Stories

A Bulgarian soldier repels an enemy attack during Exercise Strike Back, Oct. 15 at the Koren Field Training Ground, Bulgaria. Strike Back is a multilateral combat exercise designed to prepare Bulgarian forces to control, command and operate with joint-nation forces. The training consisted of defensive tactics and offensive objectives and maneuvers. - A Bulgarian soldier repels an enemy attack during Exercise Strike Back, Oct. 15 at the Koren Field Training Ground, Bulgaria. Strike Back is a multilateral combat exercise designed to prepare Bulgarian forces to control, command and operate with joint-nation forces. The training consisted of defensive tactics and offensive objectives and maneuvers.

U.S. Marines and sailors from Black Sea Rotational Force 14 participated in Platinum Lynx 14.6 in the Carpathian Mountains from Sep. 29 to Oct. 3 in Miercurea Ciuc, Romania. Knowledge and understanding of skills and tactics in mountain regions was shared between the Marines and Romanian Land Forces to help sustain readiness in any location. Service members trained with the 61st Mountain Troops Brigade from the Romanian Land Forces in rappelling, rock climbing, a live-fire range and survival skills. The exercise concluded with a 15-kilometer troop movement in high-elevation terrain. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Ryan Young/released) - U.S. Marines and sailors from Black Sea Rotational Force 14 participated in Platinum Lynx 14.6 in the Carpathian Mountains from Sep. 29 to Oct. 3 in Miercurea Ciuc, Romania. Knowledge and understanding of skills and tactics in mountain regions was shared between the Marines and Romanian Land Forces to help sustain readiness in any location. Service members trained with the 61st Mountain Troops Brigade from the Romanian Land Forces in rappelling, rock climbing, a live-fire range and survival skills. The exercise concluded with a 15-kilometer troop movement in high-elevation terrain. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Ryan Young/released)

Lance Cpl. Glenn Schroeder, a rifleman with Black Sea Rotational Force 14, and this week’s Marine of the Week, takes a written test during a unit-wide squad competition at Mihail Kogalniceanu, Romania, Jan. 13, 2014. Schroeder has a trend of success by continuing to demonstrate dedication to all tasks, diligence, selflessness, flexibility and outstanding self-discipline. - Lance Cpl. Glenn Schroeder, a rifleman with Black Sea Rotational Force 14, and this week’s Marine of the Week, takes a written test during a unit-wide squad competition at Mihail Kogalniceanu, Romania, Jan. 13, 2014. Schroeder has a trend of success by continuing to demonstrate dedication to all tasks, diligence, selflessness, flexibility and outstanding self-discipline.

Lance Cpl. Andy Davis, a rifleman with Black Sea Rotational Force 13 and Richmond Hill, Ga., native, reads the non-commissioned officer creed during a Corporals Course graduation, June 23, 2013 in Mihail Kogalniceanu Military Base, Romania. Marines with BSRF-13 who attended Corporals Course learned the basics of being a non-commissioned officer in the United States Marine Corps. Corporals Course is a formal school that is a requirement for all corporals that want to be eligible for the rank of sergeant. - Lance Cpl. Andy Davis, a rifleman with Black Sea Rotational Force 13 and Richmond Hill, Ga., native, reads the non-commissioned officer creed during a Corporals Course graduation, June 23, 2013 in Mihail Kogalniceanu Military Base, Romania. Marines with BSRF-13 who attended Corporals Course learned the basics of being a non-commissioned officer in the United States Marine Corps. Corporals Course is a formal school that is a requirement for all corporals that want to be eligible for the rank of sergeant.

