Brassfield-Mora, Iraq (March 16, 2006) - A U.S. Army soldier assigned to the 187th Infantry Regiment mans a machine gun, while watching for hostiles as other soldiers disembark a CH-47 Chinook helicopter in support of Operation Swarmer. The CH-47 is a twin-engine, tandem rotor helicopter designed for transportation of cargo, troops, and weapons during day, night, visual and instrument conditions. U.S. Navy photo by Photographer's Mate 3rd class Shawn Hussong (RELEASED)
Atlantic Ocean (March 16, 2006) Gunners Mate 3rd Class Thomas Madden stationed aboard the amphibious assault ship USS Bataan (LHD 5) shoots an M-60 machine gun, during live fire qualifications. Bataan is underway preparing for an upcoming deployment. U.S. Navy photo by Lithographer 3rd Class Justin S. Webster (RELEASED)
South China Sea (March 16, 2006) P Ensign Erin Choromanski, fires a 9mm pistol at a target during small arms familiarization training on the flight deck aboard the amphibious command ship USS Blue Ridge (LCC 19). Blue Ridge, the 7th Fleet command ship, is currently underway for a regularly scheduled deployment throughout the 7th Fleet area of responsibility. U.S. Navy photo by Journalist Seaman Marc Rockwell-Pate (RELEASED)
Thank you to all our Troops for fighting for our freedom!