By Andrew Jarret

YESTERDAY MARKED the official hand-over of UK military operations in Afghanistan to 3 Commando Brigade.

It was a case of Scots succeeding Scots, with soldiers from battalions in the Royal Regiment of Scotland being replaced by Royal Marine counterparts from Arbroath’s Condor base.

Around 700 personnel from RM Condor are making their way to, or are already in, the notorious Sangin area of the Helmand Province.

At the Helmand headquarters in Lashkar Gah, a ceremony was held to mark the transfer of authority between 16 Air Assault Brigade and 3 Commando Brigade.

Three Royal Regiment of Scotland battalions have been in Helmand for six months as part of 16 Air Assault Brigade—The Royal Highland Fusiliers (numbering 350), The Highlanders (120), and The Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders (550).

They were joined by troops from the Royal Scots Dragoon Guards (120) and based across the province, in and around Musa Qala, Lashkar Gar, Gereshk and Camp Bastion.

The Royal Marines of 45 Commando are part of the lead element of Battlegroup North in Helmand.

They will be helping to create the right security conditions in order to extend the influence of the Afghan government in the area, to support reform and development.

A spokesperson for the Ministry of Defence (MOD) said, “The work involves providing protection for reconstruction teams, supporting the Afghan national army and police, patrolling, and denying the Taliban freedom of movement.”

During their tour, 16 Air Assault Brigade— including the Scots soldiers—took part in one of the most significant operations in Helmand Province since British troops have been deployed to southern Afghanistan.

Around 2000 British troops with ISAF counterparts formed a convoy to deliver a 200 ton hydro-electric turbine 180km by road from Kandahar airfield to the Kajaki dam. When operational, the turbine will improve the provision of electricity and irrigation to southern Afghanistan.

16 Air Assault Brigade were also involved in the training and mentoring of the Afghan security forces and led several highly successful operations against key Taliban elements.

The outgoing commander, Brigadier Mark Carleton-Smith said yesterday, “16 Air Assault Brigade can reflect with great pride and professional satisfaction at its achievements in Helmand this year.

“The quiet resolve and sustained determination of the Task Force has been outstanding and, through their selfless commitment, every soldier has played his or her part in delivering progress in support of the Afghan government.

“We also honour the memory of those members of the task force who have been killed and those who have been wounded.

“Their sacrifice and courage will never be forgotten and our thoughts are with their family and friends.”

3 Commando Brigade’s deployment is expected to last until April 2009 and is the brigade’s second deployment to Afghanistan in the last two years.