Corps News

Communications Marine Receives Copernicus Award

Story by Cpl. Heidi E. Loredo

CAMP FALLUJAH, Iraq – Staff Sgt. Matthew J. Eunice of Regimental Combat Team 8, 2nd Marine Division, was recently recognized for excellence in the communication field with his selection as a Copernicus Award recipient. The 2005 Copernicus Award recognizes Navy, Marine Corps and Coast Guard military and civilian personnel who significantly contribute to naval warfare in the areas of command, control, communications, computers and intelligence, information systems or information warfare.

Cougar on the Prowl for IEDs

Story by Pvt. Andrew Keirn

MARINE CORPS BASE QUANTICO, Va. – A new vehicle is revving up to defend America’s troops against the threat of improvised explosive devices in Iraq. The Cougar and Joint Explosive Ordnance Disposal Rapid Response Vehicle are new tools at Marines’ disposal to combat transportation threats. The vehicles feature a South African-inspired V-shaped hull, which is designed to distribute the impact of an IED or mine blast outward, away from the crew compartment.

Marine Company Retires Guidon at U.S Naval Academy

Story by Cpl. Aaron K. Clark

ANNAPOLIS, Md. – Marines officially handed over the responsibility of guarding the gates of the U.S. Naval Academy back to their sister service during a dis-establishment ceremony. The company was retired as part of the Fleet Assistance Program, a Headquarters Marine Corps directive that supplies the operating forces with more Marines from the infantry and military police military occupational specialties. Marines began providing security at the academy and Naval Station Annapolis, Md., in 1851, six years after the academy was founded.

Reserve Marines Train with Latest Technology

Story by Sgt. Joel A. Chaverri

MARINE CORPS BASE HAWAII, KANEOHE BAY – Reserve Marines from Marine Aircraft Group 41 supported the development and training of Iraq-bound active duty infantrymen with a new laser targeting system. Known simply as “Litening,” this 440-pound pod system resembles a bomb or rocket and is mounted externally to the F/A-18A+ Hornets. The Marine Corps has had technology similar to this, but it was in two pods mounted on the aircraft and required extra time to acquire and verify a target.

Marines, Iraqi Soldiers Sweep for Insurgents During Operation Koa Canyon

Story by Cpl. Christopher S. Vega

FORWARD OPERATING BASE HIT, Iraq – Marines with B Company, Battalion Landing Team, 1st Bn., 2nd Marine Regiment, and Iraqi soldiers recently completed their part of Operation Koa Canyon in the Al Anbar province. The purpose of the 10-day operation was to clear local towns and villages of weapons caches and insurgent activity along the Euphrates River. With the Iraqi soldiers working with B Co., the force was able to uncover thousands of small-arms ammunition, mortar rounds and improvised explosive devices.

To read more about these stories, go to www.marines.mil