I Marine Expeditionary Force (FWD)

1/7 transfers authority, ends operations in Helmand province, Afghanistan

Lieutenant Col. Seth Yost, right, commanding officer, 1st Battalion, 7th Marines, and 1st Sgt. Jordan Freeland, center, Charley Company first sergeant, case the battalion’s battle colors during a transfer of authority ceremony aboard Tactical Base Dwyer, Afghanistan, Oct. 1, 2014. The ceremony signified the battalion’s transfer of authority of the base and their area of responsibility to 3rd Squadron, 3rd Cavalry Regiment, a U.S. Army command based out of Fort Hood, Texas. The ceremony also meant the end of combat operations for 7th Marines – a regiment which has been actively supporting Operation Enduring Freedom for several years.

Charley Company Marine recognized with meritorious promotion aboard Camp Leatherneck

Sergeant Dominic Sharpsteensurina, right, a native of Apple Valley, California, and an assault section leader with Weapons Platoon, Charley Company, 1st Battalion, 7th Marine Regiment, inspects another Marine’s gear aboard Camp Dwyer, Helmand province, Afghanistan, Sept. 21, 2014. During his current deployment in Afghanistan, Sharpsteensurina was meritoriously promoted to the rank of sergeant. He is glad to be able to take part in Operation Enduring Freedom with his fellow infantrymen and become someone they can look up to. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Cody Haas/ Released)

215th Corps soldiers conduct first Afghan-operated leave flight for rest, relaxation

More than 100 Afghan National Army soldiers with the 215th Corps as well as Afghan civilians stand waiting to board an aircraft aboard Camp Bastion, Helmand province, Afghanistan, Sept. 27, 2014. The soldiers and civilians are planning to travel to Kabul for a rest and relaxation period with their families. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Cody Haas/ Released)

Commandant, Sergeant Major of the Marine Corps visit Marines, sailors in Helmand for final time

General James F. Amos, left, the 35th Commandant of the Marine Corps, and Sgt. Maj. Micheal Barrett, the 17th Sergeant Major of the Marine Corps, speak to Marines and sailors of Marine Aircraft Group - Afghanistan aboard Camp Bastion, Afghanistan, Sept. 6, 2014. Gen. Amos and Sgt. Maj. Barrett visited Marines and sailors serving with Marine Expeditionary Brigade – Afghanistan in Helmand province for the final time, thanking them for their service and sacrifice.

Commandant, Sergeant Major of the Marine Corps visit Marines, sailors in Helmand for final time

Corporal Matthew Padilla, center, an airframe mechanic with Marine Aviation Logistics Squadron 17, Marine Aircraft Group – Afghanistan, gets his photo taken with Gen. James F. Amos, right, the 35th Commandant of the Marine Corps, and Sgt. Maj. Micheal Barrett, the 17th Sergeant Major of the Marine Corps, following his meritorious promotion ceremony aboard Camp Bastion, Afghanistan, Sept. 6, 2014. Gen. Amos meritoriously promoted Padilla, a native of Littleton, Colo., to the rank of corporal during his final visit to Helmand province.

Hawaii Marine instills 'Ohana' family spirit during Afghanistan deployment

Minnesota Marine is a heavy lifter during Helmand drawdown

New Jersey Marine accounts for millions during Afghanistan drawdown

Marines with Combat Logistics Battalion 1 conduct retrograde operation in Helmand province, Afghanistan

ANA opens new trauma center, brings improved medical capabilities to Helmand province

Supply Marines with Marine Expeditionary Brigade - Afghanistan retrograde excess gear aboard Camp Leatherneck, Afghanistan

First in, last out: Sailor serves with Marine units making history in Afghanistan

Marines, sailors with Charley Company ensure Camp Dwyer's safety in Helmand province

Two teams of Marines with Charley Company, 1st Battalion, 7th Marine Regiment, with Mine-Resistant Ambush Protected vehicles provide security during an operation in Helmand province, Afghanistan, July 19, 2014. During the two-day operation, Marines with Charley Co. watched over nearby routes close to Camp Dwyer and the surrounding area to help mitigate enemy insurgents smuggling small arms weapons and explosive material through the area. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Cody Haas/ Released)

Turret gunners of Combat Logistics Battalion 7 keep convoy safe

Turret gunners with Combat Logistics Battalion 7 prepare their vehicles before a combat logistics patrol aboard Camp Leatherneck, Afghanistan, July 14, 2014. The turret gunners with CLB-7 act as the eyes and ears while being the guardian angels of each combat logistics patrol conducted during their deployment. (U.S. Marine Corps Photo by Sgt. Frances Johnson/Released)

Jordanian Army ends mission in Helmand province, Afghanistan

Soldiers with the Kingdom of Jordan fold their flag during a ceremony aboard Camp Leatherneck, Helmand province, Afghanistan, July 23, 2014. The ceremony marked the end of mission for the Jordanian army serving with Regional Command (Southwest).

