Members of a Task Force comprised of the 1st ID including TF 2/2, TF 2/63, HHC, 3BCT, 201st FSB, and TF 5-20, 25th Infantry Division launched Operation Danger Fortitude on April 11, 2004. The operation was designed establish and occupy FOB Duke, about 20 km northwest of Najaf and to cordon off Najaf which was controlled by Muqtada al-Sadr and his followers.

Due to insurgent attacks, the supply and establishment of FOB Duke took longer than anticipated but was successfully achieved by the time the 2nd Armored Cavalry arrived to replace the Task Force on April 19, 2004.