Lt. Col. Steven M. Wolf, left, commander of Black Sea Rotational Force 13, and Bulgarian Army Colonel Iavor Mateev, right, officer-in-charge of Bulgarian forces participating in BSRF-13, speak with Bulgarian, Serbian, Romanian and American company commanders at Novo Selo, Bulgaria, following an opening ceremony July, 1, 2013. The opening ceremony marked the beginning of Platinum Lion 13, BSRF-13’s five week exercise in Bulgaria. The exercise allows the U.S. and Balkan military forces to practice stability, counterinsurgency, and peacekeeping operations in order to build partner nation capacity, enhance interoperability between countries and increase the overall effectiveness of the participating partnered nations. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by 1st Lt. Hector Alejandro) - Lt. Col. Steven M. Wolf, left, commander of Black Sea Rotational Force 13, and Bulgarian Army Colonel Iavor Mateev, right, officer-in-charge of Bulgarian forces participating in BSRF-13, speak with Bulgarian, Serbian, Romanian and American company commanders at Novo Selo, Bulgaria, following an opening ceremony July, 1, 2013. The opening ceremony marked the beginning of Platinum Lion 13, BSRF-13’s five week exercise in Bulgaria. The exercise allows the U.S. and Balkan military forces to practice stability, counterinsurgency, and peacekeeping operations in order to build partner nation capacity, enhance interoperability between countries and increase the overall effectiveness of the participating partnered nations. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by 1st Lt. Hector Alejandro)

U.S. Marine Corps 1st Lt. Adam Aikens (left) a platoon commander with Golf Company, Black Sea Rotational Force 13 receives instruction from Staff Sgt. Ricardo Narvaez (right), during mechanized advantage control hold drills aboard Mihail Kogalniceanu Military Base, Romania, June 13, 2013. BSRF-13 is slated to conduct military engagements operations with approximately 21 different nations during its six-month deployment while serving as a crisis contingency force for the Black Sea, Baltic, and Balkans region. - U.S. Marine Corps 1st Lt. Adam Aikens (left) a platoon commander with Golf Company, Black Sea Rotational Force 13 receives instruction from Staff Sgt. Ricardo Narvaez (right), during mechanized advantage control hold drills aboard Mihail Kogalniceanu Military Base, Romania, June 13, 2013. BSRF-13 is slated to conduct military engagements operations with approximately 21 different nations during its six-month deployment while serving as a crisis contingency force for the Black Sea, Baltic, and Balkans region.

Marines and sailors with Black Sea Rotational Force 13 simulate a crisis contingency scenario aboard Mihail Kogaliceanu Military Base, Romania May 3, 2013. BSRF-13 serves as a crisis contingency force for the Black Sea region during its six-month deployment. - Marines and sailors with Black Sea Rotational Force 13 simulate a crisis contingency scenario aboard Mihail Kogaliceanu Military Base, Romania May 3, 2013. BSRF-13 serves as a crisis contingency force for the Black Sea region during its six-month deployment.

Lance Cpl. Matthew E. Robertson, a powerline technician, Air Combat Element, Black Sea Rotational Force 12, inspects the engine of a KC-130 Hercules aircraft after a flight on Mihail Kogalniceanu, Romania May 3. Approximately 50 Marines and two KC-130 Hercules aircraft make up the ACE which is tasked with getting the Marines of BSRF and their training partners to their designated training locations. ::r::::n:: (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Paul D. Zellner)::r::::n:: - Lance Cpl. Matthew E. Robertson, a powerline technician, Air Combat Element, Black Sea Rotational Force 12, inspects the engine of a KC-130 Hercules aircraft after a flight on Mihail Kogalniceanu, Romania May 3. Approximately 50 Marines and two KC-130 Hercules aircraft make up the ACE which is tasked with getting the Marines of BSRF and their training partners to their designated training locations. ::r::::n:: (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Paul D. Zellner)::r::::n::