VMGR-352 lights up night sky for battlefield illumination mission

Corporal Jacob Hall, a crew chief with Marine Aerial Refueling Transportation Squadron 352, stands in front of an American Flag as a forklift shines its light, casting his shadow behind him after a battlefield illumination mission aboard Camp Bastion, Afghanistan, July 18, 2014. Battlefield illumination missions are implemented to light up areas in support of nighttime coalition operations within Regional Command (Southwest). (U.S. Marine Corps Photo by: Sgt. Frances Johnson/Released)

VMGR-352 lights up night sky for battlefield illumination mission

Flares dropped out of a KC-130J by Marines with Marine Aerial Refueling Transportation Squadron 352 burn bright in the night sky above Helmand province, Afghanistan, during a battlefield illumination mission July 18, 2014. Battlefield illumination missions are implemented to light up areas in support of nighttime coalition operations within Regional Command (Southwest). (U.S. Marine Corps Photo by: Sgt. Frances Johnson/Released)

Assistant Commandant of the Marine Corps visits Marines, sailors in Afghanistan

Assistant Commandant of the Marine Corps Gen. John M. Paxton Jr. speaks to Marines and sailors during a town hall meeting aboard Camp Leatherneck, Helmand province, Afghanistan, July 18, 2014. During the meeting, Gen. Paxton discussed the restructuring of the Corps, how Marines will reset into peacetime as a crisis response force, as well as the integration of women into ground combat jobs.

Danish Contingent Flag Lowering Ceremony

Danish soldiers, with the Danish Contingent International Security Assistance Force 17 (DANCON ISAF-17) to Afghanistan, participate in the Danish Flag Lowering ceremony aboard Camp Leatherneck, Helmand province, Afghanistan, July 21, 2014. The lowering of the Danish Flag over Camp Leatherneck formally concludes the country's participation in Regional Command (Southwest). (Official U.S. Marine Corps photo by Sgt. James D. Pauly, Marine Expeditionary Brigade Afghanistan/Released)

Georgian Flag Lowering Ceremony

Georgian soldiers, with the Georgian contingent to Afghanistan, participate in the Georgian Flag Lowering ceremony aboard Camp Leatherneck, Helmand province, Afghanistan, July 15, 2014. The lowering of the Georgian Flag over Camp Leatherneck formally concludes the country's participation in Regional Command (Southwest), since 2004. (Official U.S. Marine Corps photo by Sgt. Dustin D. March/Released)

Weapons Company Security Patrol

U.S. Marine Cpl. Justin Hinckley, a team leader with Weapons Company, 1st Battalion, 2d Marine Regiment, talks to a local family of the Washer district during a security patrol in Helmand province, Afghanistan on July 16, 2014. Patrols are conducted to disrupt enemy operations against Bastion- Leatherneck Complex. (Official U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. John A. Martinez Jr. / Released)

Morganton, N.C. Marine officer receives achievement medal in Afghanistan

First Lt. Joshua Bridges, a native of Morganton, N.C., and assessments and plans officer, Regional Command (Southwest), poses for a photo after being awarded a Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal during a ceremony aboard Camp Leatherneck, Afghanistan, July 13, 2014. Bridges deployed to Helmand province during Jan. 2014 and was vital to RC(SW) planning efforts during the 2014 Afghan presidential elections and the upcoming transition of full security responsibility to the Afghan National Security Forces in the region by the end of 2014.

