Royal Marines Raring for Afghanistan Deployment
Dated 7/10/2007
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The first 160 Royal Marine Commandoes from 40 Commando are deploying to Afghanistan today, 26 September 2007, 'raring to go and with morale sky high,' said their Commanding Officer. The rest of the unit will follow over the next two weeks bringing the total deployment to around 700.
After training hard for the last six months the Marines will take up the role of Battle Group North, located in the north of Helmand Province. 40 Commando will deploy as part of 52 Brigade and will play a key role in developing security within the north of the Sangin valley. They will be taking over from the Royal Anglian Regiment.
The commanding officer of the Somerset-based 40 Commando, Lieutenant Colonel Stuart Birrell, said that his troops' morale is sky-high and they are fully prepared to deploy from their base at Norton Manor Camp, Taunton, to Helmand province in Afghanistan:
"Morale is outstanding," he continued. "This deployment is exactly why they joined up in the first place. They are raring to go. This is what they have trained for from when they became marines in the first place.
Marines from 40 Commando undergo house clearance as part of their preparations for deployment to Helmand province in Afghanistan [Picture: Andrew Linnett] . Opens in a new window.
Marines from 40 Commando undergo house clearance as part of their preparations for deployment to Helmand province in Afghanistan
[Picture: Andrew Linnett]
"They are always training and keeping fit but training steps up a gear when they know they are deploying and they have known for about nine months. They are under no illusions about the importance of what they are doing and what is expected of them."
The 160 Marines from 40 Commando deploying today are from Bravo Company. They will reach Helmand later this week. Major Dan Cheesman, officer commanding Bravo Company, said:
"We are extremely well prepared for this deployment we have trained specifically for the last six months. We are the most fully trained and fully prepared UK military force to deploy to Afghanistan. We are fully fit and fully equipped with everything we need."
He said that the average age of Bravo Company is 22 to 23 and half of the company had not been deployed before, but many of the remainder had been on several tours of duty and brought valuable experience and knowledge of Kosovo, Afghanistan and Iraq to the ranks.
Bravo Company comprises troops with all the skills needed - including air and artillery spotters, intelligence staff, interpreters, remote camera operators, mortar teams, snipers, chefs and signallers. Major Cheesman added:
"We are not only prepared to carry out military objectives to support the Afghan police and Army, we are also there to work with the community and win hearts and minds which is the key to success in the re-construction projects."
Corporal James Roles, aged 26, a mortar specialist who has already served in Afghanistan and Kososvo said:
"I have been to Afghanistan where we tried to flush the Taliban out of the mountain caves. I am therefore, well qualified and prepared to pass on my experience to some of the other lads."
Lieutenant Andrew McLachlan, of 40 Commando said:
"This deployment is well suited to the nature and ethos of the Royal Marines. Military force can only be part of the solution. We will be there to help with the development and reconstruction of the area, but are robust enough to stop those intent on undermining the work already achieved. Conditions will be tough but 40 Commando are well equipped and well prepared for the task."
Working alongside their colleagues from the Army and RAF, the Royal Marines will also be joined by a large deployment of the Royal Navy's Fleet Air Arm who will be supporting the efforts on the ground.
The Royal Marine Commandos will also work alongside and support the Afghan security forces as they continue to develop and take on a greater role in providing security to the province.