NAVY NEWS, NOVEMBER 2008
pictur
Brigade over the past six months has Air, who led the inaugural patrol. “It was a by our predecessors – they went to great
delivered real progress,” Brig Messenger complete success – and it will be the first lengths to pass on the lessons they learned
es: po(phot) dave husbands, 3 cdo bde, and lt andy cheal, clr
added. of many.” over the last six months,” said Col Andy
It took a month for the Army and Royal 3 Troop had to cover just 800 metres to Maynard, CLR’s CO.
Marines to trade places in Helmand (known reach that forward base on their first patrol. His sentiments are echoed by all RM
as a Relief In Place). For the Commando Logistic Regiment, commanders taking charge in Afghanistan.
The lengthy handover is invaluable, distances are measured in dozens of miles. “16 Air Assault gave us an exceptional
as Whiskey Company, 45 The CLR, based insight into how they found
Commando, found as they at Chivenor, is at their tour and identified some
moved into Sangin. the hub of Task extremely important changes in
Sangin and the Upper Sangin Force Helmand the tactics used by the Taleban,”
valley will be home to the operations. said Maj Ross Preston, Officer
Arbroath-based Royals – Victor, To the lay person, Commanding Whiskey Company.
Whiskey, X-Ray, Yankee and Zulu helicopters may “That’s given us a head start in
companies – until next spring. seem the panacea to countering their actions.
Sangin was once a hotbed of mobility in Helmand, “Whiskey Company have been
Taleban activity. It is no longer, but but when it comes to relishing this tour for some time.
nor is it pacified. bulk transport, only “The security of Sangin is a
As the bulk of Whiskey the road will suffice. very complicated undertaking.
Company arrived in the town, On average, one Our key aim is to get amongst
their compound came under ill- Combat Logistic the population, reach out to them
aimed enemy fire (all of which Patrol – comprising and bring them on the side of the
flew over the base, but caused panic upwards of 100 vehicles and Afghan government.”
among the locals). manned not just by commandos, but also The Senior Service currently comprises
The Royals grabbed helmets and sailors, soldiers and RM musicians – rolls the largest single British presence in
body armour and rushed to the roof of through Helmand each week delivering fuel Afghanistan.
the compound to see two men nervously and combat supplies. Apart from the aforementioned Royal
popping their heads around the corner of a “CLR is a ‘big beastie’,” said its deputy Marine units, elements of the UK Landing
building. The Taleban promptly jumped on a commander Lt Col Steve Crouden. “It Force Command and Support Group, the
motorbike and headed off, a long-barrelled supports everything that goes on with British Harriers of the Naval Strike Wing, the Sea
weapon slung over the shoulder of the Forces in Helmand – not to mention working Kings of 845 and 846 and Lynx of 847
pillion passenger. with every other international security force Naval Air Squadrons, plus elements of the
As the first day in Sangin drew to a close, nation wherever we can.” Commando Helicopter Force, the helicopter
3 Troop headed off on its first patrol of The loggies relieved their Army repair specialists of Fleet Forward Support
Helmand: escorting supplies and troops to counterparts, 13 Air Assault Supply (Air), and the medics of the Hospital
a forward patrol base. Regiment RLC, who took the newly-arrived Squadron are all deployed in Helmand or
“The first time on the ground will always commandos out on the ground to get a Kandahar.
be difficult, especially for those on their flavour of life in Helmand.
first operational tour,” explained Capt Chris “We’ve been given a thorough handover
● (R (Right) A Whiskey Company marine repeats fi(R(Righigighght)t) t) A WAWAA Whishisiskeykekeyey Co CCoCompampmpapany nyny marmma ineinnene rererepeapepeeats tstss fifir r re re e
ordoroorders on a GPMG during a live-firdrderserersrs ononon a aaa GPMGGPPMPMG dGGdduriuurriring ngng g a lalaa liveiivveve-fi-fi ring exerciserinririning eggeg exerxexererciscciiisse
● Whiskey Company take cover from
the dust after being dropped off by a
Jungly Sea King in Sangin
014-015-NN_Nov.indd 2 20/10/08 17:46:42
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