Stories

NA - U.S. Marine Corps Maj. Gen. Daniel Shipley, commander of U.S. Marine Corps Forces, Europe and Africa, left, gives a gift to Senegal Navy Adm. Abdou Sene, right, in Rabat, Morocco, July 21, 2026. Shipley and Sene met during African Maritime Forces Summit 2026 to build their relationship and discuss the complexities of maritime security. Co-hosted by the Royal Moroccan Armed Forces, U.S. Naval Forces Africa, and U.S. Marine Corps Forces, Europe and Africa, AMFS 2026 brings together international partners to address shared security challenges under the theme "Innovation and Partnership to Strengthen Maritime Security." (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Garrett Gillespie)

NA - U.S. Marine Corps Maj. Gen. Daniel Shipley, commander of U.S. Marine Corps Forces, Europe and Africa, left, receives a gift from Ghana Navy Commodore Samuel Ayelazono, right, in Rabat, Morocco, July 19, 2026. Shipley and Ayelazono met during African Maritime Forces Summit 2026 to build their relationship and discuss the complexities of maritime security. Co-hosted by the Royal Moroccan Armed Forces, U.S. Naval Forces Africa, and U.S. Marine Corps Forces, Europe and Africa, AMFS 2026 brings together international partners to address shared security challenges under the theme "Innovation and Partnership to Strengthen Maritime Security." (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Garrett Gillespie)

NA - U.S. Marine Corps Maj. Gen. Daniel Shipley, commander of U.S. Marine Corps Forces, Europe and Africa, left, speaks with Royal Moroccan Navy Inspector, Rear Adm. Mohamed Tahin, right, in Rabat, Morocco, July 20, 2026. Shipley and Tahin took time during African Maritime Forces Summit 2026 to discuss maritime security. Co-hosted by the Royal Moroccan Armed Forces, U.S. Naval Forces Africa, and U.S. Marine Corps Forces, Europe and Africa, AMFS 2026 brings together international partners to address shared security challenges under the theme "Innovation and Partnership to Strengthen Maritime Security." (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Garrett Gillespie)

NA - A photo illustration created using Adobe Photoshop represents maritime leaders discussing innovation and security during the African Maritime Forces Summit 2026 in Rabat, Morocco, July 18, 2026. Co-hosted by the Kingdom of Morocco, U.S. Naval Forces Africa, and U.S. Marine Corps Forces, Europe and Africa, AMFS 2026 brings together international partners to address shared security challenges under the theme "Innovation and Partnership to Strengthen Maritime Security." (U.S. Marine Corps graphic by Sgt. Noah Masog)

Medium tactical vehicle replacements and joint light tactical vehicles are staged for a long-range convoy during exercise Aurora 26 in Sweden, April 25, 2026. The long-range convoy from Værnes, Norway, to Sundsvall, Sweden, showcased CLB-24's unit readiness and interoperability with NATO Allies and partners. U.S. Marines and Sailors with 2nd MLG are participating in exercise Aurora as part of the larger U.S. Army-led Sword 26 series of linked multinational exercises, which directly supports NATO's Eastern Flank Deterrence Initiative concept, validates defense plans, builds a unified lethal force, and strengthens deterrence. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Brady Hathaway) - Medium tactical vehicle replacements and joint light tactical vehicles are staged for a long-range convoy during exercise Aurora 26 in Sweden, April 25, 2026. The long-range convoy from Værnes, Norway, to Sundsvall, Sweden, showcased CLB-24's unit readiness and interoperability with NATO Allies and partners. U.S. Marines and Sailors with 2nd MLG are participating in exercise Aurora as part of the larger U.S. Army-led Sword 26 series of linked multinational exercises, which directly supports NATO's Eastern Flank Deterrence Initiative concept, validates defense plans, builds a unified lethal force, and strengthens deterrence. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Brady Hathaway)

