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Indicative of the great diversity of opinions Americans have and because of the freedoms we enjoy expressing them, one can find the full spectrum of views on what should be done about ISIS and about related terrorism/bad actors-nations problems. They range from doing nothing to “bomb, bomb, bomb the hell out of them” — and everything in between.
My opinions, for whatever they are worth, fall somewhere in between — and I have expressed them frequently (ad nauseam, some will say)
But I would like to use this space and the privilege I have to write on this “page” to express my admiration and appreciation to some folks who — regardless of what we (and they) may think of this or any other national security issue — are always out there, at the front lines, risking life and limb to perform their assigned tasks and missions.
Here are some images of some of our men and women and their equipment presently involved in one way or another in the current efforts over and around Iraq.
Marines aboard Landing Craft Utility 1655 approach the well deck of the amphibious assault ship USS Bataan (LHD 5) in the Arabian Gulf. Bataan is the flagship for the Bataan Amphibious Ready Group and, with the embarked 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit, is deployed in support of maritime security operations and theater security cooperation efforts in the U.S. 5th Fleet area of responsibility. U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Julie Matyascik.
An E-2C Hawkeye attached to the Bear Aces of Carrier Airborne Early Warning Squadron (VAW) 124, prepares to launch from the flight deck of the aircraft carrier USS George H.W. Bush (CVN 77). (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Margaret Keith)
A teddy bear accompanies a halal meal in a C-130 Hercules before a humanitarian airdrop over Iraq, Aug. 14, 2014. An American child donated the teddy bear to offer support for children trapped in the Iraq conflict. U.S. airmen assisted with the airdrop, which included bottled water and food for displaced citizens of Sinjar, Iraq.
An F/A-18C Hornet assigned to the Valions of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 15 launches from the flight deck of the aircraft carrier USS George H.W. Bush. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Brian Stephens)
Capts. Andrea Delosreyes and Trent Parker and Airman 1st Class Kevin Haggith walk the flightline Aug. 11, 2014, after taking part an in-air refueling mission over Iraq. The aircrew unloaded 40,000 gallons of fuel to aircraft completing missions in Iraq — humanitarian aid deliveries as well as targeted airstrikes to protect U.S. personnel from Islamic extremists. Delosreyes and Parker are pilots and Haggith is a boom operator with the 340th Expeditionary Air Refueling Squadron (U.S. Air Force photo/Staff Sgt. Vernon Young Jr.)
Heat rises from the flightline as Airman 1st Class Connor Sweeney moves equipment during a post flight inspection Aug. 5, 2014, at Al Udeid Air Base, Qatar. During post-flight inspections, the hydraulic systems craftsmen ensure the boom is functional and prepared for the next in-air refueling mission. Sweeney is a 340th Expeditionary Aircraft Maintenance Unit hydraulic systems craftsman. (U.S. Air Force photo/Staff Sgt. Vernon Young Jr.)
Lead photo: Tech Sgt. Ryan Riley wipes sweat from his brow while he and Airman 1st Class Connor Sweeney work together to adjust the aircraft’s boom pod shaft Aug. 5, 2014, at Al Udeid Air Base, Qatar. Airmen who perform maintenance on the flightline here endure stifling heat, sand and wind to keep air refueling aircraft and a multitude of other airframes taking off and landing day and night. Sweeney is a 340th Expeditionary Aircraft Maintenance Unit hydraulic systems craftsmen. (U.S. Air Force photo/Staff Sgt. Vernon Young Jr.)
All photos and captions released by DoD
The author is a retired U.S. Air Force officer and a writer.