MARINE COBRA HELICOPTER PASSES AFGHANISTAN SUNSET, 2001-12-03 (photo)

A US Marines Cobra attack helicopter flies past the setting sun on the perimeter of the Marines operational base in southern Afghanistan December 3, 2001. Cobras are used to see and attack enemy vehicles, among other things, as they are extremely fast and their pilots able to see and identify any living things at great distances. Marine pilots flying in Afghanistan can and have identified camels, people in villages and even small animals such as foxes. The Marines who have greatly expanded their military capabilities on this base are carrying out forward mobile missions. This Cobra is with the 15th MEU (Marine Expeditionary Unit). REUTERS/Jim Hollander JWH/WS