to, or manufactured as, living areas. Some of the original barracks still remain, however, and were used as well. Overflow tents were used when required, such as transition periods, which can nearly double the number of troops on the base. The base was a common destination for celebrities and politicians visiting American troops in Iraq, such as Chuck Norris and Toby Keith. While the towns and routes near Al Asad were as dangerous as anywhere else in Iraq, it is relatively remote and is easily accessible by air. The base often received indirect fire from Iraqi insurgents which usually caused little to no damage, though there were occasional casualties. The controversial song Hadji Girl was recorded at Al Asad in 2005. On September 3, 2007, President George W. Bush, Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice, Secretary of Defense Robert Gates, and Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff General Peter Pace visited Al Asad and spent Labor Day with the servicemembers deployed to the base. As the Marines withdrew from Iraq, Al Asad remained one of the last American-occupied bases in Al Anbar. In 2009 and 2010, Marines with the 2nd MEF removed the majority of gear and personnel from the base. The MEF concluded its operations at Al Asad in March 2010. The last of the civilian personnel were airlifted from Al Asad on December 16, 2011, and the base officially closed on December 31, 2011. Units Involved 855th QM Co. Between November 2008 and October 2009 VMFA(AW)-242 (F/A-18D) between August 2004 and January 2005. VMFA(AW)-224 (F/A-18D) between January and August 2005. VMFA-142 (F/A-18A+) between February 2005 and September 2005 VMFA(AW)-332 (F/A-18D) between August 2005 and February 2006. VMFA(AW)-533 (F/A-18D) between February and August 2006. VMFA(AW)-242 (F/A-18D) between August 2006 and February 2007. VMFA(AW)-121 (F/A-18D) between February and August 2007. VMFA(AW)-225 (F/A-18D) between August 2007 and March 2008. VMFA-122 (F/A-18C) between August 2008 and March 2009. VMA-214 (AV-8B) between May 2004 and August 2004 VMA-542 (AV-8B) between May 2004 and November 2004 VMA-214 (AV-8B) between July 2004 and February 2005 VMA-311 (AV-8B) between November 2004 and May 2005 VMA-223 (AV-8B) between August 2005 and March 2006 VMA-513 (AV-8B) between March 2006 and September 2006 VMA-211 (AV-8B) between September 2006 and March 2007 HMH-361 (CH-53E) between July 2004 and April 2005 HMH-361 (CH-53E) between October 2007 and May 2008 VMM-263 (MV-22B) between October 2007 and April 2008 (Operation Iraqi Freedom 682)