MNF-I Commander visits Island Warriors, tours battlefield

Story by Cpl. Chadwick deBree

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KARMA, Iraq (April 23, 2008) – Gen. David H. Petraeus, commanding general, Multi-National Forces-Iraq, visited Marines and Iraqi Police at the police headquarters here, April, 23, to survey progress in the area.

            Petraeus met with Marines of 2nd Battalion, 3rd Marine Regiment, Regimental Combat Team 1, that conduct operations out of the IP station and presented them each with a coin.

            The MNF-I commander also spoke with the local Iraqi Police to tell them the fine job that they have been doing in taking control of their area, ridding it of al-Qaeda in Iraq and bringing peace back to the region.

            After speaking with the Marines and Iraqi Security Forces, Petraeus met with Mayor Kamal Abd Al Salam Abd Al Wahid, Sheikh Mishan Abbas Al-Jumayli, the preeminent sheikh of the area, Gen. Sa’Dun Talib Al Jumayli, and Lt. Col. Dhalaf Rashed Muhammad to discuss the issues confronting the tribal and city leadership in economically developing the greater Karma area.

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Petraeus then walked through the streets to catch a glimpse of the local population conducting daily business as usual. The walk through of the local marketplace allowed Petraeus to observe how well the Marines, ISF and civilian government officials work hand-in-hand, bringing stability back to the area.

            Petraeus assumed command of MNF-I in February 2007, and was recently nominated to become the next commander, U.S. Central Command.