Al Faw Palace is located on the east side of BIAP in Camp Victory. The Palace suffered very little damage during the 2003 invasion and now serves as MNF-I headquarters, office to General Ray Odierno. Named by Saddam to commemorate the Iraqi victory at the Al Faw Peninsula, the palace has 62 bedrooms and 29 bathrooms--many of which have been converted to offices.
The rotunda at Al Faw has been used for holiday celebrations, military ceremonies, and even for Presidential visits. Both Presidents George W. Bush and Barrack Obama have visited and spoken to Coalition troops and media from the Al Faw Palace.
Al Faw, like the Victory Over America Palace to the south of BIAP, is situated on an artificial lake stocked with large carp, dubbed Saddam Bass. Saddam used this palace for hunting and fishing expeditions. Saddam Hussein was said to be an expert swimmer and built pools at all of his palaces.