U.S. Marine Corps Cpl. Keng Lee, from Wisconsin, a powerline mechanic with Marine Fighter Attack Squadron (VMFA) 224, Marine Aircraft Group 31, 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing, salutes Maj. Danny Sorrells, from Georgia, an F-35B Lightning II pilot with VMFA-224, during exercise Ramstein Flag 2026 in Tervo, Finland, June 10, 2026. The F-35 serves as a versatile asset in support of expeditionary and rapid deployment operations, displaying U.S. capabilities alongside NATO allies throughout RAFL26. RAFL26 is NATO’s premier multi-domain tactical exercise involving 19 nations and over 15 operational locations. The exercise provides realistic combat scenarios in complex environments and is designed to enhance the Alliance’s deterrence and collective defense. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Mya Seymour) - U.S. Marine Corps Cpl. Keng Lee, from Wisconsin, a powerline mechanic with Marine Fighter Attack Squadron (VMFA) 224, Marine Aircraft Group 31, 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing, salutes Maj. Danny Sorrells, from Georgia, an F-35B Lightning II pilot with VMFA-224, during exercise Ramstein Flag 2026 in Tervo, Finland, June 10, 2026. The F-35 serves as a versatile asset in support of expeditionary and rapid deployment operations, displaying U.S. capabilities alongside NATO allies throughout RAFL26. RAFL26 is NATO’s premier multi-domain tactical exercise involving 19 nations and over 15 operational locations. The exercise provides realistic combat scenarios in complex environments and is designed to enhance the Alliance’s deterrence and collective defense. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Mya Seymour)

U.S. Marine Corps Capt. Jonathon Scott, right, a company commander with 2nd Battalion, 6th Marine Regiment, 2nd Marine Division, and Swedish army 1st Lt. Eric Haslum, a staff officer with Göta Engineering Regiment, review a map in Rovaniemi, Finland, March 12, 2026. Marines participated in the force-on-force portion of exercise Cold Response 26 alongside Swedish soldiers with Skaraborg Regiment to improve combat readiness and lethality against a free-thinking adversary in an unscripted, realistic environment. A key component of NATO's enhanced vigilance activity Arctic Sentry, exercise Cold Response 26 is a Norwegian-led winter military exercise designed to enhance collective defense capabilities and ensure U.S. readiness to rapidly deploy and seamlessly operate alongside NATO Allies in challenging arctic conditions. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Staff Sgt. Armando Elizalde) - U.S. Marine Corps Capt. Jonathon Scott, right, a company commander with 2nd Battalion, 6th Marine Regiment, 2nd Marine Division, and Swedish army 1st Lt. Eric Haslum, a staff officer with Göta Engineering Regiment, review a map in Rovaniemi, Finland, March 12, 2026. Marines participated in the force-on-force portion of exercise Cold Response 26 alongside Swedish soldiers with Skaraborg Regiment to improve combat readiness and lethality against a free-thinking adversary in an unscripted, realistic environment. A key component of NATO's enhanced vigilance activity Arctic Sentry, exercise Cold Response 26 is a Norwegian-led winter military exercise designed to enhance collective defense capabilities and ensure U.S. readiness to rapidly deploy and seamlessly operate alongside NATO Allies in challenging arctic conditions. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Staff Sgt. Armando Elizalde)

Setermoen - A U.S. Marine with 2d Battalion, 8th Marines, 2d Marine Division holds security with a Browning M2 .50 Caliber Heavy Machine Gun in a defensive position during Exercise Joint Viking 25 in Norway, March 6, 2025. U.S. Marines are in Norway as part of exercise Joint Viking 25, a Norwegian military exercise focusing on arctic cold-weather training and military-to-military engagements. The exercise demonstrates the Marine Corps' unique ability to rapidly deploy during a crisis and aims to enhance interoperability between the U.S. Marine Corps and NATO allies and partners. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Alexander Peterson)