Morganton, N.C. Marine officer receives achievement medal in Afghanistan

U.S. Marine 1st Lt. Joshua Bridges, a native of Morganton, N.C., and assessments and plans officer, Regional Command (Southwest), stands at attention while Maj. Bob McCarthy, reads an award citation during a ceremony aboard Camp Leatherneck, Helmand province, Afghanistan, July 13, 2014. Bridges deployed to Helmand province during Jan. 2014 and was vital to RC(SW) planning efforts during the 2014 Afghan presidential elections and the upcoming transition of full security responsibility to the Afghan National Security Forces in the region by the end of 2014.

Georgian Army ends mission in Helmand province, Afghanistan

Soldiers with the Republic of Georgia stand in formation during their flag-lowering ceremony aboard Camp Leatherneck, Helmand province, Afghanistan, July 15, 2014. The ceremony marked the end of mission for the Georgian army serving with Regional Command (Southwest).

Georgian Army ends mission in Helmand province, Afghanistan

Soldiers with the Republic of Georgia fold their flag during a ceremony aboard Camp Leatherneck, Helmand province, Afghanistan, July 15, 2014. The ceremony marked the end of mission for the Georgian army serving with Regional Command (Southwest).

1st Battalion, 2nd Marine Regiment, supply Marines account for $117 million worth of gear

Corporal Charles Daniels, supply warehouse chief, 1st Battalion, 2nd Marine Regiment, takes inventory of some of the battalion's gear aboard Camp Leatherneck, Afghanistan, July 9, 2014. Daniels, a native of Baton Rouge, La., and only four other Marines are the responsible holders and maintainers of 1st Bn., 2nd Marines' $117 million supply of gear and equipment to be retrograded upon the unit's redeployment. (U.S. Marine Corps Photo By: Sgt. Frances Johnson)

Afghan National Army soldiers train, graduate their own at Regional Corps Battle School for first time in Afghanistan

Afghan National Army soldiers with the 215th Corps stand in formation during their graduation ceremony aboard Camp Shorabak, Afghanistan, July 10, 2014. More than 650 soldiers graduated a completely Afghan-led, six-week combat training course, which consisted of 29 courses varying from hands-on weapons training to rifleman tactics. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Cody Haas/ Released)

Infantrymen engage Taliban insurgents during 4th of July weekend

Petty Officer 3rd Class Heston Johnson, corpsman, Bravo Company, 1st Battalion, 7th Marine Regiment, provides security during a mission in Helmand province, Afghanistan, July 4, 2014. Johnson, a native of Athena, Ore., and the company operated in Gereshk for three days and were involved in numerous kinetic engagements with Taliban insurgents. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Joseph Scanlan / released)

Infantrymen engage Taliban insurgents during 4th of July weekend

Corporal Deshaun Jackson, rifleman, Bravo Company, 1st Battalion, 7th Marine Regiment, takes cover behind a berm during a firefight in Helmand province, Afghanistan, July 6, 2014. Jackson, a native of Chicago, and the company operated in Gereshk for three days and were involved in numerous kinetic engagements with Taliban insurgents. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Joseph Scanlan / released)

20-year-old Marine sergeant on fast track in Afghanistan

U.S. Marine Sgt. Michael M. Estes, 20, a native of Torrance, Calif., and electro-optical ordnance repairer with Combat Logistics Battalion 7, Regional Command (Southwest), stands outside of the CLB-7 headquarters aboard Camp Leatherneck, Helmand province, Afghanistan, April 9, 2014. Estes deployed during January 2014, and kept Marine Corps individual and heavy weapons optics in the fight during ongoing security operations and led redeployment and retrograde efforts of Marine Corps equipment from the region.

Afghan National Police Advisor team completes advising mission in Lashkar Gah, Afghanistan

Marines and sailors with the Afghan National Police Advisor Team and Combat Logistics Battalion 7 wait for their final brief to start aboard Patrol Base Dimond, Helmand province, Afghanistan, June 26, 2014. The Marines and sailors of the ANPAT completed their eight-month deployment of advising the Afghan National Police to develop a strong, capable and credible police force for Helmand province. The ANPAT's retrograde back to Camp Leatherneck, Afghanistan, was assisted by the Marines and sailors of Combat Logistics Battalion 7. (U.S. Marine Corps Photo By: Sgt. Frances Johnson)

R4OG: no gear left behind

Marines with Redeployment and Retrograde in support of Reset and Reconstitution Operations Group secure equipment to tactical vehicles aboard Camp Leatherneck, Helmand province, Afghanistan, July 1, 2014. R4OG was established during April 2012 and has a significant role as the unit responsible for bringing all Marine Corps gear home from Afghanistan.

