalf.)

Focus on Defense:

ANDERSEN AIR FORCE BASE, Guam, July 24, 2008 -- Approximately 130 Airmen and five F-22 Raptors from Elmendorf Air Force Base, Alaska, are deployed to Guam for two weeks to fulfill security requirements in the Asia Pacific region.

During the deployment, the Airmen will participate in exercises Jungle Shield and Cope Thaw.

Exercise Jungle Shield enhances the 13th Air Force's air defense mission in Guam and ensures the ability to fulfill Operation Noble Eagle responsibilities. F-22 pilots will also take part in Cope Thaw, providing them an opportunity to conduct routine training in an environment different from their home station.

F-22 pilots will fly three primary missions here: defensive counterair, offensive counterair escort, and offensive counterair suppression of enemy air defenses, said Capt. William Creeden, the 90th Fighter Squadron project officer from Elmendorf AFB.

He said the defensive-counterair missions showcase the F-22's aerial combat capabilities, using the aircraft to defend a geographic point, area, or high-value airborne asset against any air threat. When conducting offensive-counterair-escort missions, F-22s fly in front of a strike package and clear the airspace of any air threats, allowing a strike package an unimpeded attack on selected targets of interest.

While flying offensive counterair suppression of enemy air defenses missions, the F-22s become a strike platform, targeting advanced surface-to-air missile threats by using the fighter' s key advantages of stealth, super cruise and advanced integrated avionics.

"The Raptor is able to penetrate enemy air defenses and strike a number of SAMs with extreme accuracy, while maintaining a high level of survivability," Captain Creeden said. "The squadron's two-week deployment to Andersen (Air Force Base) will be full of activity."

"We will be busy with our primary missions and the exercises," he said. "At the same time, we'll be demonstrating that (Pacific Air Forces') first F-22 squadron is ready and able to deploy while meeting component commanders' requests for air dominance in any area of responsibility."

He said the members of the 90th FS will be integrating with the 389th Expeditionary Fighter Squadron, deployed here from Mountain Home AFB, Idaho, and the 20th Expeditionary Bomb Squadron, Barksdale AFB, La., to showcase composite force tactics.

The U.S. Pacific Command and 13th AF are committed to routinely deploying forces in and out of the Western Pacific region to maintain a credible deterrent posture and presence in one of the world's most rapidly changing areas.

(Story by Staff Sgt. Steve Teel, 36th Wing Public Affairs.)

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NAS Kingsville Gives "All Clear" After Hurricane Dolly

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INGLESIDE, Texas (July 22, 2008) Mine countermeasures ships are in a modified Mediterranean moor at homeport Naval Station Ingleside preparing for Hurricane Dolly. When in the heavy weather moor, the ships are pulled away from the pier, "nested" together and moored to a plate at the bottom of the basin. (U.S. Navy photo by Michael Antoine.)

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CARIBBEAN SEA (July 23, 2008) A GOES-12 infrared satellite image provided by the U.S. Naval Research Laboratory, Monterey, Calif., showing the status of Hurricane Dolly at approximately 4:45 am EST. Dolly is a Category 1 hurricane on the Saffir-Simpson hurricane scale, with maximum sustained winds near 85 mph and higher gusts. The storm is approaching the U.S./Mexico border near Brownsville, Texas, and is expected to strengthen before making landfall. (U.S. Navy photo.)

On the Home Front:

KINGSVILLE, Texas (NNS) -- The year's second named hurricane made landfall around noon July 23 north of Brownsville, Texas, about 125 miles southeast of Naval Air Station (NAS) Kingsville.

Hurricane Dolly was upgraded to a category 2 hurricane just prior to making landfall, bringing heavy rain, strong tropical storm force winds and tornado warnings as far north as Corpus Christi and Portland. South Padre Island took the brunt of the storm.

NAS Kingsville began preparing for the storm July 18 as Emergency Management Director Chief Air Traffic Controller (AW) Mike Garcia began coordinating the air station's post-storm preparations.

"We were watching the storm very closely as it developed in the Gulf of Mexico. We didn't know until mid-day on [July 22] that we would not be in the direct path of the storm, so we had to take our normal precautionary measures. As it turned out, the storm was upgraded to a [category] 2 and moved a bit to the north of Brownsville just before making landfall, so we ended up getting a lot of rain and heavy wind from the outer bands of the storm."

