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| August 1, 2004 Release Number: 04-08-05 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 11th MEU TAKES CONTROL OF AN NAJAF, AL QADISIYAH FOB DUKE, Iraq - The 11th Marine Expeditionary Unit assumed operational control of the An Najaf and Al Qadisiyah provinces from the U.S. Army during a ceremony here July 31. Working for the Polish-led Multi-National Division Central South, 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. -30- |
