Approximately 300 Marines and sailors with 1st Battalion, 3rd Marine Regiment left this morning for a seven-month deployment in support of Operation Enduring Freedom.

The Marines and sailors will conduct counterinsurgency operations partnered with Afghan National Security Forces to provide security for the Afghan people and set the conditions for the transfer of responsibility to the Government of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan.
The battalion, nicknamed the “Lava Dogs,” will deploy approximately 1,000 Marines and sailors during November.