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Marines

Stories

U.S. Marine Corps Forces, Europe and Africa

Stuttgart, Germany

Tag: Marine Forces Europe

Along a coastal mountain road, a light-armored reconnaissance vehicle, the LAV-25, patrols through a small Norwegian village during Cold Response 14. Cold Response 14 brought together nearly 16,000 troops from 16 countries to train high-intensity operations in the unique climate above the Arctic Circle and strengthen the alliance of partners and their commitment to global security in every clime and place. - Along a coastal mountain road, a light-armored reconnaissance vehicle, the LAV-25, patrols through a small Norwegian village during Cold Response 14. Cold Response 14 brought together nearly 16,000 troops from 16 countries to train high-intensity operations in the unique climate above the Arctic Circle and strengthen the alliance of partners and their commitment to global security in every clime and place.

Arctic experience bring Marines back to basics during Cold Response 14, strengthens bonds with European Partners

The Marine Corps’ small size and integrated capacity allows the smallest organization of the U.S. Armed Forces the ability to lead as the nation’s crisis response force while supporting contingency operations in every clime and place. During Cold Response 14, an emphasis was put on extreme cold-weather training to bring Marines back to the basics

Gunnery Sgt. Jeremy Donaldson, advanced course faculty advisor at the Camp Lejeune staff non-commissioned officer academy and Bangor, New York native, was selected as the Marine instructor to help develop the curriculum and instruction at the Republic of Georgia Senior NCO academy in Tbilisi. Donaldson focused on the Georgian capstone military course for non-commissioned officers which lasts a total of 16 weeks. - Gunnery Sgt. Jeremy Donaldson, advanced course faculty advisor at the Camp Lejeune staff non-commissioned officer academy and Bangor, New York native, was selected as the Marine instructor to help develop the curriculum and instruction at the Republic of Georgia Senior NCO academy in Tbilisi. Donaldson focused on the Georgian capstone military course for non-commissioned officers which lasts a total of 16 weeks.

Marine GySgt helps shape Georgian military leadership curriculum

Standing on a platform and instilling vital military knowledge for career development to a classroom full of service members is pretty standard for instructors at the Marine Corps Staff Non-Commissioned Officers Academy, but helping shape the curriculum more than 6,000 miles from home is a bit out of the normal. Gunnery Sgt. Jeremy Donaldson was

Lieutenant General Richard Tryon, commander, U.S. Marine Forces, Europe presents Georgian LtCol Terashvili and LtCol Argvliani with awards for their actions during a recent deployment to Afghanistan Sept 19, 2013. The award presentations were incorporated into a departure ceremony for the 10th and 11th rotations of Georgian battalions as they prepare to deploy to the Helmand Province. The LtCol’s trained with U.S. Marines prior to their successful deployment under the Georgian Deployment Program – ISAF commonly referred to as GDP-I. - Lieutenant General Richard Tryon, commander, U.S. Marine Forces, Europe presents Georgian LtCol Terashvili and LtCol Argvliani with awards for their actions during a recent deployment to Afghanistan Sept 19, 2013. The award presentations were incorporated into a departure ceremony for the 10th and 11th rotations of Georgian battalions as they prepare to deploy to the Helmand Province. The LtCol’s trained with U.S. Marines prior to their successful deployment under the Georgian Deployment Program – ISAF commonly referred to as GDP-I.

