Marine Forces Europe and Africa

U.S. Army Gen. Stephen J. Townsend, U.S. Africa Command commander, meets with Marines from U.S. Marine Corps Forces, Europe and Africa at U.S. Army Garrison Panzer Kaserne in Boblingen, Germany, December 19, 2019. Gen. Townsend visited the Marines of Marine Forces Europe and Africa to conduct a command visit and tour the MFEA spaces. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Menelik Collins)

A U.S. Air Force airman with 496th Tactical Fighter Squadron, and a U.S. Marine with Special Purpose Marine Air-Ground Task Force-Crisis Response-Africa 20.1, Marine Forces Europe and Africa, serves Christmas food to fellow Marines and Sailors at Morón Air Base, Spain, Dec. 25, 2019. SPMAGTF-CR-AF is deployed to conduct crisis-response and theater-security operations in Africa and promote regional stability by conducting military-to-military training exercises throughout Europe and Africa. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by 2nd Lt. Andrew Soto)

U.S. Marines with Marine Rotational Force-Europe 20.1, Marine Forces Europe and Africa, receive a safety brief during a level-one oleoresin capsicum spray class in Setermoen, Norway, Dec. 18, 2019. During the training, Marines are exposed to OC spray and then conduct law enforcement scenarios and practice the lawful use of force. MRF-E focuses on regional engagements throughout Europe by conducting various exercises, arctic cold-weather and mountain-warfare training, and military-to-military engagements, which enhance overall interoperability of the U.S. Marine Corps with allies and partners. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Sgt. Justin X. Toledo)

U.S. Marines with Special Purpose Marine Air-Ground Task Force-Crisis Response-Africa 20.1, Marine Forces Europe and Africa, and Belgian Army soldiers with the Special Operations Regiment withdraw from the beach during an amphibious landing demonstration during the closing ceremonies for Exercise Tropical Storm in Akanda, Gabon, Dec. 15, 2019. SPMAGTF-CR-AF is deployed to conduct crisis-response and theater-security operations in Africa and promote regional stability by conducting military-to-military training exercises throughout Europe and Africa. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by 2nd Lt. Andrew Soto)

A U.S. Marine with Marine Rotational Force-Europe 20.1, Marine Forces Europe and Africa, prepares to mount a horse while visiting a Norwegian family for Host-A-Marine, in Setermoen, Norway, Dec. 27, 2019. This program gave Marines the opportunity to conduct cultural exchanges and foster lasting professional relationships with Norwegians during the holiday season. MRF-E focuses on regional engagements throughout Europe by conducting various exercises, arctic cold-weather and mountain-warfare training, and military-to-military engagements, which enhance overall interoperability of the U.S. Marine Corps with allies and partners. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Nathaniel Q. Hamilton)

U.S. Marines with Special Purpose Marine Air-Ground Task Force - Crisis Response - Africa 20.1, Marine Forces Europe and Africa, practice sword manual as they attend Corporal’s Course in Sigonella, Italy, Dec. 30, 2019. SPMAGTF-CR-AF is deployed to conduct crisis-response and theater-security operations in Africa and promote regional stability by conducting military-to-military training exercises throughout Europe and Africa. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by 2nd Lt. Grace Jenkins)

U.S. Marines with Special Purpose Marine Air-Ground Task Force - Crisis Response - Africa 20.1, Marine Forces Europe and Africa, participate in a canine tracking exercise in Sigonella, Italy, Dec. 30, 2019. SPMAGTF-CR-AF is deployed to conduct crisis-response and theater-security operations in Africa and promote regional stability by conducting military-to-military training exercises throughout Europe and Africa. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by 2nd Lt. Grace Jenkins)

U.S. Marines with Marine Rotational Force-Europe 20.1, Marine Forces Europe and Africa, maneuver across a field during a 4k hike in Setermoen, Norway, Dec. 27, 2019. Snow shoes were utilized throughout the entire duration of the 4k hike to sustain over-the-snow mobility. MRF-E focuses on regional engagements throughout Europe by conducting various exercises, arctic cold-weather and mountain-warfare training, and military-to-military engagements, which enhance overall interoperability of the U.S. Marine Corps with allies and partners. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Sgt. Justin X. Toledo)

U.S. Marines with Marine Rotational Force-Europe 20.1, Marine Forces Europe and Africa, pose for a picture with a local Bardu soccer team during the Juleturneringa in Setermoen, Norway, Dec. 28, 2019. An invitation to an annual Christmas tournament exclusive to former and present Bardu soccer players was extended to Marines to provide them an opportunity to engage in local culture. MRF-E focuses on regional engagements throughout Europe by conducting various exercises, arctic cold-weather and mountain-warfare training, and military-to-military engagements, which enhance overall interoperability of the U.S. Marine Corps with allies and partners. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Sgt. Justin X. Toledo)

A U.S. Marine with Special Purpose Marine Air-Ground Task Force-Crisis Response-Africa 20.1, Marine Forces Europe and Africa, walks across on top of an MV-22 Osprey at Morón Air Base, Spain, Dec. 30, 2019. SPMAGTF-CR-AF is deployed to conduct crisis-response and theater-security operations in Africa and promote regional stability by conducting military-to-military training exercises throughout Europe and Africa. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Kenny Gomez)