Marines secured the city ahead of the December 2005 national elections. 8th Marines redeployed to Iraq in January 2009, taking over responsibility for the western Al-Anbar province from the 5th Marines. During this period, RCT-8 continued and completed the major retrograde of equipment out of Iraq, and also continued civil affairs operations to stabilize the Area of Operation. Due to the drawdown of forces throughout the country, RCT-8's deployment was cut short and they were ordered to redeploy home in September 2009, instead of their original departure date of January 2010. According to CBS News, the regiment had one of the highest casualty rates during its 2009 deployment. On 7 January 2011, the Department of Defense officially announced that RCT-8 would be deploying in early 2011 to Afghanistan for approximately one year in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. Deactivation 8th Marine Regiment was deactivated in January 2021 as part of a restructuring of the Corps. Notable members Don Adams, Guadalcanal campaign Dale Dye, 1982–83 in Lebanon See also List of United States Marine Corps regiments Organization of the United States Marine Corps References Bibliography Rottman, Gordon L., "U.S. Marine Corps World War II Order of Battle: Ground and Air Units in the Pacific War, 1939–1945". Westport, Conn: Greenwood Press. 2002. External links 8th Marine Regiment's official website Infantry08 8th Marines United States Marine Corps in World War II Military units and formations established in 1917 Military units and formations of the United States in the Gulf War Infantry units and formations of the United States Marine Corps