OK, I finally got some internet access. I am flying out of here and heading to the next base, Al Asad Air Base in the Anbar Province. The conditions there are supposed to be worse in terms of living conditions, but better in terms of safety.

There was a dust storm here yesterday and last night and the base was hit with about 6-8 mortar rounds. During a dust/sand storm the helicopters can't fly and chase insurgents. Nothing really close to where we were, but they make you jump a little when they go off. They have an alarm that sounds and there are cement bunkers everywhere for cover. But I am leaving here safely in an hour and will update if I can get internet access at the next base.