RAMADI, Iraq (June 11, 2008) - Petty Officer 2nd Class Giovanni Lozano, hospitalman with 1st Battalion, 9th Marine Regiment, Regimental Combat Team 1, patrols through the market area of Ramadi, locally known as the souk June 9. The policemen are continuing to make tremendous progress since the area became stable. Today, policemen are operating independently with Coalition forces only serving in an overwatch role to mentor and assist the growing force. “The Iraqi Police are doing well,” said Sgt. Nicholas V. Rojas, forward observer with 1st Battalion, 9th Marines currently on his second deployment to al Anbar Province. “Compared to my first deployment in 2005 at Camp Hit just north of Ramadi, I’ve noticed a considerable change in how the Iraqi Police conduct themselves and with their tactics. The Iraqi Police show more of a desire to take over, for instance, if they see an improvised explosive device, they know what to do, they no longer come to us with questions. They come to us with the finished product. They’re definitely doing a great job.” (Official U.S. Marine Corps by Lance Cpl. Casey Jones) (RELEASED)