U.S. Marines assigned to the Dam Security Unit patrol the Euphrates River in front of the dam in Haditha, Iraq, July 3, 2006. While most U.S. and Iraqi military forces operate in Iraq's cities and towns, the dozens of U.S. Marines who make up the security unit at Haditha Dam in Iraq's Al Anbar Province spend their days patrolling the waterways to ensure insurgents. In addition to housing Marines and sailors from the Hawaii-based 3rd Battalion, 3rd Marine Regiment, the dam is also one of Iraq's largest sources of electrical power, providing power to many parts of Al Anbar Province as well as Baghdad. The Marines use Small Unit Riverine Crafts to patrol the Euphrates River and the nearby man made Lake Qadisiyah to search for insurgent activity and keep Iraq's waterways secure. They also protect the hundreds of fisherman and farmers who work all day long along the banks of the river and the lake. (Photo by Sgt. Roe F. Seigle)
Posted: 07/01/2006