U.S. Marines with 2nd Battalion, 6th Marine Regiment, 2nd Marine Division, board a C-130 aircraft with the German-French Binational Air Transport Squadron (BATS) at Bardufoss Airport, Norway, March 11, 2026. The participation of the German-French BATS highlighted the importance of allied integration and showcased the rapid deployment capabilities of combined NATO forces. A key component of NATO's enhanced vigilance activity Arctic Sentry, exercise Cold Response 26 is a Norwegian-led winter military exercise designed to enhance collective defense capabilities and ensure U.S. readiness to rapidly deploy and seamlessly operate alongside NATO Allies in challenging arctic conditions. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Mya Seymour) - U.S. Marines with 2nd Battalion, 6th Marine Regiment, 2nd Marine Division, board a C-130 aircraft with the German-French Binational Air Transport Squadron (BATS) at Bardufoss Airport, Norway, March 11, 2026. The participation of the German-French BATS highlighted the importance of allied integration and showcased the rapid deployment capabilities of combined NATO forces. A key component of NATO's enhanced vigilance activity Arctic Sentry, exercise Cold Response 26 is a Norwegian-led winter military exercise designed to enhance collective defense capabilities and ensure U.S. readiness to rapidly deploy and seamlessly operate alongside NATO Allies in challenging arctic conditions. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Mya Seymour)

Service photos of U.S. Marine Corps 2nd Lt. David Cason, left, a supply officer with Headquarters and Service Battalion, 2nd Marine Logistics Group, and his grandfather, U.S. Eighth Air Force Maj. Velton Cason, a B-24 Liberator and B-17 Flying Fortress bombardier-navigator. (U.S. Marine Corps photo illustration by Sgt. Rafael Brambila-Pelayo) - Service photos of U.S. Marine Corps 2nd Lt. David Cason, left, a supply officer with Headquarters and Service Battalion, 2nd Marine Logistics Group, and his grandfather, U.S. Eighth Air Force Maj. Velton Cason, a B-24 Liberator and B-17 Flying Fortress bombardier-navigator. (U.S. Marine Corps photo illustration by Sgt. Rafael Brambila-Pelayo)

U.S. Navy Hospital Corpsman 3rd Class Nicky Fred Gikoro, with 2nd Battalion, 6th Marine Regiment, 2nd Marine Division, records patient data on a Battlefield Assisted Trauma Distributed Observation Kit-Joint during a Marine Corps Warfighting Laboratory-led mass casualty drill as part of exercise Cold Response 26 in Setermoen, Norway, March 11, 2026. The training allowed corpsmen to test new equipment designed to enhance patient data collection and improve medical evacuation networks in austere environments. A key component of NATO's enhanced vigilance activity Arctic Sentry, exercise Cold Response 26 is a Norwegian-led winter military exercise designed to enhance collective defense capabilities and ensure U.S. readiness to rapidly deploy and seamlessly operate alongside NATO Allies in challenging arctic conditions. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Michael Bartman) - U.S. Navy Hospital Corpsman 3rd Class Nicky Fred Gikoro, with 2nd Battalion, 6th Marine Regiment, 2nd Marine Division, records patient data on a Battlefield Assisted Trauma Distributed Observation Kit-Joint during a Marine Corps Warfighting Laboratory-led mass casualty drill as part of exercise Cold Response 26 in Setermoen, Norway, March 11, 2026. The training allowed corpsmen to test new equipment designed to enhance patient data collection and improve medical evacuation networks in austere environments. A key component of NATO's enhanced vigilance activity Arctic Sentry, exercise Cold Response 26 is a Norwegian-led winter military exercise designed to enhance collective defense capabilities and ensure U.S. readiness to rapidly deploy and seamlessly operate alongside NATO Allies in challenging arctic conditions. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Michael Bartman)

