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Marines

Stories

U.S. Marine Corps Forces, Europe and Africa

Stuttgart, Germany

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 Embark HMS Albion for Exercise BALTOPS 23

U.S. Marines from Golf Company embarked aboard the British Royal Navy’s amphibious assault ship HMS Albion (L14) as part of exercise Baltic Operations 2023 (BALTOPS 23) in Tallinn, Estonia, on June 1 to work alongside Royal Marines throughout the two-week exercise. During their first week aboard HMS Albion, the U.S. Marines began a series of familiarization classes and drills under the guidance of X-Ray Company, 45 Commando Royal Marines.

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)

U.S. Marines deploy for months-long training during Marine Rotational Force-Europe

U.S. Marines from II Marine Expeditionary Force (II MEF), Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, have deployed to Europe as part of Marine Rotational Force-Europe. From January to September 2023, more than 1,300 Marines from II MEF and subordinate units are set to deploy throughout the European theater, training in more than 15 countries and supporting a variety of joint, multinational exercises.

Lt. Col. Romeo P. Cubas, branch head of Africa reginal plans, facilitates the Naval Infantry Leaders Symposium- Africa (NILS-A) virtual conference with Maj. Gen. Tracy W. King and other maritime planners. - Lt. Col. Romeo P. Cubas, branch head of Africa reginal plans, facilitates the Naval Infantry Leaders Symposium- Africa (NILS-A) virtual conference with Maj. Gen. Tracy W. King and other maritime planners at U.S. Army Garrison Panzer Kaserne, near Stuttgart, Germany, July 15, 2021.

U.S. Marines, European, African Senior Military Leaders Attend Inaugural Naval Infantry Leaders Symposium-Africa

U.S. Marine, European and African Naval infantry senior leaders met today through a video conference call to discuss collaborative opportunities. During the meeting, U.S. Marine Corps Forces Europe and Africa commander, Maj. Gen. Tracy W. King, and Senegalese Naval Chief of Staff, Rear Adm. Oumar Wade, hosted multiple virtual planning discussions to organize future exercises and endeavors between these nations.

Georgian Independence Day - U.S. Marines and Army Soldiers stand at attention during a Georgian Independence Day ceremony at Freedom Square in Tbilisi, Georgia, on May 26, 2021. On this day, Georgia celebrates the adoption of the Act of Independence, which established the Democratic Republic of Georgia in 1918. This is also the country’s 30th year as a free and independent nation since its separation from the former Soviet Union. Marines from the 13th rotation of the Georgia Deployment Program-Resolute Support Mission, Georgia Training Team, and Soldiers from the 2nd Battalion, 5th Calvary Regiment, 1st Calvary Division were the only foreign servicemembers invited to participate together with the troops of the Georgian Defence Forces during the celebration. These Marines represent the final GDP rotation to Georgia before the mission is sunset in the fall of this year due to the decision for U.S. troops to leave Afghanistan. For the past 17 years, U.S. Marines and Georgian troops have trained and deployed together, even fighting side-by-side, in support of various missions in the Middle East. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Sgt. Kirstin Spanu)

U.S. Marines, Army Join Georgian partners in Independence Day Ceremony

Georgian Defence Forces invited U.S. Marines and Soldiers to participate alongside them in the country’s Independence Day celebration at Freedom Square on May 26, 2021.

U.S. Marines with Marine Rotational Force Europe 21.1 (MRF-E), Marine Forces Europe and Africa, fire down range during a company live-fire attack as part of Exercise Arctic Littoral Strike in Blåtind, Norway, March 30, 2021 - U.S. Marines with Marine Rotational Force Europe 21.1 (MRF-E), Marine Forces Europe and Africa, fire down range during a company live-fire attack as part of Exercise Arctic Littoral Strike in Blåtind, Norway, March 30, 2021. Exercise Arctic Littoral Strike improved MRF-E’s ability to confront the challenges of anti-access, area denial capabilities posed by a notional peer adversary in a contested littoral environment. MRF-E demonstrated the ability to support joint fleet operations by providing over watch to a Norwegian submarine and destroying a notional adversary integrated air defense system. 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 Cpl. Patrick King)

Arctic Littoral Strike: Marines, Norwegian Military Conduct Exercise in Northern Norway

U.S. Marines and Sailors with Marine Rotational Force-Europe 21.1 (MRF-E) enhanced their warfighting ability above the Arctic Circle during exercise Arctic Littoral Strike in Northern Norway from March 11-31, 2021.

