52 Infantry Brigade take over in Helmand

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52 Infantry Brigade take over in Helmand
10 Oct 07

Commander 52 Infantry Brigade, Brigadier Andrew Mackay, assumed command of Task Force Helmand in southern Afghanistan at one minute past midnight, this morning, Wednesday 10 October 2007.

52 Infantry Brigade has taken over from the outgoing 12 Mechanised Brigade, commanded by Brigadier John Lorimer.

Brigadier Mackay, who will command approximately 7,000 ISAF forces including British, Estonian and Danish force elements, said:

"Counter insurgency operations in Afghanistan are complex, demanding and conducted at a high tempo. Our predecessors have achieved significant success here in Helmand. It is our job to take that work forward. Our training and preparation have been thorough and we are ready for the challenges ahead."

150 officers and soldiers serving with the Headquarters of 52 Infantry Brigade have been deploying to Lashkar Gah in southern Helmand Province since the end of August 2007. Most of the Headquarters' staff are normally based in Edinburgh at Redford Cavalry Barracks. Lashkar Gah will be their base of operations for the next six months.


"We are fully prepared for the next six months in every way possible to support the Government of Afghanistan. We are a potent force within the NATO mission and everything we do will have a positive impact on the future of Afghanistan and it is our intention to make a difference, developing Afghanistan governance, economy and security in the long term."

Earlier this week Royal Marine Commandos from 40 Commando Royal Marines based in Taunton took over responsibility for the North of Helmand Province from the 1st Battalion, The Royal Anglian Regiment.

The Commandos have already started operating in the area and are determined to build on the success achieved by 1st Battalion, The Royal Anglian Regiment. Commanding Officer Lieutenant Colonel Stuart Birrell said:

"We have undergone a comprehensive training package to get us to this point, and now we are here we are keen to get started. The mission in Helmand is vital to ensuring that the Afghan Authorities can sustain and improve security within the province, enabling further reconstruction and development to take place. The unit is determined to build on the progress already achieved by the 1st Battalion, The Royal Anglian Regiment."

40 Commando Royal Marines will be working as part of 52 Infantry Brigade and will be responsible for Battle Group North.

Ministry of Defence | Defence News | 52 Infantry Brigade take over in Helmand