Camp Lejeune Marines to be deployed to Iraq

[thedrifter]

Camp Lejeune Marines to be deployed to Iraq

By Alex Freedman
WNCT.com Online Producer
Published: January 4, 2009

On a day when most people will be looking for big sales, Camp Lejeune families will be saying goodbye as more marines are deployed to Iraq.

The 6th Marine Regiment, 2nd Marine Division, II Marine Expeditionary Force based at Camp Lejeune will begin deploying tomorrow, Jan. 5th, in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom.

Once in Iraq, this unit will support Iraqi civil and military authorities

This will be the regiment’s second deployment as a headquarters unit in support of OIF and will be their third in the Global War on Terrorism.

Their deployment is part of a rotation system that will mean other marines currently stationed in Iraq will be able to come home.

The regiment is scheduled to deploy around 9 a.m.

Ellie

[thedrifter]

RCT-6 Deploys From Camp Lejeune

By Laura Vesco
Reporter
Published: January 5, 2009

Hundreds of our marines and sailors based out of Camp Lejeune are preparing to say goodbye to their loved ones tonight. The Regimental Combat Team 6 with the 2nd Marine Division is deploying to Iraq. Nine On Your Side’s Laura Vesco explains how their role in Iraq is now different than in years past.

Reporter: “Hundreds of marines and sailors are saying goodbye to their family and friends as they head off to Iraq. Many of them have deployed before but say their mission maybe somewhat different this time around.“

Marines and sailors with RCT- 6 will soon arrive in Al Anbar Province in Iraq, but this time the US Marine Corps is taking a different approach.

Lieutenant Evan Pettyjohn says, “In the past when it was more of a US led effort we found it wasn’t as effective as allowing the Iraqis to do it themselves.“

Pettyjohn says RCT-6 won’t take over, they’ll simply keep an on eye on things.” It’s more hands off as the Iraqis have stood up and gained increased capabilities we take a step back and give help when needed,“ says Pettyjohn.

A task they say is crucial to help stabilize the country, but as marines pack their bags it’s still difficult for their families. Pettyjohn says, “Obviously marines and sailors want to be with their families as much as possible but we are trained well and excited for the mission.“

400 marines are heading to Iraq with rct-6 and the deployment is expected to last between twelve to thirteen months.

Tomorrow, Camp Lejeune will send off more marines and sailors with regimental Combat Team 8. They also will be headquartered at Al Anbar Province but on a different base.

video

http://www.wnct.com/nct/news/local/article/rct-6_deploys_from_camp_lejeune/27954/

Ellie