Lance Cpl. Adrian Delafuente, a rifleman with Black Sea Rotational Force 12 takes part in dismounted patrol training with Romanian soldiers in Iasi, Romania May 8. The ten-day event included training led by Marine non-commisioned officers. The Black Sea Rotational Force 12 is a Special-Purpose MAGTF with crisis response capabilities deployed to the region to enhance interoperability, promote regional stability and build camaraderie amongst the forces.::r::::n::(Official U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Paul D. Zellner II)::r::::n:: - Lance Cpl. Adrian Delafuente, a rifleman with Black Sea Rotational Force 12 takes part in dismounted patrol training with Romanian soldiers in Iasi, Romania May 8. The ten-day event included training led by Marine non-commisioned officers. The Black Sea Rotational Force 12 is a Special-Purpose MAGTF with crisis response capabilities deployed to the region to enhance interoperability, promote regional stability and build camaraderie amongst the forces.::r::::n::(Official U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Paul D. Zellner II)::r::::n::

The Marines and sailors of Black Sea Rotational Force 12, pictured here, rescued a Romanian family of four including an infant from a car crash that left the road during inclement weather. The servicemembers were returning from a marathon in Transylvania when they came upon the accident that left the family trapped down a steep embankment. ::r::::n::Group picture:::r::::n::Back row; (Petty Officer Third Class Girien Salazar), (Captain James Flood), (Sgt. Maj. Gary Jacobs), (Master Sgt. Todd Gunter), (Lieutenant Paul Evans), (Lieutenant Derek Owens), (First Sgt. Brian Porter).::r::::n::Front row; (Gunnery Sgt. Andrew Morgan), (Commander Jonathan Kuehne), (Chief Petty Officer Kathy Canady), (Staff Sgt. Darla Richardson), (Staff Sgt. Enid Browne), (Chief Warrant Officer 2 Adrian Weaver), (Gunnery Sgt. Juan Delacruz).::r::::n:: - The Marines and sailors of Black Sea Rotational Force 12, pictured here, rescued a Romanian family of four including an infant from a car crash that left the road during inclement weather. The servicemembers were returning from a marathon in Transylvania when they came upon the accident that left the family trapped down a steep embankment. ::r::::n::Group picture:::r::::n::Back row; (Petty Officer Third Class Girien Salazar), (Captain James Flood), (Sgt. Maj. Gary Jacobs), (Master Sgt. Todd Gunter), (Lieutenant Paul Evans), (Lieutenant Derek Owens), (First Sgt. Brian Porter).::r::::n::Front row; (Gunnery Sgt. Andrew Morgan), (Commander Jonathan Kuehne), (Chief Petty Officer Kathy Canady), (Staff Sgt. Darla Richardson), (Staff Sgt. Enid Browne), (Chief Warrant Officer 2 Adrian Weaver), (Gunnery Sgt. Juan Delacruz).::r::::n::

Sgt. Jonathan Davis a reconnaissance Marine with the ground command element, Black Sea Rotational Force 12, paints the face of a young boy from a local orphanage while volunteering in Constanta, Romania, April 22. The Marines and sailors of BSRF 12 worked with Hands Across Romania to entertain and feed 250 children from three local orphanages. - Sgt. Jonathan Davis a reconnaissance Marine with the ground command element, Black Sea Rotational Force 12, paints the face of a young boy from a local orphanage while volunteering in Constanta, Romania, April 22. The Marines and sailors of BSRF 12 worked with Hands Across Romania to entertain and feed 250 children from three local orphanages.

Firing a “controlled pair,” two well-aimed shots at a target, a Macedonian rifleman shoots at the range while learning Table 3 of the U.S. Marine Corps Combat Marksmanship Program lead by Marines of Black Sea Rotational Force 11. The Macedonian 1st Mechanized Infantry Brigade traveled to Babadag Training Area, Romania, to work with U.S. Marines from Black Sea Rotational Force 11 as part of their mobilization training for their upcoming deployment to Afghanistan.::r::::n:: - Firing a “controlled pair,” two well-aimed shots at a target, a Macedonian rifleman shoots at the range while learning Table 3 of the U.S. Marine Corps Combat Marksmanship Program lead by Marines of Black Sea Rotational Force 11. The Macedonian 1st Mechanized Infantry Brigade traveled to Babadag Training Area, Romania, to work with U.S. Marines from Black Sea Rotational Force 11 as part of their mobilization training for their upcoming deployment to Afghanistan.::r::::n::

