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Marines

Photos

U.S. Marine Corps Forces, Europe and Africa

Stuttgart, Germany

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U.S. Marines and Sailors with 2d Reconnaissance Battalion, 2d Marine Division prepare to launch an RQ-20 Puma unmanned aircraft system from a combat rubber reconnaissance craft during Operation Baltic Sentry in Southern Finland, Feb. 28, 2025. Baltic Sentry is a NATO-led enhanced vigilance activity in the Baltic Sea. U.S. Marines are providing sUAS and other expeditionary-based capabilities aimed at safeguarding critical infrastructure in the Baltic Sea through increasing surveillance, information exchange, and maritime awareness. The Marine Corps' ability to be an expeditionary and agile force, with expertise in littoral environments, makes us a logical partner for enhanced vigilance activity. This cooperation marks the first activity between the Finnish Defense Forces and the U.S. Marine Corps since the defense cooperation agreement between the U.S. and Finland went into effect September 2024. This operation will also set conditions for European allies to bolster their NATO contributions and capabilities. The Marine Corps is committed to our long-standing collaborative relationship with Finland and NATO. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Brian Bolin Jr.)

U.S. Marines and Sailors with 2d Reconnaissance Battalion, 2d Marine Division prepare to launch an RQ-20 Puma unmanned aircraft system from a combat rubber reconnaissance craft during Operation Baltic Sentry in Southern Finland, Feb. 28, 2025. Baltic Sentry is a NATO-led enhanced vigilance activity in the Baltic Sea. U.S. Marines are providing sUAS and other expeditionary-based capabilities aimed at safeguarding critical infrastructure in the Baltic Sea through increasing surveillance, information exchange, and maritime awareness. The Marine Corps' ability to be an expeditionary and agile force, with expertise in littoral environments, makes us a logical partner for enhanced vigilance activity. This cooperation marks the first activity between the Finnish Defense Forces and the U.S. Marine Corps since the defense cooperation agreement between the U.S. and Finland went into effect September 2024. This operation will also set conditions for European allies to bolster their NATO contributions and capabilities. The Marine Corps is committed to our long-standing collaborative relationship with Finland and NATO. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Brian Bolin Jr.)

Photo by Lance Cpl. Brian Bolin Jr.

U.S. Marine Corps Maj. Gen.Daniel Shipley, left, incoming commander of U.S. Marine Corps Forces, Europe and Africa, receives the organizational colors from outgoing commander Maj. Gen. Robert B. Sofge, right, during the change of command ceremony at U.S. Army Garrison Panzer Kaserne in Böblingen, Germany, July 3, 2025. This ceremony recognizes the significance of the passage of command, honors the accomplishments of the organization under the outgoing commander, and formally appoints the incoming commander. This ceremony recognizes the significance of the passage of command, honors the accomplishments of the organization under the outgoing commander, and formally appoints the incoming commander. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Garrett Gillespie)

U.S. Marine Corps Maj. Gen.Daniel Shipley, left, incoming commander of U.S. Marine Corps Forces, Europe and Africa, receives the organizational colors from outgoing commander Maj. Gen. Robert B. Sofge, right, during the change of command ceremony at U.S. Army Garrison Panzer Kaserne in Böblingen, Germany, July 3, 2025. This ceremony recognizes the significance of the passage of command, honors the accomplishments of the organization under the outgoing commander, and formally appoints the incoming commander. This ceremony recognizes the significance of the passage of command, honors the accomplishments of the organization under the outgoing commander, and formally appoints the incoming commander. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Garrett Gillespie)

Photo by Cpl. Garrett Gillespie

U.S. Marine Corps Maj. Gen. Robert B. Sofge Jr., center, left, commander of U.S. Marine Corps Forces, Europe and Africa, and Kenya Navy Brigadier Lazarus Wafula, center, right, commander of Kenya Navy Base Manda Bay, walk in between a formation of Kenyan sailors at Manda Bay, Kenya, Feb. 5, 2025. The commanders were involved in a wreath laying ceremony honoring Kenya’s fallen service members. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Jacob Richardson)

