Dear Family and Friends of 2/24,

As we pass the halfway mark in our deployment, the Marines and Sailors of TF Mayhem continue to do a magnificent job in all areas. In fact, we are now planning for the arrival of the 1st Bn, 2nd Marines Advance party from Camp LeJeune.

We continue to move forward with the development of the Iraqi Security Forces (ISF). Their operational capability is improving on a daily basis and they are taking a leading role in the planning of and carrying out of operations. The Marines and Sailors of Task Force (TF) 2/24 have been instrumental in that development.

This past month has seen TF 2/24 conduct Operation Sargon in the northern part of our AO. Operation Sargon was carried out by both Weapons and Echo Company. The Battalion cleared
and accumulated census information along a 20 kilometer stretch of a critical seam that insurgents had been suspected of using to infiltrate into parts of our AO. A number of caches were found and we detained several suspected insurgents.

Fox Company provides security and tactical watch over the ISF in the area surrounding Camp Habbaniyah. As the Marines and Sailors make their presence known, they are building the trust and confidence of the people.

Golf Company maintains control of the Saqliwiyah area. Their partnerships with the Iraqi Police, Highway Patrol, Provincial Security Forces and the Iraqi Army are a model for the rest of the
CF operating in the area. The Marines and Sailors of Golf Company have cracked the code on ISF integration and operations.

All day, everyday, H&S Company supports the Marines of the Battalion by keeping the Battalion fed, supplied and equipped with everything they need to maintain the security of the AO. During
Operation Sargon, the Forward Command Post moved to support Echo and Weapons Company. Meanwhile the Marines and Sailors at Habbaniyah pulled double duty to keep Golf and Fox
Company in the fight.

“They never fail to deliver,” that is the motto of our Truck Platoon. They are the best support that can be found in Iraq. While the Combat Engineers have again demonstrated that there is no project too big or too small for them. Whether it is fixing a bridge, building a hut, or improving
the positions at an IP Station, they make the crew from Extreme Makeover: Home Edition look like rank amateurs.

I know many of you are anxious to see your loved ones. Everyone here is anxious to see family and friends as well. However, when we return to CONUS we must make sure that the emobilization process is complete. All of the Marines and Sailors will need to conduct medical and dental screens, some may require treatments. I want to make sure that every problem is
identified before we come off of active duty. Surely all of you want our Marines and Sailors to receive the medical and dental care they need and deserve. The time at the RILOC is short and a great deal needs to be accomplished. All Marines will be required to attend a variety of classes and briefs along with their medical procedures. With that in mind, please do not make any plans to come to Southern California where we will conduct our reverse ILOC. Our time in California
is still part of our deployment, respect that. Marines and Sailors will not be able to see any family while in California.

We ask for your continued support and prayers as our time in Iraq winds down. This remains a complex, dynamic and transitional environment. There is still an enemy out there that is dangerous. The Marines and Sailors of Task Force 2/24 remain strong, vigilant and ready. They are truly magnificent.

God Bless and Semper Fi,
Mayhem 6