PICTURE of the day: Helmand from the air

The patchwork of the green zone on the visor of a Chinook loadmaster

Coming in low and fast to Lashkar Gah

Looking north over Lashkar Gah

Flying low level at high speed over the desert

The green zone following the Helmand River

A dry Wadi

Up in the north of Helmand the green zone is starting to flower

A USMC Osprey landing at Musa Qala

A USMC Sea Stallion moment before landing

Looking south over the green zone near Musa Qala

Pictures: Maj Paul Smyth