ANA, Marines Patrol Sangin Streets

PATROL BASE FULOD, HELMAND PROVINCE, ISLAMIC REPUBLIC OF, AFGHANISTAN

05.17.2011

Story by Cpl. Benjamin Crilly 

II Marine Expeditionary Force   

PATROL BASE FULOD, Helmand province, Islamic Republic of Afghanistan - Six months ago Sangin was the most volatile battle space in Afghanistan. Even though the region currently enjoys a relative peace, Marines and Afghanistan National Army soldiers still patrol the now crowded streets of Sangin.

When they stepped outside friendly lines May 17, the Marines of 2nd Platoon, Company C, 1st Battalion, 5th Marine Regiment, knew they had a specific mission to provide security for the agricultural initiative held at Patrol Base Fulod, in Sangin, Afghanistan.

The partnered patrol secured areas of the battle space that could provide cover and concealment to insurgents trying to prevent people from attending the initiative or target Afghan government representatives. This meant Lance Cpl. Anthony W. Hufford, a team leader for 2nd Plt., had to lead the patrol across the foliage of the Helmand River Valley and then instantaneously maneuver through alleys with 12-foot walls towering over the Marines.

“It’s important for us to be out there during the initiative for the local people to know it is safe,” said Hufford, 22, from Lexington, Miss. “It shows the people we are there to help them and can.”

Farmers travelled to Fulod and exposed themselves to insurgents who would attempt to thwart the government’s attempts to reach out to the community. Providing security also included preventing threats to citizens travelling far from where they live and work, said Lance Cpl. Kody S. Hansen, a designated marksman for 2nd Plt.

“By having a partnered security patrol, it showed Marines and ANA working together to give people the security they need by limiting enemy movement and showing our presence to the people,” said Lance Cpl. Timothy P. Williams, 21, a squad automatic gunner for 2nd Plt., from Lexington, S.C., and a 2008 graduate of Lexington High School.

When the people see their own soldiers out patrolling alongside the Marines, it makes them feel more comfortable and shows them their government is able to provide security as well, said Hansen, 20, from St. George, Utah, and a 2009 graduate of Desert Hills High School.

“While [the government] is reaching out to the farmers at Fulod, the ANA is on patrol with us showing that their government can do what they promised by upholding security in the area,” said Hufford, a 2007 graduate of Lexington High School.

• Date Taken: 05.17.2011
• Date Posted: 05.29.2011 09:20
• Story ID: 71283
• Location: PATROL BASE FULOD, HELMAND PROVINCE, ISLAMIC REPUBLIC OF, AF