| The marines have been steadily moving into position over the last few weeks, and at the weekend the baton was finally passed, as the unit’s commanding officer, Lieutenant Colonel Jim Morris accepted command of Battlegroup North at Sangin.
There has been a phased handover of responsibility over the past month. Last week, Major Ross Preston, Officer in charge of Whiskey Company, 45 Commando, accepted control of operations around Sangin District Centre from the Royal Irish Rangers.
With the arrival of the commanding officer, the battlegroup’s headquarters is now complete. The remaining companies — Victor, X-Ray, Yankee and Zulu — will be dispersed amongst the numerous forward operating bases in the upper Sangin valley, part of the so-called “green zone” bordering the Helmand River.
Acknowledging the achievements made by the Paras during their six-month tour, Lt Col Jim Morris said, “I’d like to pay tribute to 2 Para for the exceptional work they have done in challenging circumstances.
“They have made a huge contribution to the campaign in the Helmand valley, and have provided us with a firm platform upon which to develop the campaign further.”
The Arbroath-based Royal Marines and their commando-trained colleagues from the Army are deployed as part of a multi-national force which aims to assist the Afghan government in extending their influence throughout the country. |
