DSU-3 aka Bravo 4th LAR Departs for Second Tour of Iraq this time as Riverines

Fort Detrick Reserve Marines, in a previous life known as Bravo 4th LAR, (Light Armored Reconnaissance), left their home base for the start of a second tour of Iraq this time as a unit named DSU-3 (Dam Security Unit) aka Riverines. For one tour only, B4LAR Marines will be in charge of dam security for the Haditha Dam and river patrols on the Euphrates River. The Yankee Navy, in its infinite wisdom, has decided to horn in on Marine operations and will take over from DSU-3 in 7 months. Marine Riverine Units will be disbanded and relegated to the Marine History Archives at CMC HQ.

B4LAR Marines trained at Camp Lejeune's Special Missions Training Center to transform into a small-craft company that included boat operations with a jet pump powered boat called a SURC. The SURC is the cutting edge of technology boat so powerful it can turn on a dime, make change and your lunch all in one turn. B4LAR also trained in infantry tactics and small-unit land operations and a no bullshit, kick butt attitude. The following pictures are from DSU-2 now in Iraq.

Haditha, Iraq (July 13, 2006) - Marines assigned to Dam Security Unit Two (DSU-2) conducts an early morning patrol down the Euphrates River. DSU-2 is deployed with Regimental Combat Team 7, 1st Marine Expeditionary Force (FWD) (IMEF) in support of the global war on terrorism in the Al Anbar province of Iraq. U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl Brian M. Henner (

Haditha, Iraq (July 13, 2006) Ð Lance Cpl. Preston A. Disabb assigned to Dam Security Unit Two (DSU-2), mans a .50 caliber machine gun during an early morning patrol down the Euphrates River. DSU-2 is deployed with Regimental Combat Team 7, 1st Marine Expeditionary Force (FWD) (IMEF) in support of the global war on terrorism in the Al Anbar province of Iraq. U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Brian M. Henner

Haditha, Iraq (July 13, 2006) - Marines assigned to Dam Security Unit Two (DSU-2) prepare their Small Unit Riverine Watercrafts for an early morning patrol down the Euphrates River. DSU-2 is deployed with Regimental Combat Team 7, 1st Marine Expeditionary Force (FWD) (IMEF) in support of the global war on terrorism in the Al Anbar province of Iraq. U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl Brian M Henner