The SS Curtiss, carrying more than 100 Marines from 13 different aviation commands, including 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing units, in support of Operation T-AVB Activation and Operation Iraqi Freedom Reconstitution 2005, completed their journey through the Panama Canal March 13. The passage through the canal was the first for the ship since September 1987, just after the ship was originally modified for military use. The passage proved to be a bit more demanding than originally expected, with the ship having to overcome administrative obstacles before being granted access to the canal. The passage also proved to be more time consuming than originally planned; taking close to 30 hours from start to finish. Construction for the canal, which was originally started by the French in 1880, was completed by the United States and opened for transit in 1914. Through 34 years of construction, the canal would claim more than 30,000 American and French lives, and cost the United States and France a combined $650 billion to construct.