A U.S. Army soldier from 3rd Platoon, Alpha Company, 1st Battalion, 23rd Infantry Division forces open a door during a search on a suspected insurgent house in Baghdad, Iraq, Oct. 1, 2006. U.S. Air Force photo by Master Sgt. Mike Buytas

A U.S. Army soldier from 3rd Platoon, Alpha Company, 1st Battalion, 23rd Infantry Division provides security during a cordon and search mission in Baghdad, Iraq, Oct. 1, 2006. U.S. Air Force photo by Master Sgt. Mike Buytas

Iraqi army and U.S. Army soldiers from 3rd Platoon, Alpha Company, 1st Battalion, 23rd Infantry Division conduct a raid on a suspected insurgent house in Baghdad, Iraq, Oct. 1, 2006. U.S. Air Force photo by Master Sgt. Mike Buytas

U.S. Army soldiers from 3rd Platoon, Alpha Company, 1st Battalion, 23rd Infantry Division speak with Iraqi soldiers during a search and cordon mission in Baghdad, Iraq, Oct. 1, 2006. U.S. Air Force photo by Master Sgt. Mike Buytas

U.S. Army Soldiers from 3rd Platoon, Alpha Company, 1st Battalion, 23rd Infantry Regiment catalog contraband items during a search and cordon mission in Baghdad, Iraq, Oct. 1, 2006. U.S. Air Force photo by Master Sgt. Mike Buytas

Maj. Joel Stephenson, operations officer, 2nd Squadron, 9th Cavalry, Task Force Lightning, holds up a fish he caught while patrolling Hamrin Lake in northern Diyala Province. Stephenson and his fellow Soldiers from 2nd Squadron, 9th Cavalry were patrolling the lake to determine the enemy’s capability to use the waterway as a way to transport goods. (U.S. Army photo by Sgt. Zach Mott, 3rd Heavy Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division Public Affairs Office, Oct. 6, 2006)


FOR RELEASE
October 7, 2006

SR# 100706-162
by Sgt. Zach Mott

3rd Heavy Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division Public Affairs Office

HAMRIN, Iraq (October 7, 2006) -- Water can be a scarce resource in many regions of Iraq. However, there are some areas, namely along the Tigris and Euphrates river valleys, that thrive because of the direct access to water.

These liquid highways can also serve as an avenue for insurgents to traffic their goods, be it improvised explosive device materials or people. In northern Diyala Province, there is a man-made lake in the village of Hamrin that could serve as a quick getaway for insurgents.

Soldiers from the 2nd Squadron, 9th Cavalry, 3rd Heavy Brigade Combat Team, Task Force Lightning conducted a reconnaissance of the lake to assess the enemy’s capabilities as well as show the ability to halt this trafficking lane.

“We’re mostly focused on showing the capability to the enemy so that they know that they’ll have to account for that or at least keep that in their decision cycle,” said Lt. Col. Louis Lartigue, commander, 2nd Squadron, 9th Cavalry, after piloting several tours around the lake.

Soldiers from the squadron’s support unit had to make a few repairs and changes to the boat trailer prior to it getting on the water.

“We serviced the engine to make sure everything ran,” said Staff Sgt. Phillip Kitchen, team chief, Service and Recovery Section, Dragoon Troop, 2-9 CAV. “The prop that was on it when we got it was destroyed, so we had to re-do the prop; sand it down, grind it down, make it better. The boat had a hole in it so we had to patch the underside of the boat so that it wouldn’t leak in.”

In getting the boat on the open water, and not the fast-moving river during previous operations, there were a few kinks that will need to be worked out.

“So far, it’s good. It got into the water; the trailer’s a little high based on what we had to work with when we built it,” said Capt. Dave Buehler, commander, Dragoon Troop.

After taking over operations from the 1st Squadron, 32nd Cavalry when the unit redeployed to the United States in August, the Hunters wanted to authenticate the tool before handing it over to its eventual replacements.

“We’re validating both the maintenance readiness of it and the functionality of the boat out in the lake to prove that it’s actually a task that we need to (hand) over to the next unit,” Buehler said.

Earlier in this deployment to Iraq, the Hunters conducted similar operations on the Tigris River while at Forward Operating Base Wilson. For many, this wasn’t their first time cruising the waterways of this mostly desert country, but most relished the change from the norm.