Garcia said the base was able to escape any major damage due to the joint preparation efforts of all base commands and activities.

"Every command, activity and department followed their requirements for pre-storm prep. Air operations placed sandbags around the entrance to buildings and put window shutters on the main building. Public works put plywood over the windows at the Branch Health Clinic, and Morale, Welfare and Recreation personnel and Navy housing officials put out sand bags and stowed away equipment and potential missile hazards."

L-3 Vertex personnel moved 77 of Training Air Wing 2's 105 T-45 Goshawks into hangars to prevent damage from heavy winds and rain and secured in place an additional 13 aircraft under the protective canopies on the NAS Kingsville tarmac. The other 15 aircraft departed the base early July 22 on a scheduled weapons detachment in El Centro, Calif.

NAS Kingsville Commanding Officer Capt. Phil Waddingham set the air station in modified condition of readiness (COR) 3 early July 22 and kept the base in that condition throughout the storm. The next day was designated as essential personnel and command-directed only, and all base facilities were closed.

"Even though we were not in the projected direct path of Hurricane Dolly, I thought it was prudent to proceed with caution. With landfall near Brownsville, we knew we would still be on the outer band of the storm and would see strong tropical storm-force winds, heavy rain, and possible flooding. My main concern was for our people.

"I didn't want our folks, especially those who reside in Corpus Christi and other remote locations, to be on the roadways until the storm threat has passed and the roads have been cleared for safe passage."

Base personnel returned to work July 24, and the command's assessment team made a visual tour of the base to evaluate any damage. When they found nothing noteworthy to report, they checked back in with the emergency operations center and Waddingham issued the "all clear." The base moved back to COR 5, the normal COR during hurricane season, early July 24.

As far as storm damage was concerned, some flooding was reported in low-lying areas in Kingsville, Corpus Christi and South Padre Island suffered damages to buildings and hotels. Two tornadoes were reported in San Patricia county. Fortunately, Dolly proved only to be a reality check for NAS Kingsville this time around. The storm, however, also served as a wake-up call.

"With three months left to go in the 2008 hurricane season I hope that all base personnel will take a hard look at their hurricane plans and procedures," Waddingham said. "Preparation is the key, [not to mention] the very best way to prevent personal injuries and property damage. My advice to all is to be prepared."

(Story by Jon Gagne, Naval Air Station Kingsville Public Affairs.)

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USS Theodore Roosevelt Sets Sail with French Navy

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ATLANTIC OCEAN (July 18, 2008) A French E-2C Hawkeye early warning aircraft, assigned to the 4th Squadron, lands during a historic joint French and American collaborated carrier qualification aboard the aircraft carrier USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71). The Theodore Roosevelt Carrier Strike Group is participating in Joint Task Force Exercise "Operation Brimstone" off the Atlantic coast until the end of July. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Jonathan Snyder.)

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ATLANTIC OCEAN (July 19, 2008) A French F-2 Rafale fighter lands aboard the aircraft carrier USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71) during combined French and American carrier qualifications. This event marks the first integrated U.S. and French carrier qualifications aboard a U.S. aircraft carrier. The Theodore Roosevelt Carrier Strike Group is participating in Joint Task Force Exercise "Operation Brimstone" off the Atlantic coast until the end of July. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Matthew DeWitt.)

Focus on Defense:

USS THEODORE ROOSEVELT, At sea, July 24, 2008 -- USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71) departed Naval Station Norfolk July 18 for a historic collaboration between the U.S. and French navies.

French E2C Hawkeye early warning aircraft assigned to the 4th Squadron began flight operations with Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 8 aboard Roosevelt, marking the first integrated U.S. and French carrier qualifications aboard a U.S. aircraft carrier. French Rafale fighter aircraft assigned to the 12th Squadron also joined.

"Operations with our friends and allies are the cornerstone of the U.S. Navy's current maritime strategy," said Capt. Ladd Wheeler, Roosevelt's commanding officer. "These combined operations will certainly pay dividends into the future as our navies continue to work together to increase global security."

