Missile Defense Agency test

Standard Missile-3 (SM-3)

050224-N-0000X-001 Pacific Ocean (Feb. 24, 2005) – A Standard Missile-3 (SM-3) leaves the guided missile cruiser USS Lake Erie (CG 70) enroute to intercept a short-range ballistic missile target, launched minutes earlier from the Pacific Missile Range Facility, Barking Sands, Kauai, Hawaii.

The intercept, which occurred some 100 miles from the island of Kauai, was the latest Missile Defense Agency test of its sea-based midcourse program. The program, in cooperation with the U.S. Navy, has had five intercepts in the last six attempts. U.S. Navy photo (RELEASED) SOURCE: US Navy.

FULL TEXT In PDF Format Aegis Ballistic Missile Defense Flight Test Successful

155th Brigade Combat Team KARBALA, Iraq

U.S. Soldiers, Iraqi civil authorities work together to improve city of Karbala

KARBALA, Iraq -- Soldiers of the 155th Brigade Combat Team, assigned to the I Marine Expeditionary Force, are working with the governor and civil authorities in Karbala to bring an improved quality of life for the residents of the city.

Lieutenant Col. Gary Huffman, commander of the 2nd Battalion, 144th Field Artillery, 155th BCT, met with the local authorities to plan the projects to accomplish that goal.

Among the projects are security planning and patrols to support local civil authorities, additional medical supplies and support, enhanced availability of essential services, and employment opportunities for local citizens.

Although the plans and projects are in the early stages, through cooperation, mutual understanding and robust work efforts, Karbala will grow and achieve the success the citizens and leadership seek, said Huffman. -30-

United States Marine Corps Press Release Public Affairs Office I Marine Expeditionary Force (FWD) imefmediateam@imefdm.usmc.mil Contact: Release # 0225-05-0624 Feb. 24, 2005