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| Joint U.S and Iraqi Forces operation uncovers cache of rocket launchers and small arms. |
| By Spc. Shea Butler 7th Mobile Public Affairs Detachment |
| BAGHDAD, Jan. 10, 2007 -- The ramp drops, the sun rises and the troops emerge. The missions vary and everyone has a different, but equally important job. The troops on the ground in Baghdad work every job from quick reaction force to humanitarian missions. The mission for soldiers with Company B, 1st Battalion, 23rd Infantry Regiment, 3rd Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 2nd Infantry Division, changes daily. Everyone has a different job in the company - from driver to gunner to dismounted infantry. Even when they are not on an official mission they wait next to their Styker vehicles for the call to duty out on the streets securing neighborhoods and assisting the Iraqi security forces at need. The mission for the company Jan. 4 was to provide an outer cordon in a Baghdad neighborhood for the Iraqi Army. This operation joined the two entities in a search for anti-Iraqi forces and weapons. Prior to leaving the confines of their base camp, the troops of Company B prepared their equipment and briefed each other to make sure they could successfully assist the Iraqi forces on the ground, said Cpl. Joseph Casiano. |
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Fourth platoon was doing oversight security on roof tops, while other platoons were assisting the Iraqi troops search houses, said 1st Sgt. Brad Kelley, a native of Grants Pass, Ore. They didn’t come away empty-handed. “A cache of 12 rocket-propelled grenade launchers, six grenades and many small arms were found,” said 2nd Lt. Jacob Czekanski, a Silver Creek, N.Y., native. “The mission was accomplished.” After much preparation and a long day Company B and the Iraqi troops completed their mission. “We empowered the IA and built their confidence,” Czekanski said. “No one got hurt, so it was a successful day.” With the mission complete, Company B and the Iraqi troops parted ways and headed back to their respective base camps to plan and prepare for their next mission together. |
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