America's North Shore Journal

Lance Cpl. Ashley R. Ramirez with the Regimental Combat Team-2 (RCT-2) Lioness Program rides on a CH-46 Helicopter during a flight to Al Asad Air Base, Iraq. The Lionesses is an all-female unit organized to engage with Iraqi women at entry control points. RCT-2 is deployed with Multi National Forces-West in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom in the Al Anbar province of Iraq to develop Iraqi Security Forces, facilitate the development of official rule of law through democratic reforms, and continue the development of a market based economy centered on Iraqi reconstruction. (U.S. Marine Corps photograph by Lance Cpl Charles S Howard)

Lance Cpl. Ashley Ramirez and Cpl. Jessica L. Echerd, of the Regimental Combat Team-2 (RCT-2) Lioness Program checks the passports of Iraqi women coming into the country at the Syrian Border in Waleed, Iraq. The Lionesses is an all-female unit organized to engage with Iraqi women at entry control points. RCT-2 is deployed with Multi National Forces-West in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom in the Al Anbar province of Iraq to develop Iraqi Security Forces, facilitate the development of official rule of law through democratic reforms, and continue the development of a market based economy centered on Iraqi reconstruction.