Approximately 45 Royal Marines from the Kingdom of Tonga have arrived in Iraq to augment the I Marine Expeditionary Force in the Al Anbar Province, marking the first peacekeeping deployment for the Tongan Defense Service outside of the South Pacific. "The 1st Marine Division welcomes the addition of the Tongan Royal Marines to our forces," said Col. Stephen Baker, the commanding officer of Headquarters Battalion, 1st Marine Division -- the unit the Tongans will be augmenting. "We are thankful for their country’s commitment to help us bring security and stability to the Iraqis in the Al Anbar Province and we look forward to working with them." The Royal Marines are members of a ready reaction force and will augment existing security for the 1st Marine Division Headquarters at Camp Blue Diamond Main. The duration of their deployment is unknown at this time. Tonga decided to join in the fight against global terrorism June 15.
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