AH-1W Super Cobra helicopters sit on the flight deck of Camp Bastion, Helmand province, Islamic Republic of Afghanistan, Jan. 12. Marine Light/Attack Helicopter Squadron 269, a section of the air combat element of Special Purpose Marine Air Ground Task Force - Afghanistan, provides fire support, security and visual reconnaissance support to 3rd Battalion, 8th Marine Regiment, the ground combat element of SPMAGTF-A and other alliance forces. Marines with SPMAGTF-A protect human rights, promote shared values, and respect Afghan culture, traditions and religion, while carrying-out the mission of conducting counterinsurgency operations, and training and mentoring the Afghan national police.