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OKINAWA, Japan - The Marines of 5th Air Naval Gunfire Liaison Company, III Marine Expeditionary Force Headquarters Group, III MEF, are nearing the end of their seven-month deployment to Helmand province, Afghanistan in support of Operation Enduring Freedom.
The company’s revolving mission of providing the Marine Air Ground Task Force commander a liaison capability to plan, coordinate and conduct fire support missions with joint, allied or coalition forces has been regularly accomplished since its deployment May 18, according to Maj. Joseph Agres, 1st Brigade Platoon commander, 5th ANGLICO.
“To date, the Marines of 1st Brigade have supported the 1st Battalions of the Afghan National Army, the Duke of Lancaster’s Regiment [of the United Kingdom], the Royal Regiment of Scotland and Scots Guard, and the Danish Battle Group,” said Agres. “They are motivated to push and do everything expected of them, and are doing a fantastic job at all levels.”
For most of 5th ANGLICO’s Marines, the schedule for the day depends on the operational tempo.
When we are pushed out, we usually patrol with the ANA as an advisor group, which consists of us overtaking a compound for a few days and conducting foot patrols around the area,” said Pfc. Thomas Hilpisch, a fire support man with 5th ANGLICO.
Being able to keep in touch with family and friends back home is a motivating factor when it comes to being deployed, said Sgt. Alexander Aviles, a radio operator with 5th ANGLICO.
“I contact my family whenever I can,” said Aviles. “I’ve been lucky for the past few months - I’ve been able to speak to them multiple times a week.”
This combat deployment marks the first for several of the company’s Marines, providing them with exceptional learning experiences and knowledge to take away, said Capt. Ben Taggart, leader of Supporting Arms Liaison Team Bravo, 5th ANGLICO.
“I hope these Marines leave this deployment with the satisfaction of knowing they did their best, especially in tough circumstances, and that they have really made a difference here,” said Taggart.
| Date Taken: | 12.10.2010 |
| Date Posted: | 01.10.2011 22:12 |
| Story ID: | 63331 |
| Location: | OKINAWA, JP |
| Web Views: | 86 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
This work, 5th ANGLICO prepares to return home, by Cpl Jovane Holland, identified by DVIDS, must comply with the restrictions shown on https://www.dvidshub.net/about/copyright.
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