“But when it comes down to it, it’s fun to get out on the water and do something different than a regular 1114 patrol,” Lartigue said.

A patrol of Soldiers from 2nd Squadron, 9th Cavalry, 3rd Heavy Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, Task Force Lightning return to the shore after patrolling Hamrin Lake in northern Diyala Province. (U.S. Army photo by Sgt. Zach Mott, 3rd Heavy Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division Public Affairs Office, Oct. 6, 2006)

A patrol of Soldiers from 2nd Squadron, 9th Cavalry, 3rd Heavy Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, Task Force Lightning search the Hamrin Lake for signs of an insurgents presence on the waterway. (U.S. Army photo by Sgt. Zach Mott, 3rd Heavy Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division Public Affairs Office, Oct. 6, 2006)

A patrol of Soldiers from 2nd Squadron, 9th Cavalry, 3rd Heavy Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, Task Force Lightning return to the shore after patrolling Hamrin Lake in northern Diyala Province. (U.S. Army photo by Sgt. Zach Mott, 3rd Heavy Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division Public Affairs Office, Oct. 6, 2006)

The boat used by Soldiers from the 2nd Squadron, 9th Cavalry, 3rd Heavy Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, Task Force Lightning is lowered into the Hamrin Lake. (U.S. Army photo by Sgt. Zach Mott, 3rd Heavy Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division Public Affairs Office, Oct. 6, 2006)

Soldiers from the 2nd Squadron, 9th Cavalry, 3rd Heavy Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, Task Force Lightning, and members of the Iraqi Army’s 3rd Brigade, 5th Division return to the shore after patrolling Hamrin Lake in northern Diyala Province. (U.S. Army photo by Sgt. Zach Mott, 3rd Heavy Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division Public Affairs Office, Oct. 6, 2006)

USS GEORGE H. W. BUSH - President George W. Bush delivers remarks during the christening ceremony of the aircraft carrier George H. W. Bush in Newport News, Virginia, Saturday, Oct. 7, 2006. White House photo by Eric Draper Story

News of Note
Operation Iraqi Freedom
Iraqi Army Enforces Security Crackdown in Northeast
Round-the-clock curfew imposed in Kirkuk
Iraqi forces detain scores in oil city crackdown - Video
Analysis: U.S. influence on Iraq limited

Operation Enduring Freedom
2 German Journalists Killed in Northern Afghanistan
Afghans enjoy freedom despite growing fear - Video
Rumsfeld Cites Progress in Afghanistan

Homeland Security / War on Terror
Bloomberg Takes Over WTC Memorial Project

Troops on Trial
Sources: Justice Department Probing Air Force Major's Disappearance in Kyrgyzstan

Other Military News
Carrier named for elder Bush christened
The Teacher

Immigration / Border Control
New wall not expected to stop migrants

Worldwide Wackos
Tension Intensifies in Asia Amid North Korean Nuclear Test Threat - VIDEO
Japan warns North Korea on nuclear tests
N. Korea Urged to Abandon Nukes - Video
Venezuela ships Nicaragua diesel in show of support

Politics / Government
Bush Pushes Safe, Secure Schools - TRANSCRIPT
Former Fla. Rep. Foley May Face State Charges
N. Orleans mayor endorses lawmaker under FBI probe
Schwarzenegger spars in Cal. campaign's only debate
Jeb Bush seeks refuge from Pa. activists
Lawmakers face scrutiny in House probe

Media in the Media
Officials: Russian Journalist Found Dead

Oddities
H.S. Football Player Collapses, Dies in Colorado
Sports Fan Names Newborn Son ESPN
Baby zebra blessed in Santiago
Celebrity baby toupees
Oldies on the catwalk in India
Rocketbelt convention a blast
World's first hypo-allergenic cat
Animal Olympics - Chinese style
Snake charmer puckers up to 19 cobras
Catalan candidate offers 'naked truth'
'Star Trek' ship fetches over $500,000

Other News of Note
Amish Community Mourns Schoolhouse Gunman
Evacuated N.C. Residents Allowed to Return Home
Fishermen's Bodies Found in Rain-Soaked Virginia


