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Marines leave Camp Pendleton for Afghanistan

Katy Gillen, left, and husband Marine Cpl. Jeffrey Gillen prepare to say goodbye at Camp Pendleton before deploying to Afghanistan. The couple are expecting their first child, a daughter, due in May.

Katy Gillen, left, and husband Marine Cpl. Jeffrey Gillen prepare to say goodbye at Camp Pendleton before deploying to Afghanistan. The couple are expecting their first child, a daughter, due in May.  (Christina House / For the Times)

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Under a cold, gray sky, Marines departed Camp Pendleton on Monday for Afghanistan, more than a decade after Marines from the same base surged into that country to topple the Taliban government. See full story

Embrace

Grace Santmyer, 6, embraces her father, Maj. William Santmyer, at Camp Pendleton before he deploys to Afghanistan.  (Christina House / For the Times)

Saying goodbye

Dawn Santmyer and her husband, Maj. William Santmyer, say goodbye at Camp Pendleton.  (Christina House / For the Times)

Mom says goodbye

Thelma Benasfre hugs her son Staff Sgt. Reynan Benasfre at Camp Pendleton before he deploys to Afghanistan.  (Christina House / For the Times)

Playful hug

Marine Sgt. Susan Ortiz plays with her friend’s daughter Madilynn Lara, 6, at Camp Pendleton before deploying to Afghanistan.  (Christina House / For the Times)

Loading onto buses

Marines load onto buses at Camp Pendleton as they deploy to Afghanistan.  (Christina House / For the Times)

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