Romanian Marines celebrate the birthday of Lance Cpl. John R. West II, rifleman, Black Sea Rotational Force 11, by throwing him up in the air, a tradition within their ranks. As the U.S. Marines and Romanian Marines and soldiers trained together, lived, relaxed, and ate together at BTA, they oftentimes learned that they were not so different, despite their different backgrounds. - Romanian Marines celebrate the birthday of Lance Cpl. John R. West II, rifleman, Black Sea Rotational Force 11, by throwing him up in the air, a tradition within their ranks. As the U.S. Marines and Romanian Marines and soldiers trained together, lived, relaxed, and ate together at BTA, they oftentimes learned that they were not so different, despite their different backgrounds.

During a familiarization with U.S. issued weapons, a Romanian soldier shoots an M4 carbine service rifle on a combat marksmanship range as part of Black Sea Rotational Force 11. U.S. Marines and Romanian soldiers trained, learned and lived together at BTA while practicing counterinsurgency and peacekeeping operations including combat marksmanship, convoy operations, Improvised-Explosive Device awareness and Marine Corps Martial Arts.::r::::n:: - During a familiarization with U.S. issued weapons, a Romanian soldier shoots an M4 carbine service rifle on a combat marksmanship range as part of Black Sea Rotational Force 11. U.S. Marines and Romanian soldiers trained, learned and lived together at BTA while practicing counterinsurgency and peacekeeping operations including combat marksmanship, convoy operations, Improvised-Explosive Device awareness and Marine Corps Martial Arts.::r::::n::

In the small farming town of Mandra, approximately 108km north of Constanta, kindergartners watch Gunnery Sgt. Giannina Pinedo, civil affairs chief, Black Sea Rotational Force 11, while Roxanna Taranu, linguists, BSRF-11, interprets how to properly prepare a Meal Ready-to-Eat before they get a chance to taste it. Marine reserve civil affairs specialists and combat engineers of Black Sea Rotational Force 11 travelled north to villages in the Topolog region to reach out and directly impact remote communities and local schools by building a school fence in Calfa village and passing out small donations to schools in Mandra, Cerbu, Luminata, and Margurele. - In the small farming town of Mandra, approximately 108km north of Constanta, kindergartners watch Gunnery Sgt. Giannina Pinedo, civil affairs chief, Black Sea Rotational Force 11, while Roxanna Taranu, linguists, BSRF-11, interprets how to properly prepare a Meal Ready-to-Eat before they get a chance to taste it. Marine reserve civil affairs specialists and combat engineers of Black Sea Rotational Force 11 travelled north to villages in the Topolog region to reach out and directly impact remote communities and local schools by building a school fence in Calfa village and passing out small donations to schools in Mandra, Cerbu, Luminata, and Margurele.

During a rehearsal for the Black Sea Rotational Force 11 Opening Ceremony, Sgt. John H. Hunter, radio operator, BSRF-11, coordinates and synchronizes movements for the American and Romanian colors that will be featured in the event. About 200 Romanian and U.S. Marines, along with Romanian and U.S. military officers, Romanian civilian leaders, and news media attended the opening ceremony on the recently built Mihail Kogalniceau Romanian Land Forces base here.::r::::n::::r::::n::::r::::n:: - During a rehearsal for the Black Sea Rotational Force 11 Opening Ceremony, Sgt. John H. Hunter, radio operator, BSRF-11, coordinates and synchronizes movements for the American and Romanian colors that will be featured in the event. About 200 Romanian and U.S. Marines, along with Romanian and U.S. military officers, Romanian civilian leaders, and news media attended the opening ceremony on the recently built Mihail Kogalniceau Romanian Land Forces base here.::r::::n::::r::::n::::r::::n::