Fox News
Tigers Eliminate Yankees With 8-3 Victory
Iowa Company Recalling Suspected E. Coli Beef
Tom Cruise, Katie Holmes Plan November Wedding


Reuters: Top News
Japan's Abe heads for China, seeks thaw
China's Hu seen further consolidating power
Poll results show Latvian PM heading for victory
Volcano erupts on Papua New Guinea island
Classic games hit the spot in new-age dazzle
Jolie says disappointed not filming in Pakistan
Hefner says new generation seeks Playboy nostalgia
Paul DeMartino checks the screens and finds cars among the winners
Start your year-end saving and tax planning now
German carmakers combine for U.S. clean diesel push
Goldstein's Bulldog bares its teeth
Apple manages options probe damage
Strong appetite for Tech buyouts seen continuing

AP World News
Mets finish off sweep of Dodgers 9-5
Archaeologists find 18th-century store
Underground caves catching on in Napa
Arkansas defense swarms No. 2 Auburn
A-Rod dropped to No. 8 spot, makes error
Chris Young keeps Padres alive in NLDS
Alan Jackson sings on 'Extreme Makeover'
Ex-HP CEO Fiorina returns with memoir
Badgers pound Wildcats 41-9
T.O. returns to Philly with Cowboys
Last days for largest housing project

Military.com
F-14 Simulator Debuts in Florida

CENTCOM: News Releases
U.S. AMBASSADOR TO PAKISTAN VISITS EARTHQUAKE-RAVAGED VILLAGE

AFGHAN, COALITION FORCE SEARCHES FARAH COMPOUND, DETAIN 2 EXTREMISTS

U.S. PREPARES FOR OPERATION TO AID PAKISTAN

IRAQI AND MND-B SOLDIERS CAPTURE HIGH VALUE TERRORIST, DETAIN 27 ADDITIONAL TERRORIST SUSPECTS

MND-B SOLDIERS WORK WITH THE MINISTRY OF HEALTH TO CARE FOR RESIDENTS OF GHAZALIYAH

USJFCOM
USJFCOM commander discusses reserve force issues - podcast
Get the latest USJFCOM News delivered to your email box
USJFCOM sends support teams to CENTCOM - podcast
Newsmaker Profile: Col. Eugene V. "Gene" Bonventre - podcast
Command working to meet the warfighter's needs with focused efforts - podcast
Command seeking information from industry on access management

Department of Defense
For Top News Visit DefenseLink

DefendAmerica Week in Review
Sunday - Monday - Tuesday - Wednesday - Thursday - Friday - Saturday

BACKGROUND
IRAQ
Renewal In Iraq
Iraq: Security, Stability
Fact Sheet: Progress and Work Ahead
Report: Strategy for Victory in Iraq
Iraq Daily Update
This Week in Iraq
Multinational Force Iraq
State Dept. Weekly Iraq Report (PDF)
'Boots on the Ground' Audio Archive
Weekly Reconstruction Report (PDF)
Iraq Reconstruction
Maps

AFGHANISTAN
Afghanistan Update
Maps

WAR ON TERRORISM
Fact Sheet: Budget Request
Fact Sheet: War on Terror
Fact Sheet: Terror Plots Disrupted
Waging and Winning the War on Terror
Terrorism Timeline
Terrorism Knowledge Base

CASUALTIES
Officials Identify Casualties - Story

Weather
Iraq
Al Azamiyah Al Basrah Al Hillah Al Karkh Al Kazimiyah Al KutAn Nasiriyah Baghdad Baqubah Mosul Najaf Nineveh Tall Kayf

