SC's Adopted Marines Struck Blows, Aided Afghans

The 2nd Batallion, 4th Marines trained Afghan soldiers and police, extended the Afghan government's control, protected a crucial bridge project and fought off the Taliban.

Lt. Col. William Vivian, commander of the 2/4, San Clemente's adopted Marine unit, told the city council Tuesday about to protect two districts in Helmand Province.

Vivian said by the time the 2/4 left, the Afghan forces were operating independently.

"The were kind of a sub on the team when we got there," Vivian said. "And by the time we left, we were playing offense, and they were playing defense as part of the same team."

A major accomplishment of the 2/4 was overseeing the building of the Musa Qal'eh Wadi Crossing, a bridge that for the first time allows the river in the district to be passable in winter, connecting the villages to the capital to allow supplies and commerce to move back and forth.

Vivian said the 2/4 also carried out five major combat operations.

Vivan thanked San Clemente government, nonprofits and residents for all the support and care packages they received during their deployment. Mayor Jim Evert in turn thanks the 2/4.

"I want to thank you and your troops, sir, for everything that you've done," Evert said.