SgtJim
01-17-2011, 12:19 PM
ISAF Joint Command - Afghanistan
2011-01-S-186
For Immediate Release
KABUL, Afghanistan (Jan. 17, 2011) — A detachment of Marines from the 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit began arriving at Camp Leatherneck in Helmand province this week in support of ongoing operations in Afghanistan.
9649
According to Lt. Col. Arend Westra, the 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing (Forward) future plans officer, the detachment consists of several Marines from various units augmented to the Battalion Landing Team from 3rd Battalion, 8th Marine Regiment. Part of their mission will consist of conducting patrols and providing security in the region surrounding the Route 611 construction project.
Once complete, Route 611 will connect Kajaki and Northern Sangin Valley to the Route 1 beltway – the only major highway in Afghanistan.
The aviation combat element of the detachment will augment 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing (Forward) with six MV-22B Ospreys, four AH-1W Super Cobras and Marines from aviation logistics, air control and refueling military occupational specialties.
Marines of Battalion Landing Team 3/8 will be dispersed to patrol bases throughout Northern Sangin, while aviation combat element Marines will remain at Camp Bastion and Camp Leatherneck, providing close air support and medium lift sorties.
The duration of the Marine’s stay will range between 60 to 90 days and is likely to last into the 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing (Forward) tour of duty, which will begin in March.
2011-01-S-186
For Immediate Release
KABUL, Afghanistan (Jan. 17, 2011) — A detachment of Marines from the 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit began arriving at Camp Leatherneck in Helmand province this week in support of ongoing operations in Afghanistan.
9649
According to Lt. Col. Arend Westra, the 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing (Forward) future plans officer, the detachment consists of several Marines from various units augmented to the Battalion Landing Team from 3rd Battalion, 8th Marine Regiment. Part of their mission will consist of conducting patrols and providing security in the region surrounding the Route 611 construction project.
Once complete, Route 611 will connect Kajaki and Northern Sangin Valley to the Route 1 beltway – the only major highway in Afghanistan.
The aviation combat element of the detachment will augment 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing (Forward) with six MV-22B Ospreys, four AH-1W Super Cobras and Marines from aviation logistics, air control and refueling military occupational specialties.
Marines of Battalion Landing Team 3/8 will be dispersed to patrol bases throughout Northern Sangin, while aviation combat element Marines will remain at Camp Bastion and Camp Leatherneck, providing close air support and medium lift sorties.
The duration of the Marine’s stay will range between 60 to 90 days and is likely to last into the 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing (Forward) tour of duty, which will begin in March.