Alexandria Non-Profit Honors Staff Embedded During Operation Iraqi Freedom

Alexandria, Virginia — Twenty-one analysts will be honored on Thursday by the Center for Naval Analyses (CNA) for deploying with the Navy and the Marine Corps during Operation Iraqi Freedom (OIF).

Analysts provided on-scene analyses in direct support of the planning and execution of the conflict. They also collected data and observations that have helped the Navy and Marine Corps understand the implications of what happened during OIF. The analysts served aboard aircraft carriers, at joint headquarters, and with ground forces. They worked alongside sailors and Marines at commands in Iraq, Kuwait, Qatar and Saudi Arabia, as well as afloat in the Persian Gulf and Mediterranean Sea.

"Although it is part of CNA's charter and culture to deploy in support of Navy and Marine Corps forces, we recognize that these deployments are personally challenging and at times even dangerous," said Christine Fox, Vice President of the Operations Evaluation Group (OEG). OEG is the division within CNA that coordinates and oversees the work of deploying analysts.

Several analysts were away from home and family for more than a year as Navy and Marine forces prepared for and executed combat operations in Iraq.

"We want to recognize these analysts' dedication and contributions," Fox said.

In addition to deploying during times of crisis, CNA regularly posts analysts around the world with key Navy and Marine Corps commands as part of its research and analysis program. These analysts provide on-scene analytic support on operational issues. The assignments also offer the analysts a unique perspective on how the military functions.

Rear Admiral William D. Crowder, the director of the Navy's Deep Blue office at the Pentagon will be on hand to help honor the analysts of CNA.

The ceremony will be held at CNA on Thursday, November 6th at 3 p.m. in CNA's multipurpose room. A reception at the Mark Center Hilton will follow the ceremony.