NEAR KARMAH, Iraq -- NEAR KARMAH, Iraq (July 15, 2007) - A Sailor with Riverine Squadron One, 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit, enters the reeds on the edge of Lake Thar Thar in the Al Anbar Province of Iraq to conduct cordon and search operations. (Photo by Corporal Kyle J. Keathley/13th MEU)
Marines from Combined Anti-Armor Team 2, Weapons Company, Battalion Landing Team 3/1, set security the night of July 6 during Operation CHINA SHOP 2. During the operation Weapons Co. discovered numerous weapons caches, including artillery rounds, rifles, and large quantities of Homemade Explosives (HME). Company staff credits the leadership of noncommissioned officers for the success of the mission. (Photo by Sgt. Andy Hurt/13th MEU)
Sergeant Nicholas B. Burns, 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit tactical vehicle noncommissioned officer, is given the “Oath of Enlistment” by Capt. Christopher L. Fields, 13th MEU embarkation officer, July 9. Reenlistment ceremonies are a common occurrence for the Marines and Sailors of the 13th MEU. (Photo by Staff Sgt. Matthew O. Holly/13th MEU)
Corporal Jubentino Torres and Lance Cpl. John Metcalf of the 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit, Personal Security Detail, walk along the "pedestrian only" section between buildings at Hotel California, Camp Al Taqaddum, Iraq, June 17. The area they walk in is blocked to all vehicle traffic to ensure safe passage to the Marines operating in the vicinity. (US Marine Corps Photo by Lance Cpl. Brandon M. Owen/13th MEU)
Lance Cpl. Eriel Feliz-Abreu, engineer equipment mechanic for Combat Logistics Battalion 13, stocks up on ice for the day at Hotel California, Camp Al Taqaddum, Iraq. Ice is a “hot” commodity for Marines and Sailors of the 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit while deployed in Iraq. (US Marine Corps Photo by Lance Cpl. Brandon M. Owen/13th MEU)
Gunnery Sgt. Jack M. Rodrigues, 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit’s food service chief, makes much needed upgrades to some of the lounging facilities, July 8, at Hotel California, Camp Al Taqaddum, Iraq. (US Marine Corps Photo by Lance Cpl. Brandon M. Owen/13th MEU)
A 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit Humvee prepares to stage before going out on a convoy, July 8, at Hotel California, Camp Al Taqaddum, Iraq. (US Marine Corps Photo by Lance Cpl. Brandon M. Owen/13th MEU)
Lance Cpl. Craig R. Leedham, machine gunner with Battalion Landing 3/1, does his part in building up one of many combat outpost for the 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit near Karmah, Iraq, July 4. (Photo by Staff Sgt. Matthew O. Holly/13th MEU)
Master GySgt. Craig R. Dawson, 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit’s operations chief, gets a better view of Hotel California from the rooftop of the command post. Dawson has been in the Marine Corps since Feb. 24, 1978, and is considered one of the more experienced Marines on the MEU. (US Marine Corps Photo by LCpl. Brandon M. Owen/13th MEU)
Sergeant Anthony V. Rodriguez, motor transport mechanic for the 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit, enjoys strawberry milk at the Lakeside Chow Hall at Camp Al Taqaddum, Iraq. (US Marine Corps Photo by LCpl. Brandon M. Owen/13th MEU)
Major Barton K. Nagle, intelligence officer, 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit, and Capt. Brett R. Winslow, assistant air officer, MEU, take time to pose for a picture as members of the 13th MEU command element made their rounds to the combat outpost near Karmah, July 4. (Photo by Staff Sgt. Matthew O. Holly/13th MEU)
Corporals Brenston A. Otanjah and Ivan L. Wilson, supply clerks for the 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit are work horses within the supply/logistics section of the 13th MEU. “Throughout this deployment these Marine continue to perform and deliver,” said Sgt. Dwayne D. Brauch, noncommissioned officer in charge of Wilson and Otanjah. (US Marine Corps Photo by LCpl. Brandon M. Owen/13th MEU)