The Department of Defense announced today the death of a sailor who was supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom.

Petty Officer 2nd Class Cesar O. Baez, 37, of Pomona, Calif., died June 15, as a result of enemy small arms fire while conducting combat operations in al-Anbar province, Iraq. Baez was a Hospital Corpsman assigned to 2nd Marine Division, II Marine Expeditionary Force (Forward).

For further information related to this release, contact Navy Public Affairs at (703) 697-5342.

For further information about 2nd Marine Division, II Marine Expeditionary Force (Forward), email cepaowo@cemnf-wiraq.usmc.mil .