The sun sets over the base camp that serves as the headquarters of Marine Light/Attack Helicopter Squadron 269, a section of the air combat element of Special Purpose Marine Air Ground Task Force - Afghanistan, at Camp Bastion, Helmand province, Islamic Republic of Afghanistan, Jan. 12. The Marines of HML/A-269 provide support to 3rd Battalion, 8th Marine Regiment, the ground combat element of SPMAGTF-A. Marine forces stand with the Afghans as a strategic partner in building an effective and sustainable police force. Marine Corps aviation is critical in achieving that strategic partnership.