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3rd MAW continues to support OIF

USMC News

Story Identification Number: 200341343235
Story by Staff Sgt. John C. DiDomenico

KUWAIT(April 1, 2003) -- The 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing's fixed wing and rotary wing squadrons continue to support Operation Iraqi Freedom now into the third week of the campaign.

Since the start of hostilities, the fixed winged assets have flown more than 1,000 sorties and dropped in excess of four million pounds of ordnance as they target Iraq's command and control centers, communications facilities and Republican Guard forces.

"We are shaping the battlefield for the MEF and coalition ground forces," said Col. Jon Miclot, 3rd MAW operations officer. "We are also providing our ground forces with close air support by targeting the Iraqi artillery and surface to surface missile launchers. We have been very successful in identifying and destroying Iraqi armor and artillery equipment."

The rotary wing assets have flown more than 2,000 sorties, as they transport ground forces forward and deliver needed supplies or replacement parts and equipment.

According to Col. Larry Brown, I MEF operations officer, coalition forces "continue to pound the Iraqi Republican Guard and rid the area of Hussein's death squads."

They have destroyed or captured more than 150 tanks, 60 artillery pieces, 40 armored personnel carriers, 10 multiple rocket launchers and scores of other vehicles, crew-served weapons, ammunition and chemical equipment. More than 3,000 enemy prisoners have also been captured.

As they advance, I MEF is also establishing forward operating bases and forward arming and refueling points, which provide the ability to refuel, rearm and operate inside of Iraq.

"We maintain freedom of movement across the southern road networks and are able to impose our will when and where we need to," said Maj. Tom Conner, an I MEF logistics officer. "Our humanitarian efforts are improving the conditions of an oppressed people.

Britain forces have also delivered more than 300 tons of food, and water supplies. The British forces also secured the Rumaliyah oil field wells. This guarantees a financial base to support the Iraqi people's future initiatives to rebuild the country. The wells will provide them approximately 1.6 billion barrels of oil per day.