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11/10/2010
Tragedy As Afghanistan Command Changes
As news of the latest fatality in the troubled country emerged last Friday, the overall command in Afghanistan has changed.
Task Force Helmand is now under the control of a new Army brigade, 16 Air Assault Brigade, which formally took over as the lead formation from 4th Mechanized Brigade.
The news came 48-hours after the Ministry of Defence confirmed that Sergeant Peter Anthony Rayner, from 2nd Battalion The Duke of Lancaster's Regiment, was killed in Afghanistan on Friday.
Sergeant Rayner was killed in action when he was struck by an improvised explosive device whilst leading his men on patrol in the Nahr-e Saraj district of Helmand province.
Defence Secretary, Dr Liam Fox, said: "Tributes paid to Sergeant Peter Rayner portray a professional, highly respected soldier and a committed family man who has made the ultimate sacrifice protecting the security of our country.
"I extend my deepest sympathies to his family, friends and colleagues who will be feeling his loss so keenly at this time."
Sunday's change-over marked the start of Operation Herrick 13, and was underlined with a 'friendship feast' being held at the headquarters of the Helmand Provincial Reconstruction Team (PRT) in Lashkar Gah, which was attended by Afghan and British dignitaries.
The event was attended by the Governor of Helmand province, Gulab Mangal, the Deputy Commander of 3/215 Brigade of the Afghan National Army, Colonel Amin Jhan, and the Helmand Chief of Police.
A number of commanders from ISAF headquarters, Regional Command (South), Regional Command (South West) and the American-led Task Force Leatherneck were also in attendance.
Over the six-month period of Operation Herrick 12, troops from 4th Mechanized Brigade have made significant progress in four key areas: extension of governance, freedom of movement, expanding the capacity of the Afghan National Security Forces and disrupting the insurgency.
The achievements will now be built upon by 16 Air Assault Brigade units as they work towards the objective of beginning the handover of security responsibilities to Afghan forces during 2011.
(BMcC/KMcA)
Task Force Helmand is now under the control of a new Army brigade, 16 Air Assault Brigade, which formally took over as the lead formation from 4th Mechanized Brigade.
The news came 48-hours after the Ministry of Defence confirmed that Sergeant Peter Anthony Rayner, from 2nd Battalion The Duke of Lancaster's Regiment, was killed in Afghanistan on Friday.
Sergeant Rayner was killed in action when he was struck by an improvised explosive device whilst leading his men on patrol in the Nahr-e Saraj district of Helmand province.
Defence Secretary, Dr Liam Fox, said: "Tributes paid to Sergeant Peter Rayner portray a professional, highly respected soldier and a committed family man who has made the ultimate sacrifice protecting the security of our country.
"I extend my deepest sympathies to his family, friends and colleagues who will be feeling his loss so keenly at this time."
Sunday's change-over marked the start of Operation Herrick 13, and was underlined with a 'friendship feast' being held at the headquarters of the Helmand Provincial Reconstruction Team (PRT) in Lashkar Gah, which was attended by Afghan and British dignitaries.
The event was attended by the Governor of Helmand province, Gulab Mangal, the Deputy Commander of 3/215 Brigade of the Afghan National Army, Colonel Amin Jhan, and the Helmand Chief of Police.
A number of commanders from ISAF headquarters, Regional Command (South), Regional Command (South West) and the American-led Task Force Leatherneck were also in attendance.
Over the six-month period of Operation Herrick 12, troops from 4th Mechanized Brigade have made significant progress in four key areas: extension of governance, freedom of movement, expanding the capacity of the Afghan National Security Forces and disrupting the insurgency.
The achievements will now be built upon by 16 Air Assault Brigade units as they work towards the objective of beginning the handover of security responsibilities to Afghan forces during 2011.
(BMcC/KMcA)
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