Norwegian Armed Forces personnel, U.S. Marines, and Sailors with the exercise Cold Response 26 Combined Joint Logistics Support Group pose for a group photo after a transfer of authority ceremony at Kjeller Air Base, Norway, Feb. 27, 2026. A key component of NATO's enhanced vigilance activity Arctic Sentry, exercise Cold Response 26 is a Norwegian-led winter military exercise designed to enhance collective defense capabilities and ensure U.S. readiness to rapidly deploy and seamlessly operate alongside NATO Allies in challenging arctic conditions. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Sgt. Rafael Brambila-Pelayo) - Norwegian Armed Forces personnel, U.S. Marines, and Sailors with the exercise Cold Response 26 Combined Joint Logistics Support Group pose for a group photo after a transfer of authority ceremony at Kjeller Air Base, Norway, Feb. 27, 2026. A key component of NATO's enhanced vigilance activity Arctic Sentry, exercise Cold Response 26 is a Norwegian-led winter military exercise designed to enhance collective defense capabilities and ensure U.S. readiness to rapidly deploy and seamlessly operate alongside NATO Allies in challenging arctic conditions. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Sgt. Rafael Brambila-Pelayo)

Norwegian army Chief of Defence Gen. Eirik Kristoffersen, left, gives a challenge coin to U.S. Marine Corps Lt. Col. Sean Day, the deputy chief of staff for the Combined Joint Logistics Support Group during a tour of the CJLSG prior to exercise Cold Response 26 in Kjeller, Norway, Feb. 23, 2026. A key component of NATO's enhanced vigilance activity Arctic Sentry, exercise Cold Response 26 is a Norwegian-led winter military exercise designed to enhance collective defense capabilities and ensure U.S. readiness to rapidly deploy and seamlessly operate alongside NATO Allies in challenging arctic conditions. (U.S. Marine Corps Photo by Sgt. Rafael Brambila-Pelayo) - Norwegian army Chief of Defence Gen. Eirik Kristoffersen, left, gives a challenge coin to U.S. Marine Corps Lt. Col. Sean Day, the deputy chief of staff for the Combined Joint Logistics Support Group during a tour of the CJLSG prior to exercise Cold Response 26 in Kjeller, Norway, Feb. 23, 2026. A key component of NATO's enhanced vigilance activity Arctic Sentry, exercise Cold Response 26 is a Norwegian-led winter military exercise designed to enhance collective defense capabilities and ensure U.S. readiness to rapidly deploy and seamlessly operate alongside NATO Allies in challenging arctic conditions. (U.S. Marine Corps Photo by Sgt. Rafael Brambila-Pelayo)

U.S. Marine Corps tactical vehicles are staged in preparation for exercise Cold Response 26 in Tromsdalen, Norway, Jan. 22, 2026. The Marine Corps Pre-positioning Program-Norway, managed by Blount Island Command, enables the rapid outfitting of a deployed Marine Air-Ground Task Force by storing ready-to-use equipment in climate-controlled caves. Exercise Cold Response 26 is a Norwegian-led winter military exercise designed to enhance collective defense capabilities and ensure U.S. readiness to rapidly deploy and seamlessly operate alongside NATO Allies in challenging arctic conditions. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Franco Lewis) - U.S. Marine Corps tactical vehicles are staged in preparation for exercise Cold Response 26 in Tromsdalen, Norway, Jan. 22, 2026. The Marine Corps Pre-positioning Program-Norway, managed by Blount Island Command, enables the rapid outfitting of a deployed Marine Air-Ground Task Force by storing ready-to-use equipment in climate-controlled caves. Exercise Cold Response 26 is a Norwegian-led winter military exercise designed to enhance collective defense capabilities and ensure U.S. readiness to rapidly deploy and seamlessly operate alongside NATO Allies in challenging arctic conditions. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Franco Lewis)

