Gunner SPC David Johnson and Assistant Gunner SGT Justin Javar from HHC 1/17th Battalion Mortars 172nd SBCT Ft. Wainwright, AK fire illumination flares over the city of Mosul, Iraq with a 120mm Mortar Cannon June 1, 2006 from a Mortar Carrier Stryker (an eight wheeled medium armored weapons combat troop transport vehicle). The illumination flares being fired will brighten the city in hopes it will help deny the terrorist terrain so they are less likely to place IED's. (U.S. Air Force photo by TSgt Jeremy T. Lock) (Released)

Gunner SPC David Johnson and Assistant Gunner SGT Justin Javar from HHC 1/17th Battalion Mortars 172nd SBCT Ft. Wainwright, AK fire illumination flares over the city of Mosul, Iraq with a 120mm Mortar Cannon June 1, 2006 from a Mortar Carrier Stryker (an eight wheeled medium armored weapons combat troop transport vehicle). The illumination flares being fired will brighten the city in hopes it will help deny the terrorist terrain so they are less likely to place IED's. (U.S. Air Force photo by TSgt Jeremy T. Lock) (Released)