R4OG: no gear left behind

Marines and civilian contractors with Redeployment and Retrograde in support of Reset and Reconstitution Operations Group pose for a unit photo recently during their current deployment to Camp Leatherneck, Helmand province, Afghanistan. The unit was established aboard the base during April 2012, tasked with the significant role as the unit responsible to retrograde all Marine Corps gear home from Afghanistan.

HMLA-467 conducts first combat deployment supporting operations in Helmand province, Afghanistan

Staff Sgt. Jonathan Lee, left, and Staff Sgt. Kenneth Morris, both crew chiefs with Marine Light Attack Helicopter Squadron 467, watch for any suspicious activity on the ground during a mission in Helmand province, Afghanistan, July 3, 2014. Marine Light Attack Helicopter Squadron 467 was established five years ago aboard Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point, N.C., and is on their first combat deployment as a squadron. The Marines of HMLA-467 will be the last Marines to conduct close-air support operations in Afghanistan in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. (U.S. Marine Corps Photo By: Sgt. Frances Johnson/Released)

Scout Sniper Platoon mourns loss of fallen brother

Marines with 1st Battalion, 7th Marine Regiment, stand at parade rest during a memorial ceremony aboard Camp Leatherneck, July 2, 2014. The memorial was in honor of Sgt. Thomas Z. Spitzer, a professionally instructed gunman with Scout Sniper Platoon, 1st Bn., 7th Marines, who was killed while conducting combat operations in Helmand province, Afghanistan, June 25, 2014. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Joseph Scanlan / released)

Scout Sniper Platoon mourns loss of fallen brother

Sergeant Louis Wood, scout sniper, Scout Sniper Platoon, 1st Battalion, 7th Marine Regiment, and a native of Fort Worth, Texas, salutes a battlefield cross during a memorial ceremony aboard Camp Leatherneck, July 2, 2014. The memorial was in honor of Sgt. Thomas Z. Spitzer, a professionally instructed gunman with Scout Sniper Platoon, 1st Bn., 7th Marines, who was killed while conducting combat operations in Helmand province, Afghanistan, June 25, 2014. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Joseph Scanlan / released)

2nd Combat Engineer Battalion honors fallen Marines during memorial ceremony in Afghanistan

Three battlefield crosses stand in honor of three fallen Marines during a memorial ceremony aboard Camp Leatherneck, Afghanistan, July 8, 2014. The service was held to honor, from left to right, Staff Sgt. David H. Stewart, a combat engineer, platoon sergeant and native of Stafford, Virginia; Cpl. Brandon J. Garabrant, a combat engineer and native of Peterborough, New Hampshire; and Cpl. Adam F. Wolff, a combat engineer and native of Cedar Rapids, Iowa, all Marines serving with 3rd Platoon, Route Clearance Company, 2nd Combat Engineer Battalion, who gave the ultimate sacrifice while conducting combat operations in Helmand province, Afghanistan, June 20, 2014.

Marine Wing Support Squadron 274 Marines finish bulk fuel bladder removal aboard Camp Bastion

Corporal Anthony Casares, a wrecker operator with Marine Wing Support Squadron 274, operates a Logistics Vehicle System Replacement MKR15 wrecker while removing an empty 210,000-gallon bulk fuel bladder aboard Camp Bastion, Afghanistan, June 28, 2014. In three hours' time, more than 15 Marines with MWSS-274 and 15 contractors removed the last one of eight non-Marine Corps owned bulk fuel bladders at the bulk fuel site. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Cody Haas/ Released)

Top Afghan General visits Helmand

Afghan National Army (ANA) Gen. Shir Mohammad Karimi, chief of army staff, shakes hands with ANA officers, assigned to the 215th Corps, aboard Camp Shorabak, Helmand province, Afghanistan, June 27, 2014. Karimi visited with ANA leaders and ISAF advisors to discuss the military matters in the southwest region of Afghanistan. (Official U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Darien J. Bjorndal, Marine Expeditionary Brigade Afghanistan/ Released)

Mission

Regional Command (Southwest) conducts security force assistance, supports normalization of provincial governance, and consolidates and reduces coalition force posture in order to set conditions for transfer of full security responsibility across the region to the Government of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan..

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