URUZGON, Afghanistan (Dec. 30, 2008) Gen. David McKiernan, left, commander of the International Security Assistance Force, participates in a ribbon cutting ceremony for the opening of the Chutu Bridge.

The Chutu Bridge and other improvements to the region’s infrastructure will provide local villagers better access to commerce and security and will allow the Afghan Nation Security Force access to areas west of the Helmand River, denying enemy safe havens.

(U.S. Navy photo by Lt. Cmdr. John Gay/Released)