Georgian soldiers complete training, prepare to deploy to Afghanistan

Two battalions of soldiers from The Republic of Georgia stood side-by-side along with their U.S. Marine Corps counterparts in a departure ceremony hosted by the Georgian Ministry of Defense at the Vaziani Training Area Sept. 19, 2003.Having completed six months of training, the 31st and Batumi battalions will now deploy to the Helmand Province of

Marine aviation instructors from Marine Air Weapons and Tactics Squadron One, Yuma, Ariz., introduced Forward Air Controller (Airborne) and Close Air Support concepts, tactics, and procedures for evaluation into the Swedish Air Force’s aviation training with SwAF pilots from the 21st UH-60 Black Hawk Helicopter Wing and the JAS-39 Gripen Operations, Tactics and Evaluations division, August 5-23 at Malmen Military Base, Linköping, Sweden. - Marine aviation instructors from Marine Air Weapons and Tactics Squadron One, Yuma, Ariz., introduced Forward Air Controller (Airborne) and Close Air Support concepts, tactics, and procedures for evaluation into the Swedish Air Force’s aviation training with SwAF pilots from the 21st UH-60 Black Hawk Helicopter Wing and the JAS-39 Gripen Operations, Tactics and Evaluations division, August 5-23 at Malmen Military Base, Linköping, Sweden.

Marines, Swedish aviators harness the power of FAC(A)

The Marine Corps' size and capacity is one of the world's leading examples of a small organization with the ability to pack a hard punch. The Corps is the smallest service of the United States Armed Forces but leads as the nation's crisis response force while supporting contingency operations in every clime and place. But being able to adapt to

Giving full, 360-degree situational awareness to his pilots, Swedish Sgt. David Fredrikson, a UH-60 Black Hawk mission specialist with Swedish Air Force 21st UH-60 Black Hawk Helicopter Wing, relays the location of the lead aircraft after a final capabilities exercise during a Forward Air Controller (Airborne) military engagement between U.S. Marines and the Swedish Air Force. Marine aviation instructors from Marine Air Weapons and Tactics Squadron One, Yuma, Ariz., introduced Forward Air Controller (Airborne) and Close Air Support concepts, tactics, and procedures for evaluation into the Swedish Air Force’s aviation training with SwAF pilots from the 21st UH-60 Black Hawk Helicopter Wing and the JAS-39 Gripen Operations, Tactics and Evaluations division, August 5-23 at Malmen Military Base, Linköping, Sweden. - Giving full, 360-degree situational awareness to his pilots, Swedish Sgt. David Fredrikson, a UH-60 Black Hawk mission specialist with Swedish Air Force 21st UH-60 Black Hawk Helicopter Wing, relays the location of the lead aircraft after a final capabilities exercise during a Forward Air Controller (Airborne) military engagement between U.S. Marines and the Swedish Air Force. Marine aviation instructors from Marine Air Weapons and Tactics Squadron One, Yuma, Ariz., introduced Forward Air Controller (Airborne) and Close Air Support concepts, tactics, and procedures for evaluation into the Swedish Air Force’s aviation training with SwAF pilots from the 21st UH-60 Black Hawk Helicopter Wing and the JAS-39 Gripen Operations, Tactics and Evaluations division, August 5-23 at Malmen Military Base, Linköping, Sweden.

MAWTS-1 Marines introduce FAC(A) to Swedish Air Force

U.S. Marine Corps Aviators, along with Swedish Air Force counterparts, conducted an introduction to Forward Air Controller (Airborne) operations and Close Air Support for the first time in SwAF history, August 5-23, on Malmen Military Base, Linköping, Sweden.“This is a brand-new profile for us; we’ve never done this before,” said SwAF Maj. Stefan

U.S. Marines and sailors with Black Sea Rotational Force 13 observe where rounds impacted targets during a battle sight zero exercise while training with the Israel Defense Force Counter-Terrorism Unit aboard Camp Adam, Israel, July 5, 2013. The purpose of the BZO course of fire is to ensure the respective Marines' rifle is properly sighted for future live fire exercises. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Staff Sgt. David Rakes, Sr./released) - U.S. Marines and sailors with Black Sea Rotational Force 13 observe where rounds impacted targets during a battle sight zero exercise while training with the Israel Defense Force Counter-Terrorism Unit aboard Camp Adam, Israel, July 5, 2013. The purpose of the BZO course of fire is to ensure the respective Marines' rifle is properly sighted for future live fire exercises. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Staff Sgt. David Rakes, Sr./released)

