GARMSIR DISTRICT, Helmand province, Islamic Republic

GARMSIR DISTRICT, Helmand province, Islamic Republic of Afghanistan - Green smoke identifies 1st Squad, 1st Platoon, Bravo Company, to an incoming V-22 Osprey during Operation Black Dawn here, May 17. The squad conducted security patrols and vehicle searches in the desert of Eastern Garmsir for 24-hours. During the operation, 1st Battalion, 3rd Marine Regiment focused on pinpointing trouble areas and narcotic smuggling lanes in Garmsir. The battalion supports Regimental Combat Team 1, under 2nd Marine Division (Forward), the Marine ground combat element in Helmand province. The mission of the division is to partner with Afghan National Security Forces and the Afghan government to conduct counterinsurgency operations to secure the Afghan people, defeat insurgent forces, and enable ANSF to assume security responsibilities in the region. Ultimately, the partnered forces promote the expansion of stability, development and legitimate governance.