Marines with the 2nd Battalion, 8th Marine Regiment wait to leave a temporary patrol base during an operation in the Helmand province of Afghanistan, July 5. The Marines' presence restricts enemy groups freedom of movement and helps restore peace and prosperity to the local populace. The battalion is part of the ground combat element of Regimental Combat Team 3, 2nd Marine Expeditionary Brigade.

Photo by Sgt. Pete Thibodeau

Brig. Gen. Nicholson: ‘The intention was to go in big, strong, fast’

9 Jul 2009 | Cpl. Scott Schmidt Headquarters Marine Corps

ARLINGTON, Va. -- More than 4,000 Marines and sailors from the 2nd Marine Expeditionary Brigade were inserted into the Helmand River Valley of Southern Afghanistan July 2, launching the largest offensive push into the region since Operation Enduring Freedom began.

Brig. Gen. Lawrence D. Nicholson, commanding general of 2nd MEB, provided an operational update on the brigade’s current offensive during a phone conference with national and international media agencies July 8.

Listen or dowload the full audio file of Nicholson’s at the link below:

CG 2nd MEB Interview (mp3 - 3.5 mb).

An official transcript of the interview can be found on the Department of Defense Web site.