U.S. Marine Corps Maj. Gen. Robert B. Sofge Jr., center, left, commander of U.S. Marine Corps Forces, Europe and Africa, and Kenya Navy Brigadier Lazarus Wafula, center, right, commander of Kenya Navy Base Manda Bay, walk in between a formation of Kenyan sailors at Manda Bay, Kenya, Feb. 5, 2025. The commanders were involved in a wreath laying ceremony honoring Kenya’s fallen service members. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Jacob Richardson)

Photo by Cpl. Jacob Richardson

required 250th birthday ball

required 250th birthday ball

Photo by Sgt Addysyn Tobar

U.S. Marine Corps Maj. Gen. Robert B. Sofge Jr., Commander, U.S. Marine Corps Forces Europe and Africa, speaks with Maj. Heidi Kirkemann, Army Command Denmark, during the Nordic Warfighting Symposium at the Norwegian Military Academy in Oslo, Norway, Aug. 20, 2024. This symposium provides a unique platform for networking, knowledge-sharing, and collaborative discussions that help shape the future of warfighting in the Nordic region, strengthening collaboration and fostering a lasting partnership between the V Corps and Nordic land forces. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Mary Linniman)

U.S. Marine Corps Maj. Gen. Robert B. Sofge Jr., Commander, U.S. Marine Corps Forces Europe and Africa, speaks with Maj. Heidi Kirkemann, Army Command Denmark, during the Nordic Warfighting Symposium at the Norwegian Military Academy in Oslo, Norway, Aug. 20, 2024. This symposium provides a unique platform for networking, knowledge-sharing, and collaborative discussions that help shape the future of warfighting in the Nordic region, strengthening collaboration and fostering a lasting partnership between the V Corps and Nordic land forces. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Mary Linniman)

Photo by Cpl. Mary Linniman

A French reenactor speaks to a Union II 80th Commemoration Anniversary ceremony attendee at the Memorial de la Compagnie du Lac in Les Saisies, France, July 31, 2024. Union II was a WWII operation that involved the aerial insertion of five Marines, an Army Air Corps captain, and a French resistance fighter into the German-controlled French Alps in August of 1942. Their mission was to arm and train the French Resistance to aid in the fight to liberate Europe. Their courageous efforts saved the village of Centron, and their sacrifice is remembered by the people of the region to this day. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Mary Linniman)

A French reenactor speaks to a Union II 80th Commemoration Anniversary ceremony attendee at the Memorial de la Compagnie du Lac in Les Saisies, France, July 31, 2024. Union II was a WWII operation that involved the aerial insertion of five Marines, an Army Air Corps captain, and a French resistance fighter into the German-controlled French Alps in August of 1942. Their mission was to arm and train the French Resistance to aid in the fight to liberate Europe. Their courageous efforts saved the village of Centron, and their sacrifice is remembered by the people of the region to this day. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Mary Linniman)

Photo by Cpl. Mary Linniman

U.S. Marine Corps Maj. Gen. Robert B. Sofge Jr., Commander, U.S. Marine Corps Forces Europe and Africa, speaks to Marines assigned to Alpha and Bravo Company, Marine Air Control Squadron (MACS) 2, at Camp Lemonnier, Djibouti, on May 31, 2024. MACS-2 is essential for air command and control, air traffic management, and air defense coordination, ensuring the success of Marine Air-Ground Task Force operations by maintaining air superiority and protecting ground forces in combat and support missions. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Mary Linniman)

U.S. Marine Corps Maj. Gen. Robert B. Sofge Jr., Commander, U.S. Marine Corps Forces Europe and Africa, speaks to Marines assigned to Alpha and Bravo Company, Marine Air Control Squadron (MACS) 2, at Camp Lemonnier, Djibouti, on May 31, 2024. MACS-2 is essential for air command and control, air traffic management, and air defense coordination, ensuring the success of Marine Air-Ground Task Force operations by maintaining air superiority and protecting ground forces in combat and support missions. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Mary Linniman)

Photo by Cpl. Mary Linniman

U.S. Marine Corps Gen. Eric Smith, Commandant of the Marine Corps, gives his remarks during the 2024 Belleau Wood Ceremony at the Aisne-Marne American Cemetery and Memorial, France, May 26, 2024. The memorial ceremony was held in commemoration of the 106th anniversary of the battle of Belleau Wood, conducted to honor the legacy of service members who gave their lives in defense of the United States and European allies. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Garrett Gillespie)

