GARMSIR DISTRICT, Helmand province, Islamic Republic of Afghanistan - Steve Toth and Afghanistan National Army soldiers make their way from an overwatch position during Operation Black Dawn here, May 17. Toth, a civilian law enforcement professional with 1st Battalion 3rd Marine Regiment, shadowed 1st Squad, 1st Platoon, Bravo Company as they conducted security patrols and vehicle checks in the desert of Eastern Garmsir for 24-hours. During the operation, 1st Battalion, 3rd Marine Regiment focused on pinpointing trouble areas and narcotic smuggling lanes in Garmsir. The battalion supports Regimental Combat Team 1, under 2nd Marine Division (Forward), the Marine ground combat element in Helmand province. The mission of the division is to partner with Afghan National Security Forces and the Afghan government to conduct counterinsurgency operations to secure the Afghan people, defeat insurgent forces, and enable ANSF to assume security responsibilities in the region. Ultimately, the partnered forces promote the expansion of stability, development and legitimate governance.