Royal Marines ready for Afghanistan

Royal Marines Commandos are making final preparations at their barracks in Devon before leaving for Afghanistan tomorrow.

The 150 marines, from 42 Commando Royal Marines, will be the first combat troops to deploy to the Helmand region of southern Afghanistan following the decision last month to commit around 3,300 British troops as part of NATO's planned expansion.

They will carry out the vital function of protecting Army and RAF personnel as they build the infrastructure critical for the deployment of 16 Air Assault Brigade in the summer.

The full deployment is to staff and protect a new British-led Provincial Reconstruction Team (PRT) at Lashkar Gar, the capital of Helmand province.

The Commanding Officer of 42 Commando Royal Marines, Lieutenant Colonel Ged Salzano, said: "This deployment is typical of the expeditionary nature of Royal Marines business. The Company Group will be the first British combat troops into the Helmand area as part of the NATO expansion and is robust enough to look after itself and protect the engineers. Conditions are expected to be tough but 42 Commando are well prepared for the task."

Armed Forces Minister Adam Ingram said: "I pay tribute, once again, to the commitment and versatility of 42 Commando who have just returned from Pakistan on humanitarian relief work. 42 Commando will now deploy to Afghanistan with the crucial role of supporting the set up of a base in anticipation of UK Forces fulfilling ISAF's mission in Helmand."

As in the North, the PRT will be based on a triumvirate of the British military commander and officials from the Foreign and Commonwealth Office and the Department for International Development.

(SP)