Last updated 09:01, Monday, 08 September 2008

CANNONS designed and part built in Barrow are being used to light up the night skies of Iraq to catch terrorists on the move.

The M777 guns made by BAE Land Systems at Barrow and sites in America are firing illumination shells at night in the Al-Anbar province of Iraq.

American marines with Mike Battery, 3rd Battalion, 14th Marine Regiment, support the service members conducting patrols through the city of Rutbah, Iraq, by firing illumination rounds from M-777 Howitzers to discourage insurgent activity after the sun goes down.

Capt Shane E Murphy, 32, executive officer of Mike Battery, said: “It provides (insurgents) with limited options to move around freely.”

Mike Battery is a reserve artillery battery from Chattanooga, Tennessee supporting the US Operation Iraqi Freedom.

Sergeant Mike Maurer, a cannon section chief, said: “We have to maintain artillery presence to show that we’re still here, there has been suspected insurgent activity in the areas we’re illuminating, and it’s good to catch them in the act.”

When not firing the cannons, the Marines with Mike Battery provide security, assist the Iraqi Police and help with rebuilding the infrastructure in Rutbah. So far, the unit has been able to fire their Howitzers more than 20 times this deployment for the purpose of night operation illumination, and they look forward to it each time.

Lance Cpl. Justine R. Burch, 23, a cannoneer with Mike Battery said: “It’s a good change of pace from our normal operations. It’s fast paced when you’re moving to get that round down range, and that is exciting.”