On Sept. 14, 2006, Lt. Gen. James N. Mattis, Commanding General, U.S. Marine Forces Central Command and I Marine Expeditionary Force, visits with a Marine at Camp Taqaddum's Shock and Surgical Trauma Platoon facility. Mattis recently toured several locations throughout Iraq, his first trip to the country since assuming command of I MEF in August. After visiting the medical facility, Mattis ate lunch with a small group of Marines and sailors. "It's definitely been the highlight of this deployment," said Navy Petty Officer 3rd Class Luis E. Sanchezcarranza, a hospital corpsman augmented to 2nd Explosive Ordnance Disposal Platoon, 1st EOD Company, 1st Marine Logistics Group. "I can't really put into words how honored I feel right now." Lieutenant General James N. Mattis is in command of I MEF in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom in the Al Anbar Province of Iraq to develop the Iraqi Security Forces, facilitate the development of official rule of law through democratic government reforms, and continue the development of a market based economy centered on Iraqi Reconstruction.