3/4 Relieves BLT 3/8 in Helmand Province

Photo By Master Sgt. Bryce Piper | COMBAT OUTPOST OUELLETTE, Helmand province, Afghanistan - U.S. Marines with 1st Platoon, Company I, Battalion Landing Team 3/8, Regimental Combat Team 8 (right), and Marines from Company L, 3rd Battalion, 4th Marines, RCT 8, prepare for a joint security patrol as part of a turnover at the Marines' patrol base in Helmand province's Green Zone, west of the Nahr-e Saraj canal, April 18, 2011. Marines with 3/4 relieved Marines with BLT 3/8 in Afghanistan in April 2011. Elements of 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit deployed to Afghanistan to provide regional security in Helmand province in support of the International Security Assistance Force.  

COMBAT OUTPOST OUELLETTE, AFGHANISTAN

04.20.2011

Story by Gunnery Sgt. Bryce Piper 

26th Marine Expeditionary Unit     

COMBAT OUTPOST OUELLETTE, Helmand province, Islamic Republic of Afghanistan (April 20, 2011) – Marines with 3rd Battalion, 4th Marines, have relieved Battalion Landing Team 3/8 in place this week. BLT 3/8 detached from the deployed 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit in January to establish and maintain security in portions of Helmand province.

"3/8 did a phenomenal job," said 3/4 Executive Officer Maj. Jackson Doan. "Coming in here off the MEU with the BLT with the expectation of staying only temporarily, they came in here and laid down a foundation for any unit to come in and fall in on and have success."

3/4 assumed the outpost and patrol bases in the surrounding area from BLT 3/8 during the past two weeks. Since January, BLT 3/8 has been conducting security and counterinsurgency operations in portions of Helmand province not previously permanently held by the International Security Assistance Force. From COP Ouellette and the surrounding area, BLT 3/8 has provided security to allow Afghanistan to foster socio-economic development projects, including the completion of Highway 611, the second major paved highway in Afghanistan.

The Marines and sailors of BLT 3/8 now return to Camp Leatherneck, Afghanistan, in preparation for return to Camp Lejeune, N.C., where they will rejoin the 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit and the Kearsarge Amphibious Ready Group as they sail home after conducting recent operations in Libya.

• Date Taken: 04.20.2011
• Date Posted: 04.23.2011 02:04
• Story ID: 69218
• Location: COMBAT OUTPOST OUELLETTE, AF