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11th Marine Expeditionary Unit begins return home

Marine Corps News

Story Identification #: 20052713418
Story by -

FORWARD OPERATING BASE DUKE, Iraq (Feb. 7, 2005) -- After a whirlwind deployment to Iraq, Marines and sailors of the 11th Marine Expeditionary Unit will begin the first of several homecomings today at Camp Pendleton, Calif., after nearly nine months away from home.

11th MEU spent seven successful months in the Shia provinces of Najaf, Qadisiyah and Karbala, stabilizing the region for more than 2.5 million Iraqis and setting the conditions for a violence-free national election where up to 85% of eligible voters voted.

In addition, Marines facilitated the spending of more than $36 million on 505 reconstruction projects, $9 million in condolence payments, and trained more than 16,000 Iraqi security forces in this relatively peaceful region of Iraq. However, the area hadn't always been quiet.

NAJAF

In August in Najaf -- the spiritual heart of the Shia world -- the MEU's 2,200 Marines and sailors battled and defeated radical cleric Muqtada al-Sadr's militia during an intense three-week fight. Seven Marines were lost and more than 100 wounded.

"Their sacrifice was not in vain," said Col. Anthony M. Haslam, commanding officer, 11th MEU. "Calm immediately swept the city after the fighting ended, and it hasn't left since."

The ensuing peace and trust established with the locals paved the way for one of the most aggressive reconstruction programs in all of Iraq. In five months, 418 projects worth more than $32 million dollars were started. MEU projects ranged from renovating 105 schools and constructing six new markets to building/renovating three medical clinics and dredging five water canals-- all using local contractors and workers and stimulating the economy. Projects funded by the Iraqi Interim Government and other U.S. military and government agencies included the construction/refurbishment of 36 police stations and traffic checkpoints, the refurbishment of 24 schools, and the construction of eight new schools, four community centers, and four water treatment units.

In addition, Marines distributed $9 million to 16,000 Najafis who experienced damage during August's fighting as part of a massive and innovative condolence payment program.

"We really built a lot of trust with the locals by making these payments," said Haslam. "Najaf has made tremendous progress since August. There is no doubt that the reconstruction effort and solatia payments have played a major role in that success."

Marines also trained and equipped the province's 7,600 Iraqi police, border police and soldiers from the Iraqi Army's 405th Battalion. These forces did so well that on Nov. 30, three months after decisive combat operations ended in Najaf, the 11th MEU commander declared "local control" in the province.

"The ISF demonstrated their capacity to maintain security on their own, to compile their own intelligence, and to conduct independent raids," said Haslam. "During elections, they provided a hundred percent of the security, while we got to take the day off. Not one act of violence occurred, and the people of Najaf came out in droves to vote."

QADISIYAH AND KARBALA

While half of the MEU's forces were in Najaf, the others were located in Qadisiyah province's major city -- Diwaniyah. In addition to participating in August's fighting in Najaf, these Marines conducted security patrols out in town and trained, equipped and mentored soldiers from the 404th Battalion and 50th Brigade of the Iraqi Army.

Reconstruction was also a focus in Diwaniyah. In three months, more than $3 million was spent on 85 reconstruction projects, and a $1.8 million barracks for the Iraqi soldiers was also built. In addition, Marines conducted four humanitarian assistance operations, providing limited medical and dental care and distributing thousands of thick winter blankets, school supplies, toys, food and water to more than 1,500 Iraqis. Marines also donated more than 4,000 backpacks to students in the city and distributed thousands of toys to local orphanages.

On Nov. 30, the 11th MEU relinquished control of Qadisiyah province to the Polish Army as part of a realignment of forces in southern Iraq. On Dec. 21, MEU Marines replaced the Polish Army in Karbala province. Marines immediately began training their third Iraqi Army unit, the 401st Battalion, and preparing the Iraqi security forces for Karbala's elections.

IN SUMMARY

During November, hundreds of 11th MEU Marines also supported the fight in Fallujah. Some augmented forces in the city, while others ensured the security and stability of the assault's back door in the cities of Kandari and Nasar Wa Salam. They returned to Najaf and Karbala in December.

With January's national elections going off without a hitch in both provinces, the deployment had an uplifting end.

"The sacrifice and hard work of the Marines made this deployment an absolute success," said Haslam. "If the militia hadn't been defeated, the provinces would not have been secure for elections and the aggressive reconstruction effort we put forth. Defeating the militia was essential to our success here, and the Marines made it so."

The 11th MEU is comprised of Battalion Landing Team 1st Battalion, 4th Marine Regiment; Marine Medium Helicopter Squadron 166 (reinforced); MEU Service Support Group 11, and the Command Element.