U.S. Marine Corps Isiah Alvarez, a transmissions systems operator with Combat Logistics Battalion 6, Combat Logistics Regiment 2, 2nd Marine Logistics Group, sets up a field expedient antenna underneath a road sign in Kamijarvi, Finland, March 16, 2026.  During exercise Cold Response 26, CLB-6 provided combat service support to 2nd Battalion, 6th Marine Regiment, 2nd Marine Division, including logistical resupplies and motorized heavy weapon support. This event marks one of the first times U.S. Marines have conducted this type of integrated infantry training with their Finnish counterparts since Finland joined the NATO Alliance. A key component of NATO's enhanced vigilance activity Arctic Sentry, exercise Cold Response 26 is a Norwegian-led winter military exercise designed to enhance collective defense capabilities and ensure U.S. readiness to rapidly deploy and seamlessly operate alongside NATO Allies in challenging arctic conditions. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Apollo Wilson) - U.S. Marine Corps Isiah Alvarez, a transmissions systems operator with Combat Logistics Battalion 6, Combat Logistics Regiment 2, 2nd Marine Logistics Group, sets up a field expedient antenna underneath a road sign in Kamijarvi, Finland, March 16, 2026.  During exercise Cold Response 26, CLB-6 provided combat service support to 2nd Battalion, 6th Marine Regiment, 2nd Marine Division, including logistical resupplies and motorized heavy weapon support. This event marks one of the first times U.S. Marines have conducted this type of integrated infantry training with their Finnish counterparts since Finland joined the NATO Alliance. A key component of NATO's enhanced vigilance activity Arctic Sentry, exercise Cold Response 26 is a Norwegian-led winter military exercise designed to enhance collective defense capabilities and ensure U.S. readiness to rapidly deploy and seamlessly operate alongside NATO Allies in challenging arctic conditions. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Apollo Wilson)

From left to right, Kenya Navy Lt. Col. Justus Keter, special operations commander of the Kenya Navy, Kenya Navy Brig. Gen. John Sankale Kiswaa, deputy commander of the Kenya Navy, U.S. Marine Corps Maj. Gen. Robert B. Sofge Jr., commander, U.S. Marine Corps Forces Europe and Africa, and U.S. Navy Rear Adm. Michael S. Mattis, commander, Command Task Force 66, pose for a photo during a bilateral engagement in Pointe aux Piments, Mauritius, June 26, 2025. African Maritime Forces Summit is a summit that seeks to bring together senior leaders from African maritime forces, naval infantries, and militaries, alongside international partners, to address critical maritime security challenges facing the African continent. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Sgt. Addysyn Tobar) - From left to right, Kenya Navy Lt. Col. Justus Keter, special operations commander of the Kenya Navy, Kenya Navy Brig. Gen. John Sankale Kiswaa, deputy commander of the Kenya Navy, U.S. Marine Corps Maj. Gen. Robert B. Sofge Jr., commander, U.S. Marine Corps Forces Europe and Africa, and U.S. Navy Rear Adm. Michael S. Mattis, commander, Command Task Force 66, pose for a photo during a bilateral engagement in Pointe aux Piments, Mauritius, June 26, 2025. African Maritime Forces Summit is a summit that seeks to bring together senior leaders from African maritime forces, naval infantries, and militaries, alongside international partners, to address critical maritime security challenges facing the African continent. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Sgt. Addysyn Tobar)

U.S. Marines with Jaeger (Hunter) concept platoon, 3rd Battalion, 6th Marine Regiment, 2nd Marine Division, hike to a hide site position prior to Exercise Cold Response 22 in Setermoen, Norway, March 3, 2022. - U.S. Marines with Jaeger (Hunter) concept platoon, 3rd Battalion, 6th Marine Regiment, 2nd Marine Division, hike to a hide site position prior to Exercise Cold Response 22 in Setermoen, Norway, March 3, 2022. Exercise Cold Response 22 is a biennial Norwegian national readiness and defense exercise that takes place across Norway, with participation from each of its military services, including 26 North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) allied nations and regional partners. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Sgt. William Chockey)

