thedrifter
04-08-03, 07:38 AM
Article ran : 04/08/2003
24th MEU has joined war in Iraq
By STAFF REPORT
After spending a month on “strategic reserve” and nearly seven months at sea, Marines from Camp Lejeune’s 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit were ready to join the war with Iraq. Monday, they did.
After only eight days on the ground in Iraq, Marines from the 24th MEU took over a headquarters facility for Saddam Hussein’s ruling Baath Party and confiscated numerous weapons. Col. Richard Mills, the MEU commander, said his forces spent the day clearing an unspecified city in south-central Iraq.
The MEU was operating in support of Task Force Tarawa, which also includes Lejeune forces with the 2nd Marine Expeditionary Brigade. Marines involved in the action were with 2nd Marine Battalion, 2nd Marine Regiment, from Lejeune.
Mills said there were no Marine casualties and U.S. forces found little opposition. He described the Iraqis that Marines encountered as “benign.”
“No one on the friendly side was injured,” he said in a telephone interview at around 10:30 a.m. Monday.
Mills, who could not say where the Marines were operating, said several mortar rounds, anti-aircraft weapons, anti-aircraft ammunition and other weapons were taken and destroyed.
“It went very smoothly, very professionally, right on schedule,” Mills said. “We found some things of interest and we’re very satisfied.”
The 2,200-member 24th MEU left Camp Lejeune on Aug. 27 for a regularly scheduled six-month deployment to the Mediterranean Sea. The MEU’s stay was extended in February for an indefinite period.
The unit includes reinforced versions of 2nd Battalion, 2nd Marine Regiment, and Marine Medium Helicopter Squadron 263, as well as command and combat service support elements.
The Marines and sailors left Lejeune aboard amphibious assault ships Nassau, Austin and Tortuga in late August.
Mills said MEU forces were ready to go to Iraq as soon the orders came in late March. Eight days ago the Marines landed in Kuwait and headed north.
“We wanted to get to the big show,” Mills said. “The Marines are extremely motivated. It was like a bolt of electricity going through the unit.”
Mills said while ground forces were in action Monday, air support from HMM 263 based at New River Air Station was aiding the drive into Baghdad by I Marine Expeditionary Force.
“They’re flying a an awful lot of missions from shore and ship in support of I MEF. They’re doing a great job. They’re performing superbly,” he said.
Mills said his forces have been in contact with family and friends from Camp Lejeune and Onslow County and are aware of the support the U.S. effort is receiving. He had a message for those at home.
“Just reassure everyone that we’re doing well. There are no injuries or casualties,” he said. “The Marines are motivated and we really appreciate the support they’re getting. The support back home has been unbelievable. We want to thank everyone for the support they’ve given us.
“Tell our friends and family that we’ll be back when it gets done.”
Sempers,
Roger
24th MEU has joined war in Iraq
By STAFF REPORT
After spending a month on “strategic reserve” and nearly seven months at sea, Marines from Camp Lejeune’s 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit were ready to join the war with Iraq. Monday, they did.
After only eight days on the ground in Iraq, Marines from the 24th MEU took over a headquarters facility for Saddam Hussein’s ruling Baath Party and confiscated numerous weapons. Col. Richard Mills, the MEU commander, said his forces spent the day clearing an unspecified city in south-central Iraq.
The MEU was operating in support of Task Force Tarawa, which also includes Lejeune forces with the 2nd Marine Expeditionary Brigade. Marines involved in the action were with 2nd Marine Battalion, 2nd Marine Regiment, from Lejeune.
Mills said there were no Marine casualties and U.S. forces found little opposition. He described the Iraqis that Marines encountered as “benign.”
“No one on the friendly side was injured,” he said in a telephone interview at around 10:30 a.m. Monday.
Mills, who could not say where the Marines were operating, said several mortar rounds, anti-aircraft weapons, anti-aircraft ammunition and other weapons were taken and destroyed.
“It went very smoothly, very professionally, right on schedule,” Mills said. “We found some things of interest and we’re very satisfied.”
The 2,200-member 24th MEU left Camp Lejeune on Aug. 27 for a regularly scheduled six-month deployment to the Mediterranean Sea. The MEU’s stay was extended in February for an indefinite period.
The unit includes reinforced versions of 2nd Battalion, 2nd Marine Regiment, and Marine Medium Helicopter Squadron 263, as well as command and combat service support elements.
The Marines and sailors left Lejeune aboard amphibious assault ships Nassau, Austin and Tortuga in late August.
Mills said MEU forces were ready to go to Iraq as soon the orders came in late March. Eight days ago the Marines landed in Kuwait and headed north.
“We wanted to get to the big show,” Mills said. “The Marines are extremely motivated. It was like a bolt of electricity going through the unit.”
Mills said while ground forces were in action Monday, air support from HMM 263 based at New River Air Station was aiding the drive into Baghdad by I Marine Expeditionary Force.
“They’re flying a an awful lot of missions from shore and ship in support of I MEF. They’re doing a great job. They’re performing superbly,” he said.
Mills said his forces have been in contact with family and friends from Camp Lejeune and Onslow County and are aware of the support the U.S. effort is receiving. He had a message for those at home.
“Just reassure everyone that we’re doing well. There are no injuries or casualties,” he said. “The Marines are motivated and we really appreciate the support they’re getting. The support back home has been unbelievable. We want to thank everyone for the support they’ve given us.
“Tell our friends and family that we’ll be back when it gets done.”
Sempers,
Roger