U.S. Marines Complete Norway Deployment for Arctic Warfare Training - U.S. Marines with Marine Rotational Force-Europe 21.1, Marine Forces Europe and Africa, hike through snow during a cold weather live-fire training event in preparation for Exercise Reindeer II in Setermoen, Norway, Nov. 20, 2020. Reindeer II is a bilateral training exercise hosted by the Norwegian military to increase support capabilities between NATO allies in extreme conditions. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. William Chockey)

U.S. Marines Complete Norway Deployment for Arctic Warfare Training

U.S. Marines and Sailors from Marine Rotational Force-Europe completed their intensive arctic training Sunday, marking the end of a six-week deployment to Setermoen, Norway, and have returned to their home station, Camp Lejeune, N.C.

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New Leadership Takes Charge at Marine Corps Forces Europe and Africa

PANZER KASERNE, Boeblingen, Germany (July8, 2020) – Marines, Sailors and civilians from U.S. Marine Corps Forces Europe and Africa took part in a socially distanced change of command ceremony, as well as a post-and-relief ceremony, today to mark the appointment of their new commander and sergeant major.

review documents during turnover of the forward resuscitative surgical system in Sigonella, Italy - U.S. Navy Sailors with Special Purpose Marine Air-Ground Task Force - Crisis Response - Africa 20.1 and 20.2, Marine Forces Europe and Africa, review documents during turnover of the forward resuscitative surgical system in Sigonella, Italy, May 28, 2020. 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. Nello Miele)

New Marine Crisis Response Force Takes the Reins

U.S. Marines and Sailors participated in a socially distanced transfer of authority yesterday, marking the passing of the torch from the outgoing Special Purpose Marine Air-Ground Task Force-Crisis Response-Africa to the new contingent.

U.S. Marines and Norwegian Soldiers stand at attention - U.S. Marines and Norwegian Soldiers stand at attention for the playing of Anchors Aweigh during the Marine Rotational Force – Europe 20.1 and 20.2 Transfer of Authority ceremony in Setermoen, Norway, May 27, 2020. MRF-E conducts various exercises, including arctic cold-weather and mountain-warfare training, as well as military-to-military engagements throughout Europe that enhance cooperation among partners and allies. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Sgt. Abrey Liggins)

MARINE ROTATIONAL FORCE - EUROPE TRANSFER OF AUTHORITY

Marine Rotational Force-Europe held a transfer of authority ceremony, here, on May 27, 2020. The ceremony signified 3rd Battalion, 2nd Marine Regiment assuming authority of Marine Rotational Force-Europe from 2nd Battalion, 6th Marine Regiment.

Logistics movement - Equipment from the Tromsdal, Frigaard, and Bjugn caves wait to be loaded onto a Britannia Seaways shipping vessel at Orkanger Port, Feb. 17, 2020. MCPP-N gear was transported from Orkanger Port to Bogen Port in preparation for Exercise Cold Response. Cold Response is a Norwegian-led exercise designed to enhance military capabilities and allied cooperation in high-intensity warfighting in a challenging arctic environment. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Sgt. Devin J. Andrews)

Logistics across Norway for Cold Response

Cold Response 20 is a Norwegian national defense exercise in conjunction with its NATO allies and partners taking place in an area stretching from the town of Narvik to Finnmark district in northern Norway. “Norway offers a unique arctic environment that’s very challenging and provides a great opportunity to improve our ability to operate in an

U.S. Marines with Special Purpose Marine Air-Ground Task Force-Crisis Response-Africa 19.2, Marine Forces Europe and Africa, introduce themselves to children at Parrocchia Di San Giuseppe in Mascali, Italy, July 3, 2019. - U.S. Marines with Special Purpose Marine Air-Ground Task Force-Crisis Response-Africa 19.2, Marine Forces Europe and Africa, introduce themselves to children at Parrocchia Di San Giuseppe in Mascali, Italy, July 3, 2019. Marines with SPMAGTF-CR-AF 19.2 volunteered to give a nutrition class and fitness instruction to children attending summer camp at the San Giuseppe parish in Sicily. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Staff Sgt. Mark E. Morrow Jr.)

