Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center, Twentynine Palms, Calif. -- Marines and sailors with Company D, 1st Tank Battalion, rejoiced with their loved ones after returning to the Combat Center after a seven-month deployment to Afghanistan.
Their arrival comes following the advanced party that returned in early July, marking the full completion and homecoming
of all Marines in Co. D.
“It was a good seven months,” said Capt. Chris Ashinhurst, company commander, Co. D., 1st Tanks. “It’s always good
to be home, especially (here) in Twentynine Palms.”
The unit was deployed in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. Their operations contributed to an increased security in
Helmand province in conjunction with infantry forces, and provided a more secure environment to the Afghan National Security Forces and helped them take the lead as a security force.
“Our Marines did an outstanding job,” said 1st Sgt. Timothy Hartmann, company first sergeant, Co. D, 1st Tanks. “(They) were always prepared.”
“Our job as a company was to provide combat support to the regimental combat team’s infantry units,” said Ashinhurst. “That includes our Afghan brothers and their infantry forces in the Helmand Province.”
According to Hartmann, Operation Dynamic Partner was the unit’s most impressive operation. The operation involved full support of both tanks and infantry.
The Marines also conducted more than 350 patrols, and additionally, all 99 Marines that deployed returned home.
“I want to give thanks to the families for their support,” said Hartmann. “I think our Marines were focused on the mission because of the support of their loved ones.”
The hard work of the Marines with us made the deployment successful. Everyone from logistics to the tank crews were willing to go out there and take charge of the tasks to support the Afghan security forces, said Ashinhurst.
“We’re glad to be home, and we’ll take the next month to get our feet together,” Ashinhurst said. “Delta Company will start getting back to work around the beginning of September.”