U.S. Department of Defense

Marines Patrol Helmand Province

U.S. Marines wait to leave a temporary patrol base during an operation in Helmand province, Afghanistan, July 5, 2009. The Marines are assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 8th Marine Regiment. Their presence restricts freedom of movement of enemies, and helps restore peace and prosperity to the local populace. The unit is part of the ground combat element of Regimental Combat Team 3, 2nd Marine Expeditionary Brigade.

U.S. Marines conduct a short security halt during an operation in Helmand province, Afghanistan, July 5, 2009.

U.S. Marines hold a compound overnight during an operation in Helmand province,
Afghanistan, July 4, 2009.

U.S. Marines patrol both sides of a river during an operation in Helmand province, Afghanistan, July 3, 2009.

U.S. Marines patrol through a field during an operation in Helmand province,
Afghanistan, July 3, 2009.

U.S. Marine Corps Sgt. Ryan Pettit, front, maintains security during an operation in Helmand province, Afghanistan, July 3, 2009.

U.S. Marine Corps Capt. Matthew Martin uses his radio during an operation in Helmand province, Afghanistan, July 3, 2009. Martin is commander of Golf Company, 2nd Battalion, 8th Marine Regiment.

U.S. Marine Corps Sgt. Ryan Pettit crosses an irrigation canal during an operation in Helmand province, Afghanistan, July 3, 2009.

U.S. Marine Corps Cpl. Matthew Miller maintains security during an operation in Helmand province, Afghanistan, July 3, 2009. Miller is a rifleman assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 8th Marine Regiment.

U.S. Marine Corps Sgt. Ryan Pettit, left, and Cpl. Matthew Miller fire their weapons during an operation in Helmand province, Afghanistan, July 3, 2009.

A U.S. Marine patrols a field during an operation in Helmand province, Afghanistan, July 3, 2009.

U.S. Marines wait to leave a compound in Helmand province, Afghanistan, July 2, 2009.

U.S. Marines maintain security in a field during an operation in Helmand province, Afghanistan, July 2, 2009.

A U.S. Marine loads his M-4 service rifle before leaving Patrol Base Hasaan Abad in Helmand province, Afghanistan, July 1, 2009.

U.S. Marines wait to leave a temporary patrol base during an operation in Helmand province, Afghanistan, July 5, 2009. The Marines are assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 8th Marine Regiment. Their presence restricts freedom of movement of enemies, and helps restore peace and prosperity to the local populace. The unit is part of the ground combat element of Regimental Combat Team 3, 2nd Marine Expeditionary Brigade.
U.S. Marine Corps photo by Sgt. Pete Thibodeau