BAGHDAD, Iraq, May 31, 2006 - In separate operations this week, Coalition forces and Iraqi security forces thwarted terrorist operations aimed at derailing progress in Iraq.

Soldiers from Multi-National Division - Baghdad's 2nd Platoon, Company D, 3rd Battalion, 67th Armor Regiment, serving with 506th Infantry Regiment, 101st Airborne Division, discovered and disabled a rocket and an improvised explosive device in east Baghdad May 26.

While conducting a combat patrol, the platoon leader and his soldiers heard what sounded like rockets launching from the Kamilayah area. When they arrived at the site of the rocket launch, SPC Bill Staneck, a Company D armor crewman, saw launch tubes and the one unfired rocket hooked up to a timer.

Seven rockets landed near Forward Operating Base Rustamiyah but did not cause serious injuries or damage.

SFC Tyke Thomison, platoon sergeant, disabled the timer before the rocket received a signal to launch. During a search of the area, a powerful IED set in a likely ambush position was found and isolated by platoon members, with Staneck spying the device first. They called the explosive ordnance disposal team who disarmed the device and removed the rocket.

"It is extremely good to know that my soldiers were able to stop these explosives from going out. 2nd Platoon has found multiple rockets previously and stopped other launches as well," said CPT Andrew Byrd, Company D commander.

"Anytime we can stop our soldiers or our allies from being attacked, it is definitely a win," said 2LT Aaron Doft, a Company D platoon leader from Albuquerque, NM.

"These soldiers are heroes. This is another example of the courage and intellect of our troops. Both training and combat experience has developed a keen instinct in our Currahees," said COL Thomas Vail, 506th commander.