USS Boxer returns to Iraq on second wartime mission in a year

[Whoa_Nelly]

Hundreds of Marines and sailors aboard the USS Boxer left for Iraq Wednesday -- many for the second time in a year -- as part of a wholesale changeover of U.S. troops.

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Many of the 900 sailors and 200 Marines have only been back from Iraq for a few months. The Boxer's last mission -- which included a supporting role in the rescue of POW Jessica Lynch -- lasted nearly seven months and ended in July. This time around, the sailors are expected back in San Diego by late April.

The sailors will deliver 18 helicopters, tanks, ammunition, water trucks, Humvees and other equipment that were loaded since last week.

The Marines are bracing for longer stay. They will operate as part of a larger group of about 20,000 to 25,000 Marines designated for Iraq duty from the First Marine Expeditionary Force, based at Camp Pendleton.

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