![]() Responding to the criticism of the ship name, Black noted that the Navy has faced 26 naming controversies throughout its history. He said he was “ecstatic” about the naming of the amphibious ship, which he called “a great first step” in recognizing American troops who served in the GWOT. Then a company gunnery sergeant with 2nd Battalion, 1st Marines, Black was deployed to Fallujah during the first battle. The top enlisted Marine, Sergeant Major of the Marine Corps Troy Black, said he remembers Fallujah for the bravery and kindness of its citizens and for the fighting prowess of Marines who battled insurgents there. “My first thought was, having served two tours there, the name Fallujah just brings back memories of sadness and sorrow because of the loss of life,” she said, adding that she is still uncertain whether Fallujah can be counted as a win or a loss for coalition forces.įorsythe emphasized that she was speaking personally and was not questioning those who chose the name. Amy Forsythe, who was a Marine staff sergeant serving as a combat correspondent in Fallujah in 2006 and again in 2008, said the ship’s name left her scratching her head. Some suggested naming it after a Medal of Honor recipient or the operation, Phantom Fury. Other readers, however, defended the ship name as a way to honor the service members who died there. war in Iraq, and has since been a source of psychological scars for many who returned home. troops recaptured the city from the insurgents during Operation Phantom Fury, the second battle that lasted from Nov. troops withdrew in May and handed over operations to the Iraqi Fallujah Brigade, which ultimately dissolved, giving its U.S.-made weapons to insurgents. The Fallujah is set to be the first Navy ship named for a battle in the Global War on Terror.Īmerican troops launched the month-long First Battle of Fallujah on April 1, 2004, following the killing and mutilation of four American contractors at the hands of Iraqi insurgents. 13 from Secretary of the Navy Carlos Del Toro, who said it would honor the 100-plus Marines, sailors and other coalition forces who were killed during the two battles. ![]() ![]() The announcement of the name “Fallujah” for a forthcoming landing helicopter assault ship came on Dec. ![]() “They deserve much more.” Mixed Reactions “All these guys deserve this ship,” Martinez added, referring to those who died in Fallujah. ![]()
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |