1st Recon Bn. returns from Afghanistan

Courtesy Photo | A little girl hangs on to her father during 1st Reconnaissance Battalion’s homecoming ceremony, Dec. 15. This was the battalion’s first deployment to Afghanistan in support of ISAF efforts since the war began. (Official Marine Corps photo by Sgt. Heidi E. Agostini)  

CAMP PENDLETON, CALIFORNIA, UNITED STATES

12.15.2010

Courtesy Story

1st Marine Division

By Sgt. Heidi E. Agostini

CAMP PENDLETON, Calif. – Approximately 220 Marines and sailors with 1st Reconnaissance Battalion returned to Camp Pendleton Dec. 15, following a seven-month deployment to Afghanistan.

This was the battalion’s first deployment to Afghanistan in support of ISAF efforts since the war began.

The timing could not have been any better, as the Marines and sailors returned 10 days shy of Christmas.

“The family has a very big Christmas planned for my grandson,” said Annette Jerome, who was waiting for her grandson, Sgt. Taylor Jerome with 1st Recon Bn., to arrive. “I think we’re actually going to have three Christmases, at his father’s, mother’s and my house. We’re glad to have him back, and it’s very exciting.”

The 1st Recon Bn. arrived in southern Afghanistan in May 2010 to support two infantry battalions in Marjah and neighboring areas. The battalion took on the responsibilities of interdicting and disrupting enemy command and control, and the logistical network feeding the insurgency in Marjah. They were also tasked with gathering any and all information on the tribal networks, grievances, atmospherics, infrastructure, routes and obstacles for follow-on infantry forces.

The battalion took part in Operation New Dawn in June. The joint operation between Marine Corps units and the Afghan National Army aimed to disrupt enemy forces who found safe haven in the area between Marjah and Nawa.

The battalion returned with all 260 Marines and sailors, despite the intense combat operations they encountered.

“In all the things we accomplished, all the Taliban fighters we removed from the enemy’s ‘Alpha Roster,’ we did not lose a man,” said Lt. Col. Michael Mooney, the commanding officer of 1st Recon Bn., during the transfer of authority ceremony earlier this month in Afghanistan. “We are all very joyful and grateful that we are all going to be home together.”

• Date Taken: 12.15.2010
• Date Posted: 12.15.2010 19:14
• Story ID: 62043
• Location: CAMP PENDLETON, CALIFORNIA, US