U.S. Marine Corps Gen. Eric Smith, Commandant of the Marine Corps, gives his remarks during the 2024 Belleau Wood Ceremony at the Aisne-Marne American Cemetery and Memorial, France, May 26, 2024. The memorial ceremony was held in commemoration of the 106th anniversary of the battle of Belleau Wood, conducted to honor the legacy of service members who gave their lives in defense of the United States and European allies. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Garrett Gillespie)

Photo by Lance Cpl. Garrett Gillespie

U.S. Marine Corps Maj. Gen. Robert B. Sofge Jr., commander of U.S. Marine Corps Forces Europe and Africa, gathers a souvenir from Devil Dog Fountain in Belleau Wood, France, May 26, 2024. The memorial ceremony was held in commemoration of the 106th anniversary of the battle of Belleau Wood, conducted to honor the legacy of service members who gave their lives in defense of the United States and European allies. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Garrett Gillespie)

U.S. Marine Corps Maj. Gen. Robert B. Sofge Jr., commander of U.S. Marine Corps Forces Europe and Africa, gathers a souvenir from Devil Dog Fountain in Belleau Wood, France, May 26, 2024. The memorial ceremony was held in commemoration of the 106th anniversary of the battle of Belleau Wood, conducted to honor the legacy of service members who gave their lives in defense of the United States and European allies. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Garrett Gillespie)

Photo by Lance Cpl. Garrett Gillespie

The 2nd Marine Division Band marches out to conclude the 2024 Belleau Wood Ceremony at the Aisne-Marne American Cemetery and Memorial, France, May 26, 2024. The memorial ceremony was held in commemoration of the 106th anniversary of the battle of Belleau Wood, conducted to honor the legacy of service members who gave their lives in defense of the United States and European allies. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Garrett Gillespie)

The 2nd Marine Division Band marches out to conclude the 2024 Belleau Wood Ceremony at the Aisne-Marne American Cemetery and Memorial, France, May 26, 2024. The memorial ceremony was held in commemoration of the 106th anniversary of the battle of Belleau Wood, conducted to honor the legacy of service members who gave their lives in defense of the United States and European allies. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Garrett Gillespie)

Photo by Lance Cpl. Garrett Gillespie

U.S. Marines with 2nd Marine Division band, perform at the La Cité de la musique et de la Danse, Soisson, France, May 25, 2024. The memorial concert was held in commemoration of the 105th anniversary of the battle of Belleau Wood, conducted to honor the legacy of service members who gave their lives in defense of the United States and European allies. (U.S. Marine Corps photos by Cpl. Addysyn Tobar)

U.S. Marines with 2nd Marine Division band, perform at the La Cité de la musique et de la Danse, Soisson, France, May 25, 2024. The memorial concert was held in commemoration of the 105th anniversary of the battle of Belleau Wood, conducted to honor the legacy of service members who gave their lives in defense of the United States and European allies. (U.S. Marine Corps photos by Cpl. Addysyn Tobar)

Photo by Cpl. Addysyn Tobar

Attendees of the African Maritime Forces Summit and Naval Infantry Leadership Symposium - Africa (AMFS/NILS-A) 2024 pose for a group photo in Accra, Ghana, on April 30, 2024. AMFS/NILS-A is a multinational, Africa-focused, strategic-level forum designed to address transnational maritime security challenges in African waters, bringing together partner nations with marine forces and naval infantry to develop interoperability, crisis response capabilities, and foster relationships that will improve Africa's maritime domain security. (U.S. Marine Corps photo illustration by Cpl. Addysyn Tobar)

Attendees of the African Maritime Forces Summit and Naval Infantry Leadership Symposium - Africa (AMFS/NILS-A) 2024 pose for a group photo in Accra, Ghana, on April 30, 2024. AMFS/NILS-A is a multinational, Africa-focused, strategic-level forum designed to address transnational maritime security challenges in African waters, bringing together partner nations with marine forces and naval infantry to develop interoperability, crisis response capabilities, and foster relationships that will improve Africa's maritime domain security. (U.S. Marine Corps photo illustration by Cpl. Addysyn Tobar)

