A Military Operations news article
11 Apr 11
On Saturday 9 April, 3 Commando Brigade Royal Marines took command of Task Force Helmand in Afghanistan, officially marking the start of Operation HERRICK 14.
The flag of 3 Commando Brigade is raised in Lashkar Gah to mark the transfer of authority of Task Force Helmand from 16 Air Assault Brigade
[Picture: Sergeant Russ Nolan, Crown Copyright/MOD 2011]
In a short ceremony at the headquarters of Task Force Helmand in Lashkar Gah, Brigadier James Chiswell, Commander of 16 Air Assault Brigade, formally handed over to Brigadier Ed Davis RM, Commander of 3 Commando Brigade.
Over the next six months, 3 Commando Brigade will look to build upon the achievements made by 16 Air Assault Brigade since they arrived in Helmand in October 2010.
Brigadier Chiswell said it had been a significant tour:
"We have continued to strengthen relations with our Afghan partners in the army, police and Helmand provincial government. This has enabled us, alongside our ISAF coalition partners, to build up their capacity to provide security and protect the local people from the insurgents.
"Alongside the Provincial Reconstruction Team, we have continued to stabilise insecure areas, and the men and women of 16 Air Assault Brigade - some of who have made the ultimate sacrifice - and their families can be proud of the immense contribution they have made to improve the lives of the Afghan people."
Brigadier James Chiswell (right) of 16 Air Assault Brigade hands over command of Task Force Helmand to Brigadier Ed Davis of 3 Commando Brigade in Lashkar Gah
[Picture: Sergeant Russ Nolan, Crown Copyright/MOD 2011]
Brigadier Davis said:
"Over the last six months, Brigadier Chiswell and 16 Air Assault Brigade have made tangible progress throughout their area of operations. Our main objective is to continue to build on their success and move closer to setting the conditions for the transfer of security authority from ISAF to the Afghan National Army and Police."
"We appreciate it is no easy task. There will continue to be tough fighting this summer as we consolidate gains and help facilitate the spread of governance to more towns and villages. However, I am confident that our excellent training has prepared us for the challenge that lies ahead."..
Much more here.
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