HELMAND PROVINCE, Afghanistan - U.S. Marines with Battalion Landing Team 3/8, 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit, Regimental Combat Team 2, have established a presence in Helmand province, during the past two weeks. BLT 3/8 deployed to Afghanistan to exploit RCT 2's gains in establishing security in Helmand province in support of the International Security Assistance Force.
BLT Marines, augmented by a small number of Marines and sailors from other 26th MEU elements, began to arrive at Camp Leatherneck, Afghanistan, during the second week of January.
There they received attachments, such as translators, support personnel, and equipment specific to their mission. The BLT moved out from Camp Leatherneck during the past several days by ground convoy and via aircraft from another 26th MEU element supporting Operation Enduring Freedom, Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 266 (Reinforced).
The BLT Marines and sailors will establish and maintain security in portions of Helmand province not previously permanently occupied by ISAF. The security the Marines provide is intended to neutralize insurgent networks and support development projects, allowing the Government of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan to foster socioeconomic development in the area.