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Release A051223e

SECDEF visits Camp Fallujah, announces U.S. troop reductions

CAMP FALLUJAH, Iraq – Secretary of Defense Donald H. Rumsfeld met with Marines, Sailors, Soldiers and Airmen here today to remind them of the support they have back home. He also used the occasion to announce the U.S. government’s decision not to deploy the 1st Brigade, 1st Infantry Division, to Iraq in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom and to keep a second Army brigade in Kuwait as a “call forward” force.

The 2nd Brigade, 1st Armored Division, originally scheduled to deploy to Iraq, will remain in Kuwait to support forces in Iraq if required. Approximately 3,500 soldiers are assigned to each of these two brigades.

After conducting a brief meeting with MNF-W Commanding General Maj. Gen. Stephen T. Johnson, he addressed the crowd of approximately 500 service members.

“I wanted to be here today to personally recognize the superb job you folks are doing. It is noticed across the world. It’s appreciated and certainly I want to tell you each how grateful we are for your service, your sacrifice and for your commitment to a truly historic cause. And to tell you how grateful your country is to you and also your families and loved ones.” Rumsfeld said.

After thanking the troops for their sacrifice and dedication to the mission in Iraq, Mr. Rumsfeld took some time to personally greet service members and pose for photos before returning to Baghdad.

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THIS STORY HAS ACCOMPANYING PHOTOGRAPHS. TO RECEIVE THE PHOTOS, E-MAIL THE CPIC PRESS DESK AT cpicpressdesk@iraq.centcom.mil <mailto:cpicpressdesk@baghdadforum.com> .

CAMP FALLUJAH, Iraq -- After addressing the Marines and Sailors of the II Marine Expeditionary Force (Forward), the Secretary of Defense took a moment to greet troops before he left Camp Fallujah today. (U.S. Marine photo)

CAMP FALLUJAH, Iraq U.S. Secretary of Defense Rumsfeld stops for some photos with the Marines and Sailors of the II Marine Expeditionary Force (Forward) at Camp Fallujah, Dec. 23. (U.S. Marine photo)

CAMP FALLUJAH, Iraq U.S. Secretary of Defense Rumsfeld addresses the Marines and Sailors of the II Marine Expeditionary Force (Forward) at Camp Fallujah, Dec. 23. (U.S. Marine photo)

CAMP FALLUJAH, Iraq U.S. Secretary of Defense Rumsfeld addresses the Marines and Sailors of the II Marine Expeditionary Force (Forward) at Camp Fallujah, Dec. 23. (U.S. Marine photo)

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FOR MORE INFORMATION, CONTACT THE MULTI-NATIONAL FORCE-WEST PUBLIC AFFAIRS OFFICE AT CEPAOWO@CEMNF-WIRAQ.USMC.MIL.