Photo by Cpl. Addysyn Tobar

U.S. Marine Corps Maj. Gen. Robert B. Sofge Jr., commander of U.S. Marine Corps Forces Europe and Africa, hosts the MFE/A social event preceding the African Maritime Forces Summit and Naval Infantry Leadership Symposium - Africa (AMFS/NILS-A) 2024 in Accra, Ghana, on April 29, 2024. Maj. Gen. Robert B. Sofge Jr. held the social event to initiate AMFS/NILS-A, a multinational, Africa-focused, strategic-level forum designed to address transnational maritime security challenges in African waters, bringing together partner nations with marine forces and naval infantries to develop interoperability, crisis response capabilities, and foster relationships that will improve Africa's maritime domain security. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Garrett Gillespie)

U.S. Marine Corps Maj. Gen. Robert B. Sofge Jr., commander of U.S. Marine Corps Forces Europe and Africa, hosts the MFE/A social event preceding the African Maritime Forces Summit and Naval Infantry Leadership Symposium - Africa (AMFS/NILS-A) 2024 in Accra, Ghana, on April 29, 2024. Maj. Gen. Robert B. Sofge Jr. held the social event to initiate AMFS/NILS-A, a multinational, Africa-focused, strategic-level forum designed to address transnational maritime security challenges in African waters, bringing together partner nations with marine forces and naval infantries to develop interoperability, crisis response capabilities, and foster relationships that will improve Africa's maritime domain security. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Garrett Gillespie)

Photo by Lance Cpl. Garrett Gillespie

U.S. Marine Corps Maj. Gen. Robert B. Sofge Jr., commander of U.S. Marine Corps Forces Europe and Africa, speaks during a Personnel Exchange Program (PEP) conference at U.S. Army Garrison Panzer Kaserne in Boeblingen, Germany on April 16, 2024. The PEP conference, hosted by MARFOREUR/AF, served to communicate the commander's priorities for the U.S. European Command (EUCOM) area of responsibility, provide the participants opportunities to complete annual training, update medical and dental readiness, complete administrative audits and receive facilitator-led annual training. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Mary Linniman)

U.S. Marine Corps Maj. Gen. Robert B. Sofge Jr., commander of U.S. Marine Corps Forces Europe and Africa, speaks during a Personnel Exchange Program (PEP) conference at U.S. Army Garrison Panzer Kaserne in Boeblingen, Germany on April 16, 2024. The PEP conference, hosted by MARFOREUR/AF, served to communicate the commander's priorities for the U.S. European Command (EUCOM) area of responsibility, provide the participants opportunities to complete annual training, update medical and dental readiness, complete administrative audits and receive facilitator-led annual training. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Mary Linniman)

Photo by Lance Cpl. Mary Linniman

U.S. Marine Corps Warrant Officer Nathan Doggett, U.S. Marine Corps band member, conducts members of the international Nordic band element during the preparation phase of Exercise Nordic Response 24 in Alta, Norway, Mar. 9, 2024. Military band members from Norway, Sweden, Finland, and the U.S. have gathered amidst Nordic Response 24 to symbolize the growth and camaraderie of the nations. This ensemble will play in various locations around Europe during the military exercise. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Garrett Gillespie)

U.S. Marine Corps Warrant Officer Nathan Doggett, U.S. Marine Corps band member, conducts members of the international Nordic band element during the preparation phase of Exercise Nordic Response 24 in Alta, Norway, Mar. 9, 2024. Military band members from Norway, Sweden, Finland, and the U.S. have gathered amidst Nordic Response 24 to symbolize the growth and camaraderie of the nations. This ensemble will play in various locations around Europe during the military exercise. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Garrett Gillespie)

Photo by Lance Cpl. Garrett Gillespie

U.S. Marine Corps Maj. Gen. Robert B. Sofge Jr., left, commander of U.S. Marine Corps Forces Europe and Africa, attends a band practice of members of the Nordic band element during the preparation phase of Exercise Nordic Response 24 in Oslo, Norway, Mar. 6, 2024. Military band members from Norway, Sweden, Finland, and the U.S. have gathered amidst Nordic Response 24 to symbolize the growth and camaraderie of the nations. This ensemble will play in various locations around Europe during the military exercise. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Garrett Gillespie)

