Dreamland (Fallujah, Iraq)
Coordinates: 33°20′42.81″N 43°51′25.81″E / 33.3452250°N 43.8571694°E / 33.3452250; 43.8571694
Camp Baharia, also known as Dreamland or FOB Volturno, was a U.S. military installation that was located just outside the city of Fallujah, Iraq. It was the smaller of two major U.S. military bases maintained just outside the Fallujah city limits, during the Iraq War.
Etymology
Camp Baharia was often referred to by U.S. soldiers by its original nickname, "Dreamland". The camp was specifically named after the U.S. Marine Corps, using an Arabic word for Marine Corps, mushaat al-baharia, which translates roughly into walkers of the navy or naval infantry. The camp was referred to as "FOB Volturno" by the U.S. Army, and as "Camp Baharia" by the U.S. Marine Corps.
Background
Prior to the Iraq War, Camp Baharia once operated as a Baath Party resort, where it was used as an opulent fortress where Qusay Hussein and Uday Hussein would stay.
Dreamland was first occupied by a small element of the 82nd Airborne in April of 2003 but was quickly turned over to the 3rd Armored Cavalry Regiment before the end of the month. Dreamland was then taken over by 2nd Brigade of the 3rd Infantry Division but returned to the 3rd Armored Cavalry Regiment when the 3rd Infantry Division returned home. As 2003 came to a close, Dreamland was taken over and operated by the 82nd Airborne Division until March 2004. 2nd Battalion 1st Marines took over operations prior to Operation Vigilant Resolve and renamed the base Camp Baharia. 3rd Battalion 5th Marines took over the forward operating base in September 2004.