U.S. Marines with the Battalion Landing Team 1/6, 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit (Special Operations Capable) (MEU(SOC)) Bravo Command Element, and Italian Marines San Marco Brigade, participate in an integrated live-fire range as part of a Norwegian Bilateral Exercise in Setermoen, Norway, Aug. 9, 2023. The San Antonio-class amphibious transport dock ship USS Mesa Verde (LPD 19), assigned to the Bataan Amphibious Ready Group and embarked 26th MEU(SOC), under the command and control of Task Force 61/2, is on a scheduled deployment in the U.S. Naval Forces Europe area of operations, employed by U.S. Sixth Fleet to defend U.S., allied and partner interests. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Michele Clarke) - U.S. Marines with the Battalion Landing Team 1/6, 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit (Special Operations Capable) (MEU(SOC)) Bravo Command Element, and Italian Marines San Marco Brigade, participate in an integrated live-fire range as part of a Norwegian Bilateral Exercise in Setermoen, Norway, Aug. 9, 2023. The San Antonio-class amphibious transport dock ship USS Mesa Verde (LPD 19), assigned to the Bataan Amphibious Ready Group and embarked 26th MEU(SOC), under the command and control of Task Force 61/2, is on a scheduled deployment in the U.S. Naval Forces Europe area of operations, employed by U.S. Sixth Fleet to defend U.S., allied and partner interests. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Michele Clarke)

A U.S. Marine assigned to the San Antonio class amphibious transport docking ship USS Mesa Verde (LPD 19) guides a light armored vehicle belonging to the 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit (Special Operations Capable) onto an LCAC on the Atlantic Ocean, July 25, 2023. The USS Mesa Verde (LPD-19), assigned to the Bataan Amphibious Ready Group and embarked 26th MEU(SOC) under the command and control of Task Force 61/2, is on a scheduled deployment in the U.S. Naval Forces Europe area of operations, employed by U.S. Sixth Fleet to defend U.S., allied and partner interests. - A U.S. Marine assigned to the San Antonio class amphibious transport docking ship USS Mesa Verde (LPD 19) guides a light armored vehicle belonging to the 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit (Special Operations Capable) onto an LCAC on the Atlantic Ocean, July 25, 2023. The USS Mesa Verde (LPD-19), assigned to the Bataan Amphibious Ready Group and embarked 26th MEU(SOC) under the command and control of Task Force 61/2, is on a scheduled deployment in the U.S. Naval Forces Europe area of operations, employed by U.S. Sixth Fleet to defend U.S., allied and partner interests.

Marines learn basic coxswain skills during excercise Baltic Operations 2023 (BALTOPS 23) in the Baltic Sea. - U.S. Marine Corps 1st Lt. Jacob Fretto, a platoon commander with Golf Company, 2d Battalion, 6th Marine Regiment, 2d Marine Division, learns basic coxswain skills during exercise Baltic Operations 2023 (BALTOPS 23) in the Baltic Sea, June 8, 2023. BALTOPS 23 is the premier maritime-focused exercise in the Baltic region. The exercise led by U.S. Naval Forces Europe-Africa and executed by Naval Striking and Support Forces NATO provides a unique training opportunity to strengthen the combined response capability critical to preserving the freedom of navigation and security in the Baltic Sea. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Ryan Ramsammy)

U.S. Marines with Combat Logistics Battalion 2, Combat Logistics Regiment 2, 2nd Marine Logistics Group, conduct a 5-kilometer hike during Marine Rotational Force- Europe 23.1 in Setermoen, Norway, Jan. 29, 2023. MRF-E 23.1 focuses on regional engagements throughout Europe by conducting various exercises, mountain-warfare training, and military-to-military engagements, which enhances the overall interoperability of the U.S. Marine Corps with allies and partners. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Sgt. Christian M. Garcia) - U.S. Marines with Combat Logistics Battalion 2, Combat Logistics Regiment 2, 2nd Marine Logistics Group, conduct a 5-kilometer hike during Marine Rotational Force- Europe 23.1 in Setermoen, Norway, Jan. 29, 2023. MRF-E 23.1 focuses on regional engagements throughout Europe by conducting various exercises, mountain-warfare training, and military-to-military engagements, which enhances the overall interoperability of the U.S. Marine Corps with allies and partners. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Sgt. Christian M. Garcia)