LAR attached to RCT-5 were among the first ground combat units into Iraq. Lieutenant General Conway, the MEF Commander, opted to orchestrate the war forward using a pair of LAV-C2s for command and control. LAVs from 2nd LAR, attached to RCT-1, broke through the city of Al Nasiriyah after stiff Fedayeen resistance was encountered. Once in Baghdad, 1st, 2nd, and 3rd LAR Battalions were reorganized into Task Force Tripoli to continue the attack north and capture Saddam Hussein's hometown of Tikrit. Along the way elements of 3d LAR Battalion rescued the American Prisoners of War from the Iraqis. Operation Iraqi Freedom marked the longest inland penetration by US Marine Forces ever, and no units went further and faster than the LAR Battalions, again proving their incredible versatility and capability. Since Operation Iraqi Freedom began, 2nd LAR Battalion has completed and supported multiple Iraq deployments. From January to June 2003, the full battalion deployed and fought in the 2003 invasion of Iraq. From February to September 2004, Delta Co. deployed to Fallujah, Iraq in support of RCT-1. From September 2004 to March 2005, Alpha Co. deployed to Fallujah, Iraq and relieved D. Company. From February to September 2005, 2nd LAR Battalion(-) deployed to Ar Rutbah, Iraq with H&S Co., Bravo Co., and Charlie Co.. Primarily based out of FOB Korean Village, the 2nd LAR Battalion conducted aggressive patrolling and MSR security throughout western Al Anbar Province and in and around the cities of Ar Rutbah, Akashat, Al Qaim, Haditha, Hit, and Al Asad. During this time period, the temporary formation of Echo Company (call-sign "Lighthorse") was accomplished by splitting Charlie Co. in half and reinforcing it with men and vehicles from H&S Company. The two company(-) rotated back and forth between Combat Outpost Rawah and Korean Village while Bravo Co. conducted combat operations along the river cities. From September 2006 to April 2007 elements of 2nd LAR Battalion deployed back to Korean Village. Stationed at Camp Korean Village was Charlie Co. along with half of H&S Co. while Combat Outpost Rawah had Alpha Co., Delta Co. and the other half of H&S Co. stationed there. During the last deployment the battalion had four Marines killed in action. The unit is currently stationed in theater in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. Significant Events 4-8 February 2003, 2d LAI deployed to Kuwait with Companies A, B, and H&S Company; Weapons Company was disbanded