(Story by Mass Communication Specialist Seaman John Suits, USS Theodore Roosevelt Public Affairs.)

COMBAT CAMERA More Combat Camera Imagery on THE TENSION

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Texas National Guard Starts Clean Up After Dolly

On the Home Front
Sgt. Marc Jones (left) of the Texas Army National Guard's Standing Joint Interagency Task Force (SJIATF) and Staff Sgt. Gonzalo Roman of Texas Air National Guard 149th Fighter Wing at San Antonio Emergency Operation Center as Hurricane Dolly moves westward towards south Texas. The Category 2 hurricane severely damaged the coastal cities Brownsville and South Padre Island with strong winds and heavy flooding. (Photo by Sgt. Lek Mateo, 100th Mobile Public Affairs Detachment.)

On the Home Front:

CAMP MABRY, Texas, July 24, 2008 -- Forecasters predicted that the first hurricane of the 2008 Atlantic storm season to cross land would only be a Category 1 event, but Texas Gov. Rick Perry and the state’s Division of Emergency Management did not take any chances that Dolly would be as harmless as her name might imply.

The governor declared several South Texas counties disaster areas and activated the Texas National Guard to ensure that in the words of Lt. Gen. Charles Rodriguez, the Adjutant General of Texas: “The stuff gets to the people who need it, and people get where they need to be.”

Currently, 600 Guardsmen are activated in support of civil authorities, but that number may increase to 1,200 if necessary. These Guardsmen along with members of the Texas State Guard joined state and local emergency first responders as the first Atlantic hurricane of the 2008 season barreled down on the coast of Texas and Mexico yesterday.

Hurricane Dolly slammed into South Padre Island, Texas at about 1:00 p.m. CST. The Category 1 hurricane brought heavy rain and strong winds of 100 miles-per-hour with gusts estimated to be over 120 miles-per-hour as she swept into the Rio Grande Valley dumping more than 12 inches of rain in some areas.

Today, Guard members are spread out across southern Texas from Austin to Brownsville. The teams are focused initially on establishing mass care strike teams. Texas Guardsmen will go into the affected areas and look for citizens who might need safe passage or re-supply those who are sheltering in place.

Eventually, these same teams will establish stationary points of distribution and co-locate with FEMA at familiar landmarks.

Local incident commanders will dictate what type of support the Texas Guardsmen will provide, but typically personnel will support Red Cross with shelter management, perform search and rescue missions with Texas Task Force One, and provide communications support with “Big Blue,” a full communications package on wheels. Other satellite equipment has also been deployed.

Search and rescue teams are standing by in Kingsville, Texas with about 225 personnel and 75 high profile vehicles from a ground transportation company. Personnel and equipment will move into the affected areas as soon as it safe.

Aviation assets available include three UH60 Blackhawks, in Austin and two in San Antonio, as well as one OH-58. Under an Emergency Management Assistant Compact, the Louisiana Army National Guard also has flown in two Blackhawks to assist where necessary.

State officials took the lessons learned from Hurricane Dean when about 4,700 Guardsmen and State Guard members were mobilized in August 2007 for the Category 5 hurricane, which missed the United States and devastated the coast of northern Mexico.

For Dolly, Guard leaders pre-staged personnel, equipment, aircraft and high-water tactical vehicles in Austin, Houston and San Antonio, so that they can quickly be deployed to the impacted areas.

"This is Texas, so our approach is to lean into the problem and stage the necessary personnel, equipment and resources so they can move into the affected area as quickly and efficiently as possible," Perry said.

Perry commended the Texas military forces, state and local emergency disaster teams who quickly mobilized and responded to the crisis.

"As we always do in the toughest time, we are seeing Texans, being Texans, helping their neighbors, putting others' needs above their own and heading toward the trouble and not away.”
(Story by Chief Master Sgt. Gonda Moncada and First Sgt. Lek Mateo
Texas National Guard.)


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Forces Disrupt al-Qaida in Babil Province

News in balance

News in Balance:

WASHINGTON, July 24, 2008 -- Al-Qaida terrorists have been largely marginalized in Iraq’s Babil province, thanks to the joint efforts of Iraqi and U.S. security forces, as well as local “Sons of Iraq” citizen security groups, a senior U.S. military officer posted in Iraq said today.

