26 May 2004
Marines Rolling Up Terrorist Networks In Iraq, Navy Secretary Says
Gordon England stresses global reach of naval forces in Press Club speech
By Jim Fisher-Thompson
Washington File Staff Writer
Washington -- Marine combat troops, aviators and support personnel are helping to "roll up" terrorist networks in Iraq, making it easier for a new Iraqi government to ensure stability down the road, says Navy Secretary Gordon England within whose department the Marine Corps operates.
At the same time, England told a May 26 National Press Club (NPC) luncheon, the U.S. Navy -- its ships and special operations forces -- will continue to fight terrorism abroad and provide security for the world's sea lanes through an expanded use of aircraft carriers worldwide.
The official shared the NPC dais with Marine Brigadier General Mary Ann Krusa-Dossin, head of the Marine Corps' office of public affairs, and Ed Alvarez, a former naval aviator who was shot down over North Vietnam and held captive for more than seven years, part of the time in the notorious "Hanoi Hilton" POW camp.
England told his audience that U.S. Marines in Iraq were making inroads battling criminals, jihadists (radical Islamic fundamentalists) and backers of the former Baathist regime, who are working to undermine peace through terrorist acts because "to each of them destabilization works in their short-term favor."
He added, "The bright side is these [terrorist] networks are having some difficulties getting traction [popularity] among the Iraqi populace, and the networks are being rolled up. The Marines and Iraqi security forces working together have apprehended 27 of the 28 named targets. It seems that for now the fight against the networks is being won. The fight for the trust and acceptance by the general Iraqi population is more difficult. That's still to be determined, but with a cautiously optimistic outlook."
On the Iraqi side, England said, "The [new] Iraqi brigade is manning the checkpoints around Fallujah and also patrolling the streets in Fallujah. The Marines are in support but it's definitely an Iraqi operation." One result of "the Marines empowering the Iraqis" to defend themselves, England said, "has been a decline of in the number of attacks on coalition forces."
England, who visited Iraq the previous week, noted "I am certainly a novice in this game of international politics but based on this recent exposure the objective to transition sovereignty to the Iraqis on June 30 certainly appears right on target."
Looking beyond Iraq toward global operations, England said the U.S. Navy would continue to provide security of the sea lanes, guarding against terrorism and piracy, which he said was a growing phenomenon. At the same time aircraft carriers used "for coalition operations with our friends and allies around the world" will be increased to seven this summer. The U.S. Navy currently has 12 carriers in service.
The official said, "The ability to push that type of military capability to the four corners of the world is quite remarkable and it's also quite recent. Several years ago we could deploy only two [carriers overseas] but times have changed and so have we."
According to England, this series of deployments will demonstrate "a new approach to operations and maintenance" that will employ "one of the many benefits adherent to navies, their ability to deter or dissuade [aggression]" by protecting "the lifeline of our global economy, the oceans of the world.
"In a time of crisis the ability to ‘surge' [rapidly deploy] our carriers gives the President options that do not depend on access rights or bases ashore," England explained. Instead the ships and the devastating airpower they transport would be stationed "around the world, on call, not needing a permission slip to protect or dissuade and defeat [an enemy] if necessary. That's what your [modern] navy is all about."
(The Washington File is a product of the Bureau of International Information Programs, U.S. Department of State. Web site: http://usinfo.state.gov)
May 26 National Press Club (NPC):
Marine combat troops, aviators and support personnel are helping to "roll up" terrorist networks in Iraq, making it easier for a new Iraqi government to ensure stability down the road, says Navy Secretary Gordon England within whose department the Marine Corps operates.
At the same time...the U.S. Navy -- its ships and special operations forces -- will continue to fight terrorism abroad and provide security for the world's sea lanes through an expanded use of aircraft carriers worldwide.
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I'm sure the major news out lets will run with this story shortly.
The headline will read:
"Navy Secretary admits Iraqis distrustful of American Forces"
Absolutely! And may our outstanding military continue to make the U.N. so irrelevant it disappears or at least moves away---way away.
I must admit I'm partial to the Navy. Has something to do with having my sons serving in it. However, ALL our military is next to none and manned by the best of the best. "Thanks" is such a small word to say to all those serving and putting their lives on the line so that we and others may have freedom.
A fine Memorial day weekend to you all. Always remember....
