An update on the 13th MEU

The 13th MEU was heavily involved in Operation Steel Curtain.

They were also involved in Operation Iron Hammer, in the city of Hit.

A letter from the 2/1 Commanding Officer, Lieutenant Colonel Robert G. Oltman, dated December 2005 is available here. (HT: Rich)

A paragraph describes their experiences in Steel Curtain.

While Tombstone was wreaking havoc in the southern part of the Al Anbar Province, the majority of the BLT was to the north in Al Qaim, at a forward operating base near the Syrian Border, preparing for an insurgent clearing operation known as STEEL CURTAIN. The purpose of STEEL CURTAIN was to eliminate insurgent resistance in order to help create a safe environment for the Iraqi people and to help set the conditions for the December elections. The plan was simple: clear the cities and then backfill with US and Iraqi forces in order to establish a permanent presence. This operation found us clearing 3 cities and over 6,000 structures in just under 3 weeks. The resistance varied from non-existent to insurgents fighting to the death. In the instances of the latter, we accommodated their desires. Additionally, we found several weapons caches, destroyed several Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs), and eliminated the facilities where these deadly weapons were made. I think more importantly though was the effect we had on the people who live in these cities and towns; we all noticed the look of appreciation and thanks for removing their intimidators and providing them the opportunity for a normal life. As the Coalition Force presence increases in these once insurgent strongholds, you can see the change in the atmosphere; kids playing in the streets, people working outside and taking an active interest in their town. With the insurgent influence and intimidation removed, the people eagerly come forward to inform Coalition Forces of planted IEDs. They also point out people actively supporting or participating in known insurgent activities. From the perspective of this Marine Corps officer, Operation STEEL CURTAIN was a resounding success.

However, that success did not come without a cost. Throughout these 3 weeks of urban combat, our BLT lost 8 Marines. Our sympathy and prayers go to the families of Maj Ramon J. Mendoza Jr. Echo Company, 1st Lt Donald R. McGlothlin, Corporals John M. Longoria, Jeffry A. Rogers, Joshua J. Ware and Lance Corporals Roger W. Deeds, John A. Lucente, and Christopher M. McCrackin all of Fox Company. While I will acknowledge this loss, there are no words that I can use that will adequately describe the heroism of their efforts or the pain and remorse that those left behind feel because of their loss. These brave men truly made a difference, and their actions will be remembered by all, long after this deployment is over. Our thoughts and prayers go out to those friends and family that they left behind. Their spirit still marches on and will guard over us as we continue on what we all started together.

The letter goes on to say the 13th is winding down their time in Iraq. It says after the elections last Dec 15, the 13th will start to turn over their AO, and prepare to begin the journey home.

Upon completion of the National Elections, we will commence a turnover of our Area of Operation and begin our retrograde back to amphibious shipping. If all goes according to plan, we should be back on ship around the first of the year. We will then make our much awaited and anticipated journey back to you. We will make a few quality of life port calls on our way back, but should be in Hawaii picking up Tigers some time in February. We will get you more details about the cruise as they become available. All the Marines have been given registration forms to ensure their Tigers get on the list.

Well done, 2/1, and well done 13th MEU.