SPMAGTF-CR-AF 19.2 supports an English summer camp

U.S. Marines with Special Purpose Marine Air-Ground Task Force-Crisis Response-Africa 19.2, Marine Forces Europe and Africa, participated in a community relations event with students from La Inmaculada charter school on Moron Air Base, Spain, July 2, 2019.

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New Commander Takes the Reins at U.S. Marine Corps Forces, Europe and Africa

BOEBLINGEN, Germany - Marines, Sailors, and civilians from U.S. Marine Corps Forces, Europe and Africa took part in a change of command ceremony today to mark the appointment of their new commander at their headquarters.

. - An Italian soldier executes a stress-shoot during exercise Long Precision 2019 in Uceda, Spain, June 10, 2019. U.S. Marine Corps snipers with Special Purpose Marine Air-Ground Task Force-Crisis Response-Africa 19.2, Marine Forces Europe and Africa, trained alongside snipers from Spain, Italy, France, and U.S. Army’s 173rd Airborne Brigade during Long Precision to increase their proficiency and multilateral interoperability. 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 Capt. Clay Groover)

Long Precision 2019 increases multinational Sniper capabilities

UCEDA, Spain – U.S. Marine Corps snipers with Special Purpose Marine Air-Ground Task Force-Crisis Response-Africa 19.2, Marine Forces Europe and Africa, participated in exercise Long Precision 2019 with snipers from Spain, Italy, France, and U.S. Army’s 173 Airborne Brigade, June 10-21, 2019, at training areas near Uceda, Spain.

. - U.S. Marines with Special Purpose Marine Air-Ground Task Force-Crisis Response-Africa 19.2, Marine Forces Europe and Africa, and soldiers with the Ugandan Protection Defense Force pose for a photo during a theater security cooperation exercise at the Uganda Rapid Deployment Capability Center in Jinja Uganda, June 13, 2019. The Ugandan soldiers trained alongside the U.S. Marines and learned how to properly conduct reconnaissance and improve their logistics and engineering capabilities. SPMAGTF-CR-AF is deployed to conduct crisis-response and theater-security cooperation 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. Margaret Gale)

SPMAGTF-CR-AF 19.2 train alongside Ugandan Soldiers

KAMPALA, Uganda – U.S. Marines and Sailors with Special Purpose Marine Air-Ground Task Force-Crisis Response-Africa 19.2, Marine Forces Europe and Africa, advise in reconnaissance skills, engineering, and logistics courses with members of the Uganda People’s Defence Force at the Uganda Rapid Deployment Capability Center in Jinja and Peace Support Operations Training Center in Singo Uganda, June 13, 2019. The SPMAGTF-CR-AF’s Ground Combat Element have been working with the UPDF at PSO-TC Singo for four weeks to become reconnaissance skills instructors at the end of a 3-month training cycle. The intent of this training is to increase the Ugandan forces ability to train reconnaissance forces to better serve in regional peacekeeping and protect their country.

U.S. Marine Sgt. Jose Araya, an imagery analysis specialist, with Special Purpose Marine Air-Ground Task Force-Crisis Response-Africa 19.2, Marine Forces Europe and Africa, poses for a photo with Ambassador Duke Buchan III, United States Ambassador to Spain and Andorra, and other award recipients at the U.S. Embassy in Madrid, Spain, May 20, 2019. - U.S. Marine Sgt. Jose Araya, an imagery analysis specialist, with Special Purpose Marine Air-Ground Task Force-Crisis Response-Africa 19.2, Marine Forces Europe and Africa, poses for a photo with Ambassador Duke Buchan III, United States Ambassador to Spain and Andorra, and other award recipients at the U.S. Embassy in Madrid, Spain, May 20, 2019. Araya was awarded the Moron Chapter and U.S. Navy League Marine of the Year award. The award is presented annually to a Marine who encompasses not just the “whole Marine concept,” but also admirable traits outside of uniform. (Photo by unknown source)

Hard work pays off: SPMAGTF-CR-AF 19.2 Marine awarded Marine of the Year award

MORON AIR BASE, Spain – In the evening of May 20, 2019, Sgt. Jose Araya, an imagery analysis specialist with Special Purpose Marine Air-Ground Task Force-Crisis Response-Africa 19.2, Marine Forces Europe and Africa, was awarded the Moron Chapter and U.S. Navy League Marine of the Year, at the U.S. Embassy in Madrid, Spain. The award is presented annually to a Marine who encompasses not just the “whole Marine concept,” but also admirable traits outside of uniform.

