An Afghan National Army soldier stands beside Cpl. Greg Deane, a team leader with Charlie Company, 1st Battalion, 2nd Marine Regiment, Regimental Combat Team 2, during a joint security patrol through the area, June 14. Despite the heat, the Devildogs and Afghan soldiers went on patrol around noon to show a combined presence in the local village. “We are just going out there to show our presence,” said Dean, a 22-year-old native of Pinellas Park, Calif. “It is hotter than hell out here, but the people will see us.” After fierce fighting in the area over the last few months, Habib has become considerably safe and Marines patrol several times a day to maintain that security. The Afghan Army, with support of the Marines, has set up several outposts within the city that will also provide security. The Marines of C Co. believe that this partnership with the ANA is the key to securing their area of operation. (Official U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Ned Johnson)