IDF trains BSRF-13

“Weapon be ready,” 25 Marines yelled while going through the Israeli Counter-Terrorism Course at Camp Adam, Israel July 4-14 during Exercise Noble Shirley 13. This was the first time during Black Sea Rotational Force 13 that these Marines stepped out of the instructor role and into the student role. “It was good to see and learn how

U.S. Marines and sailors with Black Sea Rotational Force 13 react to a target while training with the Israel Defense Force’s Counter-Terrorism Unit aboard Camp Adam, Israel, July 5, 2013. The purpose of Noble Shirley 13 is to improve interoperability, understanding and cooperation between the IDF and U.S. Marines. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Staff Sgt. David Rakes, Sr./released) - U.S. Marines and sailors with Black Sea Rotational Force 13 react to a target while training with the Israel Defense Force’s Counter-Terrorism Unit aboard Camp Adam, Israel, July 5, 2013. The purpose of Noble Shirley 13 is to improve interoperability, understanding and cooperation between the IDF and U.S. Marines. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Staff Sgt. David Rakes, Sr./released)

BSRF-13 conducts desert, urban training in Israel

Marines and sailors with Black Sea Rotational Force 13 have travelled south into the Israeli desert to conduct internal training operations focusing on desert warfare and urban terrain.The Marines conducted company size exercises in which every squad played different roles while simulated enemy fire forced squad leaders to make quick decisions.“The

U.S. Marine Corps 1st Lt. Julian D’Orsaneo (left), communications officer for Black Sea Rotational Force 13, discusses tactical employment of communications assets with his counterpart from Azerbaijan’s Operational Capabilities Concept battalion during a bilateral staff planning session in Novo Selo Training Area, Bulgaria, July 21, 2013. BSRF-13 focuses on stability, counter-insurgency, and peacekeeping operations, in order to build partner-nation capacity, enhance interoperability between countries and increase overall effectiveness of participating military forces. - U.S. Marine Corps 1st Lt. Julian D’Orsaneo (left), communications officer for Black Sea Rotational Force 13, discusses tactical employment of communications assets with his counterpart from Azerbaijan’s Operational Capabilities Concept battalion during a bilateral staff planning session in Novo Selo Training Area, Bulgaria, July 21, 2013. BSRF-13 focuses on stability, counter-insurgency, and peacekeeping operations, in order to build partner-nation capacity, enhance interoperability between countries and increase overall effectiveness of participating military forces.

Azerbaijani leaders practice combat planning with BSRF-13

A dozen Azerbaijani staff officers took part in a staff planning exercise as part of Exercise Platinum Lion 13 in Novo Selo Training Area, Bulgaria.The exercise, led by staff officers with Black Sea Rotational Force 13, was an opportunity for planners from both the U.S. and Azerbaijan to improve their operational and combat planning process.Staff

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.

BSRF-13’s Corporals Course wraps up in Romania

“I am an NCO dedicated to training new Marines and influencing the old. I am forever conscious of each Marine under my charge, and by example will inspire them to the highest standards possible,” recited Lance Cpl. Andy Davis, a rifleman with Black Sea Rotational Force 13, from the non-commissioned officer’s creed during a Corporals Course

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)

Platinum Lion 13 underway in Bulgaria

Nearly 200 U.S. Marines and sailors with Black Sea Rotational Force 13 joined soldiers from Bulgaria, Romania and Serbia, today at Novo Selo Training Area, Bulgaria, to mark the official start of Exercise Platinum Lion 13.Platinum Lion, which will run through all of July, marks the first time a force will operate out of the new administrative and

Making leaders while deployed

For several days young Marines have had a challenging experience attending Corporals Course while deployed with Black Sea Rotational Force 13. They have spent long hours honing their drill skills, learning leadership theory, pushing through rigorous physical training, and practicing drill with guidons and swords.They put that training to the test

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.

