RCT-5 to Return This Week from Afghanistan

More than 200 Marines and sailors with Regimental Combat Team 5 are returning to Camp Pendleton following a yearlong deployment to Afghanistan. The Marines are scheduled to arrive Thursday.

The Marines of RCT-5 relieved Regimental Combat Team 1 on Camp Dwyer, Afghanistan, in Southern Helmand province, and served from August 2011 through August 2012.

Regimental Combat Team 5 deployed as a command and control element over the Marine battalions deployed to the Afghan districts of Garmser, Marjah, Nawa and Khan-Neshin in support of Operation Enduring Freedom.

The Marines of RCT-5 partnered with Afghan National Security Forces and the Government of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan to direct counterinsurgency operations.  They also advised and mentored Afghan soldiers in the 1st Brigade, 215th Corps, in security operations.

—Camp Pendleton News Release