United States Marine Corps

Press Release
Public Affairs Office
11th Marine Expeditionary Unit (Special Operations Capable)
Capt. Carrie Batson

Contact: batsoncc@11meu.usmc.mil

Release # 0802-04-1236

11th MEU (SOC) assumes operational control of two Iraqi provinces
Aug 2, 2004

Forward Operating Base Duke, Iraq -- The 11th Marine Expeditionary Unit (Special Operations Capable) assumed operational control of the An Najaf and Al Qadisiyah provinces from the U.S. Army during a ceremony here today.

Working for the Polish-led Multi-National Division Central South (MND-CS), 11th MEU Marines will focus on full spectrum operations that include combat operations; training, equipping and building leadership in the Iraqi security forces; and conducting civil military operations in their area of responsibility south of Baghdad.

Operating from three bases outside the major cities of An Najaf and Ad Diwaniyah, and one air station west of Baghdad, the MEU's aim will be to support Iraq's sovereignty, enable Iraqis to take the lead in their own defense, and set the stage for national elections. As the Iraqi national guardsmen, local police and border police assume greater responsibilities and build their strength, MEU forces will stand ready to support them in combat operations if called upon.

In this effort for security and stability, a battalion of El Salvadorian infantrymen, along with Army civil affairs teams, engineers and military police, will augment the MEU's own combination of infantry, helicopters, tanks, artillery, mechanized and motorized vehicles, and support assets.

The MEU's area of operations holds great historical and current significance. An Najaf, population 550,000, is home to Iraq's top Shiite cleric Grand Ayatollah Ali al-Sistani and the radical Shiite cleric Muqtada Sadr and his Mahdi Army. The 10th-century Imam Ali Shrine and its neighboring cemetery make Najaf one of the holiest cities for Shiite Muslims. Ad Diwaniyah, population 450,000, is located on a branch of the Euphrates River and on the Baghdad-Basra railroad.

Background:

After five months of rigorous training, the 11th MEU, based out of Camp Pendleton, Calif., deployed a month early on May 28 to replace elements of the 2nd Armored Cavalry Regiment. Sailing aboard the amphibious assault ships USS Belleau Wood, USS Denver and USS Comstock, the MEU offloaded in Kuwait July 7. After conducting training for support and stability operations, MEU Marines loaded vehicle convoys and military aircraft headed for Iraq.

Upon arrival in country, the MEU began a 10-day turnover with Task Force Dragon, comprised of elements of the 1st Infantry Division. This task force assumed control of the area of operations in June, relieving the 2nd Armored Cavalry Regiment who had been extended twice in Iraq.

The 11th MEU's current deployment is different than most. Instead of remaining aboard ship and acting as a quick response force in the U.S. Central Command area of operations, MEU Marines will remain in Iraq for the duration of their deployment.

The 11th MEU (SOC) is commanded by Col. Anthony M. Haslam.

* For more information, contact Capt. Carrie C. Batson at batsoncc@11meu.usmc.mil

* Visit the 11th MEU website at www.11meu.usmc.mil or www.usmc.mil/11thmeu



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Text-only version of release attached below:


11th MEU takes over Iraqi provinces.txt