Headquarters and Service Company, Manas Transit Hub, Kyrgyzstan. October 2011.

Marines and sailors with Headquarters and Service Company, 3rd Battalion, 3rd Marine Regiment, sit aboard an Air Force C-17 transport aircraft on the flight line here, before departing for Camp Dwyer, Afghanistan, Oct. 30. After departing from Hawaii from Oct. 27 through Nov. 1, “America’s Battalion” arrived in southern Helmand province to begin their seven-month deployment in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. In the coming weeks 3/3 will take control of operations in Garmsir District, relieving fellow Hawaii-based 1st Battalion, 3rd Marine Regiment. The “Lava Dogs” of 1/3 are nearing the end of their deployment, which began in April. (Official U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Reece Lodder)