RCT-2 assumes battle space

Photo By Master Sgt. Dorian Gardner | Up with the early rising sun, Cpl. Daniel Marshall, Regimental Combat Team 2 guidon bearer, stands aboard Camp Delaram II, overlooking the his new home, March 11. Marines and sailors of RCT-2 arrived in February and will be looking over their battle space, ready to conduct counter-insurgency operations and work by, with and through Afghan civilians and national security forces.  

CAMP DELARAM II, AFGHANISTAN

03.09.2010

Story by 1st Lt. Barry Morris 

II Marine Expeditionary Force   

CAMP DELARAM II, Afghanistan — Regimental Combat Team 2, commanded by Col. Paul J. Kennedy, now has full ownership of its battle space; taking command and control of full-spectrum counterinsurgency operations within the Northern Helmand province, Afghanistan, March. 9.

Immediately following the president's decision to send additional troops into Afghanistan as part of the announced troop surge, RCT-2 began making preparations to deploy its forces in support of Operation Enduring Freedom.

Upon arriving to Afghanistan, RCT-2's advance party literally had to build Camp Delaram II from the ground up. Working alongside local contractors, RCT-2 transformed what once was a barren field of dust and rock into the newest Forward Operating Base in Afghanistan.

"Make no doubt about it, Regimental Combat Team 2 will be busy, and they are ready for the challenges that lie ahead before them," said Brig. Gen. Larry D. Nicholson, commanding general of Marine Expeditionary Brigade-Afghanistan. "I have total confidence in RCT-2, and I know you will go forth and do great things here in Afghanistan."

During their deployment, RCT-2 will partner with and have command and control over an Afghan national security forces brigade, to include multiple U.S. Marine Corps battalions operating throughout RCT-2's area of operations.

"As a regiment, our number one priority is to provide the assets and support needed by our adjacent and subordinate units down to the battalion and company level, no matter what," said Kennedy.

"Without a doubt we are here to conduct counterinsurgency operations, and we will work in close partnership with Afghan national security forces to rid our area of operations of insurgents, and to set the conditions for the Afghan civilian and Afghan national security force leadership to encourage economic development throughout the provinces," concluded Kennedy.

With a long year ahead, RCT-2 is more than ready to do its part in the Marine Corps' fight in Afghanistan.

• Date Taken: 03.09.2010
• Date Posted: 04.21.2010 02:39
• Story ID: 48445
• Location: CAMP DELARAM II, AF