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An Iraqi soldier from the 1st Motorized Transportation Regiment waves to onlookers as his unit returns to Camp Taji, Iraq, from a supply mission, March 23, 2006. The mission was the unit's first operation executed independently from coalition forces. U.S. Army photo by Sgt. Joshua Salmons Iraqi Unit Completes Independent Mission The operation, a supply-delivery mission to the 6th Iraqi army division, was theculmination of months of efforts from the 4th Sustainment Brigade’s Taji-based battalions. By U.S. Army Sgt. Joshua Salmons 4th Sustainment Brigade CAMP TAJI, Iraq, March 27, 2006 — Like parents waiting for their children to return...

CAMP FALLUJAH, Iraq (Jan. 6, 2006) -- Corporal Eric J. Bell poked his head down from the gunner’s turret and spoke in a monotone voice to the Marines inside the humvee, “Well, Happy New Year guys.” “Yeah, Happy New Year to you too,” responded Cpl. Thomas A. Wagar, who was behind the wheel of the vehicle. On the final night of the year under blackout conditions, the Motor Transportation Marines of II Marine Expeditionary Force, Headquarters Group, II MEF (FWD), did what they do best--get from point A to point B with the least amount of challenges to face. While...

CAMP FALLUJAH, Iraq (Aug. 19, 2005) -- When deployments come to an end, most Marines are happy they made it through the grueling months free of injury, but Marines from one platoon have much more to celebrate. They have not only exceeded their mission, but personal goals as well. Motor Transport Platoon, 8th Communication Battalion, II Marine Expeditionary Force, Headquarters Group, II MEF (Forward), recently achieved at 100 percent readiness in maintenance and operations. The Marines of the platoon, which redeploy this month, have completed 66 convoys and driven over 56,000 accident-free miles to various outlying sites and escorting truck...