NC-based Marine battalion deploys for Iraq

CAMP LEJEUNE -- A North Carolina-based Marine battalion has deployed for Iraq's Anbar province after training for the mission for nearly a year. The Daily News of Jacksonville reported the 1st Battalion, 2nd Marine Regiment shipped out of Camp Lejeune over the weekend for a seven-month deployment. The unit is a member of the 2nd Marine Division, which is based at Camp Lejeune. A base spokesman said Monday the battalion has roughly 1,000 members. The battalion commander, Lt. Col. Timothy Winand, said his troops have been training since October and "we're ready to go." Information from: The Daily News, http://www.jdnews.com (Copyright 2008 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)