U.S. Marine Corps Lance Cpl. Eladio Avelino cleans a .50-caliber machine gun at Forward Operating Base Geronimo in the Nawa district of Afghanistan's Helmand province on Aug. 12, 2009. Avelino is a motor transport operator deployed with the 1st Battalion, 5th Marine Regiment. The Marines are conducting security patrols in the area to speak with residents to identify their issues and concerns. The 1st Battalion, 5th Marine Regiment is deployed with Regimental Combat Team 3, which conducts counter insurgency operations in partnership with Afghan National Security Forces in southern Afghanistan.