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Lone Paratrooper: SPMAGTF-CR-AF 19.2 supports multinational aerial delivery exercise

LEON, Spain – Special Purpose Marine Air-Ground Task Force-Crisis Response-Africa 19.2, Marine Forces Europe and Africa, supported exercise Lone Paratrooper with a KC-130J Super Hercules and aerial-delivery Marines at Leon Air Base, Spain, May 6-8, 2019. Lone Paratrooper is a multinational exercise hosted by the Spanish Armed Forces to improve training tactics, exchange knowledge, and build relationships among allied and partner nations.

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Moron Air Base hosts 2019 National Prayer Luncheon

MORON AIR BASE, Spain – The Moron Air Base chapel hosted a bilingual and multinational National Prayer Luncheon on Moron Air Base, Spain, April 23, 2019. The event brought together U.S. Marines with Special Purpose Marine Air-Ground Task Force-Crisis Response-Africa 19.2, Marine Forces Europe and Africa, and U.S. Airmen, as well as Spanish service members to discuss their spirituality while serving their nations.

Stronger Together

U.S. Marines and Sailors with Special Purpose Marine Air-Ground Task Force-Crisis Response-Africa 19.1, Marine Forces Europe and Africa, participated in exercise Platinum Eagle 19.1 held at Babadag Training Area, Romania, March 11-22, 2019.

A U.S. Marine with Special Purpose Marine Air-Ground Task Force-Crisis Response-Africa 19.2, Marine Forces Europe and Africa, extracts from the landing zone on an MV-22B Osprey during a Tactical Recovery of Aircraft and Personnel exercise in Troia, Portugal, April 5, 2019 - A U.S. Marine with Special Purpose Marine Air-Ground Task Force-Crisis Response-Africa 19.2, Marine Forces Europe and Africa, extracts from the landing zone on an MV-22B Osprey during a Tactical Recovery of Aircraft and Personnel exercise in Troia, Portugal, April 5, 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. The aircraft is with SPMAGTF-CR-AF, Marine Forces Europe and Africa. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Margaret Gale)

It’s a TRAP: SPMAGTF-CR-AF 19.2 executes training

TROIA, Portugal – The Special Purpose Marine Air-Ground Task Force-Crisis Response-Africa 19.2, Marine Forces Europe and Africa, conducted a Tactical Recovery of Aircraft and Personnel training exercise in Troia, Portugal, Feb. 5, 2019. TRAP rehearsals allow the Marines to become proficient in locating and authenticating isolated personnel. TRAP is a core mission of SPMAGTF-CR-AF and the task force must continuously streamline efficiencies in order to provide a fast and efficient crisis response force.

U.S. Marines and a U.S. Navy Sailor with Marine Rotational Force-Europe (MRF-E) 19.1 participate in class discussions while visiting the Sami school Tromssa Sameskuvla in Bardufoss, Norway, Nov. 26, 2018 - U.S. Marines and a U.S. Navy Sailor with Marine Rotational Force-Europe (MRF-E) 19.1 participate in class discussions while visiting the Sami school Tromssa Sameskuvla in Bardufoss, Norway, Nov. 26, 2018. The trip allowed Marines to interact with Norwegian students from first to eighth grade and school staff to learn about traditional and modern Sami culture. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Ashley McLaughlin)

MRF-E 19.1 Visits Sami School

U.S. Marines with Marine Forces Europe and Africa’s Marine Corps Element-Norway visited the Sami school Tromssa Sameskuvla in Bardufoss, Norway, Nov. 26, 2018.

U.S. Marines with Marine Rotational Force- Europe 18.1 stand in formation during the transfer of authority ceremony on Setermoen Leir Military Camp, Norway, Oct. 1, 2018. - U.S. Marines with Marine Rotational Force- Europe 18.1 stand in formation during the transfer of authority ceremony on Setermoen Leir Military Camp, Norway, Oct. 1, 2018. MRF-E 18.1 was relieved by MRF-E 19.1 after their seven-month deployment. This is the first deployment of the expanded Marine Corps rotational presence of approximately 700 Marines in Norway, which was announced by the Government of Norway in August. (U.S. Marine Corps Photo by Sgt. Victor A. Mancilla)

Marine Rotational Force - Europe Transfer of Authority Ceremony

U.S. Marines and Sailors from 3rd Battalion, 8th Marine Regiment, mark an expanded rotational presence in Norway with a transfer-of-authority ceremony today in Setermoen, Norway, Oct.1, 2018.