Non-Lethal training in full swing

“Taser, Taser, Taser!” yelled Staff Sgt. Narvez, a non-lethal weapons instructor with Black Sea Rotational Force 13 and San Antonio, Texas native, as he pulls the trigger of a Taser at Marines doing non-lethal weapons training at Mihail Kogalniceanu Military Base, Romania, June 19, 2013. Non-Lethal training in full swingNon-lethal weapons training

U.S. Marines with Black Sea Rotational Force 13 and Romanian soldiers with the 811th Infantry Battalion patrol during a cordon and search exercise in Dej, Romania, June 5, 2013. BSRF-13 is partnered with soldiers from the Romanian Land Forces in an effort to enhance interoperabilty between the forces. - U.S. Marines with Black Sea Rotational Force 13 and Romanian soldiers with the 811th Infantry Battalion patrol during a cordon and search exercise in Dej, Romania, June 5, 2013. BSRF-13 is partnered with soldiers from the Romanian Land Forces in an effort to enhance interoperabilty between the forces.

BSRF-13 Wraps Up Platinum Eagle 13

MIHAIL KOGALNICEANU, Romania – After four weeks of exercises in three different regions of Romania, the Marines and sailors with Black Sea Rotational Force 13 are now complete with Exercise Platinum Eagle 13.Two company-sized elements participated in bi-lateral military engagements in Craiova and Dej, Romania, and multi-lateral exercises in

The Memorial Day ceremony at Aisne-Marne American Cemetery as seen from the woods of Belleau, the historic battlegrounds of The Battle of Belleau Wood, May 26. To celebrate Memorial Day, and to mark the 95th anniversary of the historic Battle of Belleau Wood, U.S. Marines with their French counterparts gathered at Aisne-Marne American Cemetery to commemorate their fallen heroes, May 26. The event was held in the memorial cemetery that lies outside of the historic grounds of Belleau Wood and featured the laying of wreathes, a firing of volleys, the playing of TAPS, raising of the American and French national colors, and a concert by the French military band. The mayor of the village of Bellau along with other military officers and officials representing the U.S. and France were present. Participating units from the U.S. Marines included 5th Marine Regiment, Marine Security Guard Detachment, the Wounded Warrior Regiment and Marine Forces Europe and Africa. French units that participated in the ceremony included the 21st Marine Infantry Regiment and the Musique Principale des Troupes de Marines. - The Memorial Day ceremony at Aisne-Marne American Cemetery as seen from the woods of Belleau, the historic battlegrounds of The Battle of Belleau Wood, May 26. To celebrate Memorial Day, and to mark the 95th anniversary of the historic Battle of Belleau Wood, U.S. Marines with their French counterparts gathered at Aisne-Marne American Cemetery to commemorate their fallen heroes, May 26. The event was held in the memorial cemetery that lies outside of the historic grounds of Belleau Wood and featured the laying of wreathes, a firing of volleys, the playing of TAPS, raising of the American and French national colors, and a concert by the French military band. The mayor of the village of Bellau along with other military officers and officials representing the U.S. and France were present. Participating units from the U.S. Marines included 5th Marine Regiment, Marine Security Guard Detachment, the Wounded Warrior Regiment and Marine Forces Europe and Africa. French units that participated in the ceremony included the 21st Marine Infantry Regiment and the Musique Principale des Troupes de Marines.

The Battle of Belleau Wood not forgotten by U.S. Marines and French soldiers on Memorial Day

To commemorate Memorial Day, and to mark the 95th anniversary of the historic Battle of Belleau Wood, U.S. Marines with their French brothers and sisters in arms, locals of the town of Belleau, and visitors from around the world, gathered at Aisne-Marne American Cemetery May 26, to remember and honor the fallen heroes of World War I, as well as

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.

