U.S. Marine Col. Roger B. Turner Jr., the commanding officer of Regimental Combat Team 5, speaks to Afghan National Army soldiers with 1st Brigade, 215th Corps, during a ceremony here, July 19, 2012. On behalf of President Barack Obama, Turner presented the Presidential Unit Citation to members of the brigade for their outstanding performance against enemy forces in support of Operation Enduring Freedom from May 2009 to April 2010. In 2009, Afghan forces fought alongside coalition forces of Marine Expeditionary Brigade-Afghanistan in Helmand province during Operation Khanjar, striking decisively at the heart of Taliban insurgency. In February 2010, the brigade took part in reclaiming Marjah district, a strategic agricultural hub and former narco-terrorist safe haven during Operation Moshtarak. As RCT-5 Marines and sailors prepare for the end of their yearlong tour in southern Helmand, the brigade has taken the lead in counterinsurgency operations Marjah, Nawa and Garmsir districts.