U.S. Marines with Black Sea Rotational Force 18.1 conduct high-angle fire training with a Mark 19 40mm grenade launcher during a deployment for training exercise at Novo Selo Training Area, Bulgaria, July 4, 2018. Marines with Weapons Company, 1st Battalion, 6th Marine Regiment conducted five days of live-fire ranges, enhancing their operational capabilities. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Abrey Liggins/Released) - U.S. Marines with Black Sea Rotational Force 18.1 conduct high-angle fire training with a Mark 19 40mm grenade launcher during a deployment for training exercise at Novo Selo Training Area, Bulgaria, July 4, 2018. Marines with Weapons Company, 1st Battalion, 6th Marine Regiment conducted five days of live-fire ranges, enhancing their operational capabilities. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Abrey Liggins/Released)

Practice Makes Perfect: BSRF 18.1 Marines conduct DFT in Bulgaria

U.S. Marines with Black Sea Rotational Force 18.1 (BSRF) completed several ranges during a Deployment for Training (DFT) exercise at Novo Selo Training Area, Bulgaria, from July 1-5, 2018.

Marines and sailors with Marine Rotational Force-Europe 18.1 raced for a cure and took home the first and fifth place titles at a Norwegian cancer research benefit near Kristiansten Fortress in Trondheim, Norway, June 2. - Marines and sailors with Marine Rotational Force-Europe 18.1 raced for a cure and took home the first and fifth place titles at a Norwegian cancer research benefit near Kristiansten Fortress in Trondheim, Norway, June 2.

Marines, sailors compete against Royal Norwegian Air Force Academy at cancer charity race

Marines and sailors with Marine Rotational Force-Europe 18.1 raced for a cure and took home the first and fifth place titles at a Norwegian cancer research benefit near Kristiansten Fortress in Trondheim, Norway, June 2.

180619-M-JL916-1001 - Latvian Military and U.S. Marines

Nato Allies Bring Cheer to Latvian Orphanage With Help From Charity Organization ‘Spirit Of America’, American Embassy

The day’s activities started out with the Marines and Latvian service members introducing themselves to the children with whom they would be spending the day with and exchanging names to help everyone feel more comfortable with one another. The children and service members also performed a fun team-building ‘trust-fall’ exercise to improve the mutual understanding and confidence between the children and the adults. “We partnered one Marine with two of their Latvian counterparts and split them all up into groups with two to three kids to help assist with breaking the language barrier,” said Latvian Pvt. Nils Students, a Latvian National Guardsmen and primary organizer of the ‘Big Brother’ style event. “The kids study English in school, and at events like this, they get to use a lot of that English.”

U.S. Marine Corps Col. Peter Lee, head of operations for Marine Forces Europe and Africa thanks Maj. Elmars Popakuls, Commander of Latvian National Guard 53rd Infantry Battalion, during the multinational civil engagement ceremony in Bauska, Latvia June 2, 2018 as part of Exercise Saber Strike 2018. The focus of the ceremony was the integration of multinational forces and the enhancement of the relationships between the U.S. Marines and their Latvian military counterparts. (U.S. Marine Corps Photo by Maj. Greg Wolf/Released) - U.S. Marine Corps Col. Peter Lee, head of operations for Marine Forces Europe and Africa thanks Maj. Elmars Popakuls, Commander of Latvian National Guard 53rd Infantry Battalion, during the multinational civil engagement ceremony in Bauska, Latvia June 2, 2018 as part of Exercise Saber Strike 2018. The focus of the ceremony was the integration of multinational forces and the enhancement of the relationships between the U.S. Marines and their Latvian military counterparts. (U.S. Marine Corps Photo by Maj. Greg Wolf/Released)

4TH LAR MARINES INTERACT WITH LATVIAN LOCALS DURING SABER STRIKE 18

The 4th LAR Marines are conducting a road march from the port of Klaipeda, Lithuania to the training area in Adazai, Latvia and conducting static display events in a few local communities along the way. The focus of the ceremony was the integration of multinational forces and the enhancement of the relationships between the U.S. Marines and their Latvian military counterparts.

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