3rd Marine Aircraft Wing of the I Marine Expeditionary Force

Thirty Marines, 1 Sailor Die in Helicopter Crash

Camp Fallujah, Iraq – Thirty Marines and one Sailor from the 1st Marine Division and the 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing of the I Marine Expeditionary Force died early this morning when their CH-53E “Super Stallion” helicopter crashed near Ar Rutbah in the Al Anbar Province while conducting security and stabilization operations.

All Marines, Sailors, Soldiers and Airmen of the I Marine Expeditionary Force mourn the tragic loss of our brothers in arms.

A recovery team is at the crash site, and the cause of the crash is currently under investigation.

The names of the deceased are being withheld pending next of kin notification.

“While we mourn the loss of these heroes, we will honor their sacrifice by continuing our mission to bring democracy to the people of Iraq,” said Lt. Gen. John F. Sattler, commanding general, I Marine Expeditionary Force. “To the families of these brave men, our heartfelt thoughts and prayers go out to you at this most difficult of times.” Release #050126r

Afghanistan Freedom Support Act $88.5 million

Memorandum for the Secretary of State, Secretary of Defense

Presidential Determination No. 2005-19

SUBJECT: Determination to Authorize a Drawdown for Afghanistan

Pursuant to the authority vested in me by the Constitution and laws of the United States, including section 202 and other relevant provisions of the Afghanistan Freedom Support Act (Public Law 107327, as amended) and section 506 of the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961, as amended, 22 U.S.C. 2318, I hereby direct the drawdown of up to $88.5 million of defense articles, defense services, and military education and training from the Department of Defense for the Government of Afghanistan.

The Secretary of State is authorized and directed to report this determination to the Congress and to arrange for its publication in the Federal Register.

GEORGE W. BUSH

For Immediate Release Office of the Press Secretary January 27, 2005