“The organization related to al-Qaida is severely disrupted, … as well as the [extremist] militia” in Babil province,” Army Col. Tom James, commander of the 3rd Infantry Division’s 4th Brigade Combat Team, said during a satellite-carried news conference with Pentagon reporters.

“Overall, we are extremely optimistic about the security situation in Babil province, because of the professional actions of the Iraqi security forces and the population’s strong desire for peace and stability,” James said.

About 1.2 million people live in Babil province, located about 50 kilometers south of Baghdad, James said. Babil’s population is about 70 percent Shiia Muslim and 30 percent Sunni Muslim. Hillah is the provincial capital.

The improved security, he said, “will stimulate positive governance and economic growth for the future, and eventually will result in irreversible, sustainable security.”

James complimented his soldiers’ ability “to adapt rapidly to extremely complex situations,” and he also saluted Iraqi soldiers’ ability to adjust to conditions.

The last of the U.S.-provided surge forces recently departed Iraq, but improved Iraqi security forces are picking up the slack, James said. With the departure of the surge troops, “Iraqi security forces are at a [capability] level to be able to handle that,” he added.

The improved security is driving reconstruction and economic progress, James said, noting that 186 Iraqi-government-sponsored economic programs are under way in the province.

U.S. and Iraqi forces are helping Iraqi government officials prepare for provincial elections slated for later in the year. Twenty-three Iraqi voter registration sites have been set up in Babil province, James noted.

James was accompanied at the news conference by Brig. Gen. Abdul Amir, commander of 31st Brigade, 8th Iraqi Army Division. The U.S. and Iraqi soldiers work together, along with Iraqi police and Sons of Iraq members, to conduct aggressive security operations across Babil province, James said.

Working in tandem, U.S. and Iraqi security forces “were able to disable all these [al-Qaida] cells and enemies,” Amir said. Most of the al-Qaida leaders in his area of operations, he said, are now in detention.

Today, in northern Babil province, “there is no threat from al-Qaida” or extremist militia, Amir asserted.

The reduced incidence of al-Qaida attacks, especially those in the form of improvised explosive devices, enables U.S.-supported Iraqi security forces to focus resources to quickly disrupt enemy activity, James said. Al-Qaida’s weakened state in Babil province “is obvious to us, based on their ability to deliver an effective IED” attack, he explained.

Previously, the colonel explained, al-Qaida operatives in the province typically deployed suicide-vest bombers and used deeply buried IEDs.

“We’re not seeing those any more,” James said. Explosive devices now employed by al-Qaida in his area of operations, he said, are “much more primitive and much less effective.”

The few remaining al-Qaida agents in Babil province are attempting to use their waning power to target Sons of Iraq leadership, with little effect, James said.

“That’s the primary threat that we’ve seen over the last couple of weeks,” James said.

Meanwhile, Iraqi security forces, he said, continue to zero in on remaining al-Qaida elements in the province. James saluted the security contributions provided by Iraqi soldiers, police and Sons of Iraq members.

“I am honored to serve with the Iraqi security forces; they are true patriots, and we have built relationships that will last a lifetime,” James said. “I thank them and their families and the people of Iraq for their sacrifices in pursuit of a safe and secure country, so that democracy and freedom can flourish.

“I would also like to thank the American people,” James continued, “especially the families of our servicemen and women, for their sacrifices and their support as well, as we’re forward-deployed here.”

The colonel also saluted “our servicemen and women for their contribution to freedom and those that have paid the ultimate sacrifice on the field of battle, and that is both, Iraqi army as well as coalition-force and U.S. forces, that have fought hand in hand to make Iraq a secure place.”

In turn, Amir expressed his gratitude for U.S. military help in ridding his country of terrorists and insurgents.

“I send my greeting to all the families of the 4th Brigade soldiers who are sacrificing with their lives … for helping us to reform and rebuild our armed forces,” the Iraqi general said.

“And, I am hoping that they will go home safely and see their families,” Amir said.

(Story by Gerry J. Gilmore, American Forces Press Service.)

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