Afghanistan
Bost/Laskar Ghurian Herat Kabul

Gitmo

National Hurricane Center

Today in History
1604 - The supernova called "Kepler's Nova" is first sighted.
1775 - Officers decide to bar slaves and freed Blacks from the Continental Army.
1818 - Two English boxers are the first to use padded gloves.
1840 - The first Hawaiian constitution is proclaimed.
1860 - A telegraph line between Los Angeles and San Francisco opens.
1862 - At the Battle of Perryville (KY), a Confederate invasion is halted.
1871 - The Great Fire of Chicago kills 200, destroying miles of Chicago's buildings, along with the original Emancipation Proclamation.
1896 - Dow Jones starts reporting an average of industrial stocks.
1912 - The First Balkan War begins.
1918 - Sgt. Alvin York reportedly single-handedly kills 25 Germans, and captures 132.
1933 - In San Francisco, Coit Tower is dedicated as a monument to firefighters.
1934 - Bruno Hauptmann is indicted for the murder of Charles Lindbergh's infant son.
1939 - Germany annexes Western Poland.
1944 - "The Adventures of Ozzie and Harriet" debuts on CBS radio (on Ozzie and Harriet's ninth wedding anniversary).
1945 - President Truman announces that atomic bomb technology has been shared with Britain and Canada.
1955 - The World's most powerful aircraft carrier, the USS Saratoga, is launched.
1957 - The Brooklyn Dodgers announce they are moving to Los Angeles; Turkish and Syrian border guards exchange fire.
1962 - Algeria is admitted as the 109th member of the U.N.; North Korea reports a 100% election turnout, and a 100% vote for the Workers' (Communist) Party.
1963 - The Sultan of Zanzibar cedes his mainland possessions to Kenya.
1964 - Gilroy Roberts becomes the first U.S. chief engraver to retire (the others died in office).
1970 - Soviet author Alexander Solzhenitsyn wins the Nobel Prize for Literature.
1978 - Kenneth Warby sets the world water speed record at 319.627 mph (514 kph).
1981 - President Reagan greets predecessors Jimmy Carter, Gerald Ford, and Richard Nixon before sending them to Egypt for Anwar Sadat's funeral.
1982 - Poland bans Solidarity.
1988 - A fire in Seattle's Space Needle causes evacuation, and causes $2,000 in damage.
1990 - Israeli police kill 17 Palestinian rioters.

Birthdays
1869 - J. Frank Duryea, inventor (first auto built and operated in the U.S.)
1890 - Eddie Rickenbacker, aviator - the "Ace of Aces" (WWI)
1895 - Juan Peron, Argentine President (1946-55, 1973-74)
1895 - King Zog I of Albania (1928-1939)
1916 - Spark Matsunaga (Sen-HI)
1920 - Frank Herbert, sci-fi writer (Dune)
1936 - David Carradine, actor (Kung-Fu, Boxcar Bertha, Young Guns)
1941 - Jesse Jackson, clergyman/presidential candidate
1943 - Chevy Chase, comedian/actor (SNL, Vacation, Fletch, Caddyshack)
1949 - Sigourney (Susan Alexandra) Weaver, actress (Alien, Working Girl)

Passings
1869 - Franklin Pierce 14th president of US, dies in Concord, NH
1944 - Wendell Lewis Willkie Republican politician, dies
1982 - Fernando Lamas actor/director, dies at 67 of cancer
1985 - Leon Klinghoffer, American tourist; hijackers of the Achille Lauro murder him and throw him overboard.

Reported Missing in Action
1963
Denton, Manuel R., USN (TX); UH34D crashed (crewman, w/Ritchey), possible aircraft collision, Killed, body not recovered

Ritchey, Luther E., Jr., USMC (OH); UH34D crashed (pilot, w/Denton), possible aircraft collision, Killed, body not recovered

Wadsworth, Dean Amick, USAF (TX); T28 shot down, emains identified April, 1999

1966
Feldhaus, John Anthony, USN (TN); A1H crashed, presumed Killed

Womack, Sammie N., US Army (VA); released February, 1967 - retired as a Staff Sgt - alive as of 1998

1967
The following lost in the crash of an E1B on Monkey Mountain near Da Nang; bodies not recovered
Guerra, Raul A., USN (CA); journalist / passenger
Pineau, Roland R., USN (MI); crew
Roggow, Norman L., USN (IA); crew
Wolfe, Donald F., USN (MT); crew
Zissu, Andrew G., USN (NY); pilot

1969
Altizer, Albert H., US Army (WV); Killed after the boat he was on overturned while crossing river, body not recovered

Watkins, Robert J., Jr., US Army (MD); AH1G crashed while returning from a mission (co-pilot); rescued on 10/13

1970
Ott, William A., USAF (CA); RF4C shot down (pilot, w/Shay)

Shay, Donald E., Jr., USAF (MD);RF4C shot down (WSO, w/Ott)