United States Marine Corps

Press Release
Public Affairs Office
24th Marine Expeditionary Unit
Capt. David Nevers

Contact: neversde@24meufwd.usmc.mil

Release # 0917-04-1433

24th MEU Uncovers Weapons Cache In Northern Babil
Sept 16, 2004

FORWARD OPERATING BASE KALSU, Iraq -- Marines from the 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit uncovered a large cache of weapons and ammunition on Sept. 16, after stopping to investigate a suspected improvised explosive device in the vicinity of Iskandariyah.

During a sweep of the area, the Marines from Bravo Company, Battalion
Landing Team 1st Battalion, 2nd Marines - the MEU's ground combat element - turned up the following:

(3) 82 mm mortar tubes
(1) 60 mm mortar tube
(2) 130 mm rockets
(3) 122 mm rockets
(11) 107 mm rockets
(2) 80 mm rockets
(97) other assorted rockets
(1) 160 mm mortar round
(2) 120 mm mortar rounds
(1) 82 mm mortar round
(67) 60 mm mortar rounds
(4) 155 mm mortar rounds
(13) 152 mm mortar rounds
(14) 130 mm mortar rounds
(3) 122 mm mortar rounds
(800) pounds of explosives
(300) fuses
(6) IEDs

Marines from MEU Service Support Group 24 assisted in the search.

The 24th MEU assumed operational control of Northern Babil Province July 29. Since then, 148 IEDs have been discovered in the MEU's zone.

The unit's commander, who has watched the confidence and capabilities of the Iraqi security forces grow with every operation they lead in the province, said the enemy's tactic is not working.

"The IEDs are not deterring us," said Col. Ronald J. Johnson. "We are
building momentum here. With patience and persistence, the ISF, assisted by coalition forces, will crush these guys. It's only a matter of time."

The 24th MEU, based at Camp Lejeune, N.C., is composed of 2,200 Marines and sailors. The MEU's mission is to assist Iraqi authorities in fostering security and stability for the nearly 900,000 citizens of the province.


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