US, UK Combine Under One Banner

Photo By Sgt. Jeffrey Anderson | Rev. Adrian Gatrill, padre for the Royal Air Force, gives an invocation during a morning colors ceremony, June 1, to signify the British Joint Aviation Group's union with 3rd Mainre Aircraft Wing (Forward). This realignment is in preparation for the restructuring of the I Marine Expeditionary Force (Forward) as it becomes Regional Command (Southwest) taking charge of all forces in the Helmand and Nimruz provinces. The U.S. and UK have been operating together in the area for years, but this marks an important milestone as the aviation forces find ways to synergize their capabilities to better support the ISAF mission in Southern Afghanistan.  

AFGHANISTAN

06.01.2010

Story by Gunnery Sgt. Steven Williams 

Marine Corps Air Station Miramar

CAMP LEATHERNECK, Afghanistan – Marines hoisted the Union Flag over the 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing (Forward) compound, June 1, to fly side by side with American and Afghanistan Flags as the United Kingdom's Joint Aviation Group officially joined forces with 3rd MAW (FWD).

The U.S. and U.K. have been working alongside each other for many years and this opens another chapter in supporting the ISAF mission here in Afghanistan. This union comes as the I Marine Expeditionary Force (Forward) prepares to stand up as Regional Command (Southwest) taking charge over forces in Helmand and Nimruz provinces.

The U.S. and U.K. aviation leaders say they welcome the ISAF-directed merge because there are several efficiencies to be realized in combining assets.

"For the most part it will be business as usual," said Squadron Leader Renato Iavagnilio, the JAG chief of staff. "However, the integration will allow U.K. and U.S. aviation to conduct combined ops which will allow us to better our support to U.K. and U.S. ground troops."

The aviation forces have already started combining planning processes, but will operate parallel to each other at first, supporting their own respective services for the majority of the missions they are assigned in the area. However, they will support each other on a case-by-case basis with medical evacuations, firefight support and emergency resupply missions. Eventually, the forces will be completely integrated with combined process for all types of aviation support.

The overall mission remains as all ISAF forces work toward a day when the Afghan security forces are capable of taking over the security of the country and protecting the Afghanistan people from future encroachment from violent extremists. The 3rd MAW (FWD) Marines will synergize with the British Forces to continue providing an asymmetric power against the enemy in providing aviation assets to the coalition forces.

• Date Taken: 06.01.2010
• Date Posted: 06.02.2010 02:46
• Story ID: 50681
• Location: AF