By the Rivers of Babylon...

Where we sat down...in a UH-60 Blackhawk, on the way back from an investigative mission, and coincidentally provided me with a decent photo op (finally!) This is a snapshot as we prepared to land at the U.S. Embassy annex at Al-Hillah, better known as the location of the Hanging Gardens of Babylon (one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World). No, the building depicted here isn't it, though if you look closely you can see potted plants in macrame' hangers, which I'm certain everyone "wonders" why those things continue to exist...

It was a moderately successful mission, and the folks at the camp were very hospitable. My partner and I were the first CID types anyone had seen there in a long time, so we got stared at a lot, but aside from the usual jokes ("Oh oh, guess you found out about the commander's porn collection!") we were treated very well. A special thanks to "Doc", who graciously and efficiently served as our guide and chauffeur...

I'll post more "OPSEC-friendly" photos in coming days, bandwidth permitting!