COMBAT OUTPOST OUELLETTE, Helmand province, Islamic Republic of Afghanistan (April 20, 2011) – Marines with 3rd Battalion, 4th Marines, have relieved Battalion Landing Team 3/8 in place this week. BLT 3/8 detached from the deployed 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit in January to establish and maintain security in portions of Helmand province.
"3/8 did a phenomenal job," said 3/4 Executive Officer Maj. Jackson Doan. "Coming in here off the MEU with the BLT with the expectation of staying only temporarily, they came in here and laid down a foundation for any unit to come in and fall in on and have success."
3/4 assumed the outpost and patrol bases in the surrounding area from BLT 3/8 during the past two weeks. Since January, BLT 3/8 has been conducting security and counterinsurgency operations in portions of Helmand province not previously permanently held by the International Security Assistance Force. From COP Ouellette and the surrounding area, BLT 3/8 has provided security to allow Afghanistan to foster socio-economic development projects, including the completion of Highway 611, the second major paved highway in Afghanistan.
The Marines and sailors of BLT 3/8 now return to Camp Leatherneck, Afghanistan, in preparation for return to Camp Lejeune, N.C., where they will rejoin the 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit and the Kearsarge Amphibious Ready Group as they sail home after conducting recent operations in Libya.