U.S. Marine Corps Maj. Gen. Robert B. Sofge Jr., left, commander of U.S. Marine Corps Forces Europe and Africa, attends a band practice of members of the Nordic band element during the preparation phase of Exercise Nordic Response 24 in Oslo, Norway, Mar. 6, 2024. Military band members from Norway, Sweden, Finland, and the U.S. have gathered amidst Nordic Response 24 to symbolize the growth and camaraderie of the nations. This ensemble will play in various locations around Europe during the military exercise. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Garrett Gillespie)

Photo by Lance Cpl. Garrett Gillespie

U.S. Marines, alongside NATO allies and partners, strategically advance, securing cover and providing fire support during a breaching and clearing mission in preparation for Nordic Response 24 in Setermoen, Norway, on Feb. 7, 2024. U.S. Marines, in coordination with NATO allies and partners, are gearing up for the biennial exercise Nordic Response 24. This NATO training exercise aims to enhance Arctic security, elevate global readiness, and foster interoperability among U.S. Forces, Allied, and partner forces. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance. Cpl. Christian Salazar)

U.S. Marines, alongside NATO allies and partners, strategically advance, securing cover and providing fire support during a breaching and clearing mission in preparation for Nordic Response 24 in Setermoen, Norway, on Feb. 7, 2024. U.S. Marines, in coordination with NATO allies and partners, are gearing up for the biennial exercise Nordic Response 24. This NATO training exercise aims to enhance Arctic security, elevate global readiness, and foster interoperability among U.S. Forces, Allied, and partner forces. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance. Cpl. Christian Salazar)

Photo by Lance Cpl. Christian Salazar

A collection of photos highlighting previous AMFS/NILS-A events.

A collection of photos highlighting previous AMFS/NILS-A events.

Photo by GySgt. Donato Maffin

U.S. Marine Corps Maj. Gen. Robert B. Sofge Jr., commander of U.S. Marine Corps Forces Europe and Africa, and Rear Adm. Calvin M. Foster, U.S. 6th Fleet Vice Commander, are greeted by Ghana Navy Sailors at the Navy Headquarters in Accra, Ghana on Feb. 6, 2024. During the visit Sofge spoke with key leaders of the Ghana Navy, where he addressed the importance of the U.S. Marines mission in Ghana and it's surrounding regions. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Mary Linniman)

U.S. Marine Corps Maj. Gen. Robert B. Sofge Jr., commander of U.S. Marine Corps Forces Europe and Africa, and Rear Adm. Calvin M. Foster, U.S. 6th Fleet Vice Commander, are greeted by Ghana Navy Sailors at the Navy Headquarters in Accra, Ghana on Feb. 6, 2024. During the visit Sofge spoke with key leaders of the Ghana Navy, where he addressed the importance of the U.S. Marines mission in Ghana and it's surrounding regions. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Mary Linniman)

Photo by Lance Cpl. Mary Linniman

A U.S. Marine from the 1st Battalion, 2nd Marine Regiment, 2nd Marine Division participates in an ice breaker drill for cold weather training ahead of NATO’s Exercise Nordic Response 2024 in Setermoen, Norway, on Feb. 1, 2024. The exercise aims to boost military capabilities and allied cooperation in high-intensity arctic warfare, examining areas such as command and control interoperability, combined joint operations, maritime logistics, integration with NATO forces, and response to adversaries in dynamic scenarios. The U.S. reaffirms its commitment and readiness to support Norway, allies, and partners. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Sgt. Jahnn Lugo)

A U.S. Marine from the 1st Battalion, 2nd Marine Regiment, 2nd Marine Division participates in an ice breaker drill for cold weather training ahead of NATO’s Exercise Nordic Response 2024 in Setermoen, Norway, on Feb. 1, 2024. The exercise aims to boost military capabilities and allied cooperation in high-intensity arctic warfare, examining areas such as command and control interoperability, combined joint operations, maritime logistics, integration with NATO forces, and response to adversaries in dynamic scenarios. The U.S. reaffirms its commitment and readiness to support Norway, allies, and partners. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Sgt. Jahnn Lugo)

Photo by Master Sgt. Robert Brown

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