November 25, 2009

The Marines and Sailors set new standards for Marine Corps amphibious doctrine. Landing at a remote airbase, 90 miles (140 km) southwest of Kandahar, the Marines established Camp Rhino, America's first Forward Operating Base while maintaining the first significant conventional ground presence in Afghanistan. The Marines and coalition forces later moved north to Kandahar International Airport securing a new forward operating base. With the move, the Marines and coalition forces were able to continue with new missions and build a prison camp that housed numerous Taliban and Al-Qaeda fighters.

READ RELATED ARTICLES ON 15TH MEU

A New Operating Environment

By Michael E Ennis, August 2002

Intelligence support provided to Task Force 58 during Operation Enduring Freedom proved instrumental in establishing nontraditional support capabilities that will enhance future intelligence support for deployed Marine Corps MAGTFs. When Task Force (TF 58) established a beachhead at Camp Rhino, Afghanistan, 658 miles inland, it redefined the concept of an amphibious beachhead and dramatically expanded the reach of Marine expeditionary forces. Read.

The 15th Marine Expeditionary Unit's Seizure of Camp Rhino

By Jay M Holtermann, June 2002

The execution of the longest amphibious airfield seizure in the history of the USMC from the perspective of the assault flight leader for the flight of six CH-53Es is discussed. The CH-53 military helicopter proved its worth and capability during the seizure of Camp Rhino. Read.