BSRF-13 runs evacuation drills

Marines and sailors with Black Sea Rotational Force 13 stood up an evacuation control center in support of a simulated crisis contingency aboard Mihail Kogalniceanu Military Base, Romania, March 3, 2013.The training simulates an evacuation hub where Marines participating as role players passed through an entry control point, a security station, an

U.S. Marines and sailors with Black Sea Rotational Force 13 conduct live fire during exercie Summer Shield 10 aboard Camp Adazi, Latvia, April 24, 2013. Exercise Summer Shield 10 focuses on integration of fires and maneuver in a joint environment to build partner nation capacity while enhancing our interoperability between the United States, Lithuania, Estonia, and Latvia. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by SSgt David Rakes, Sr./released) - U.S. Marines and sailors with Black Sea Rotational Force 13 conduct live fire during exercie Summer Shield 10 aboard Camp Adazi, Latvia, April 24, 2013. Exercise Summer Shield 10 focuses on integration of fires and maneuver in a joint environment to build partner nation capacity while enhancing our interoperability between the United States, Lithuania, Estonia, and Latvia. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by SSgt David Rakes, Sr./released)

BSRF 13 Marines close out Summer Shield with partner nation forces

Approximately 100 Marines and sailors with Black Sea Rotational Force 13 teamed up with soldiers from the Latvian, Lithuanian and Estonian Land Forces to execute Exercise Summer Shield 10 over the past two weeks.“Security cooperation is integral to US national security policy, and it’s part of our mission as Marines,” said 1st Lt. Benjamin

Corporal Erick R. Salinas repeats the oath as he executes his naturalization ceremony at the U.S. Embassy in Tbilisi, Georgia. Salinas is an infantryman assigned the Georgia Training Team, currently working at Vaziani Training Area training with Georgian soldiers. Ambassador Richard Norland presided over the naturalization ceremony. - Corporal Erick R. Salinas repeats the oath as he executes his naturalization ceremony at the U.S. Embassy in Tbilisi, Georgia. Salinas is an infantryman assigned the Georgia Training Team, currently working at Vaziani Training Area training with Georgian soldiers. Ambassador Richard Norland presided over the naturalization ceremony.

Marine becomes U.S. citizen abroad

Corporal Erick R. Salinas was sworn in as citizen of the United States by Ambassador Richard Norland during his naturalization ceremony held April 19 at the U.S. Embassy, Georgia. Salinas, a native of El Salvador, immigrated to the United States of America at age six with his family. The Salinas family settled in San Francisco, Calif. where he

U.S. Marines with Black Sea Rotational Force 13 and the Republic of Georgia Army's 233rd Infantry Battalion participate in the closing ceremony for exercise Agile Spirit aboard Vaziani Airbase, March 30, 2013. - U.S. Marines with Black Sea Rotational Force 13 and the Republic of Georgia Army's 233rd Infantry Battalion participate in the closing ceremony for exercise Agile Spirit aboard Vaziani Airbase, March 30, 2013.

BSRF-13 says goodbye to Georgia, heads to Romania

Marines and sailors with Black Sea Rotational Force 13 closed Exercise Agile Spirit 13 with the Republic of Georgia’s 23rd Infantry Battalion with a demonstration of a joint operations urban raid for distinguished visitors.“We performed a demonstration of how we have worked together these past few weeks to our distinguished visitors,” said Lt. Col.

Lt. Col. Steve Wolf (center), Col. Ioan-Duru Apafaian (left) stand with Mihal Kogalniceanu mayor, Mrs. Belu Ancuta (right) during the opening ceremony at Mihal Kogalniceanu, Romania. Marines and sailors with Black Sea Rotational Force 13 hold an opening ceremony to welcome BSRF-13 to M.K., Romania, April 10, 2013. BSRF-13 will be based out of M.K. and from there they will travel to 21 diffrent countries to promote regional security and engage our partner military forces. - Lt. Col. Steve Wolf (center), Col. Ioan-Duru Apafaian (left) stand with Mihal Kogalniceanu mayor, Mrs. Belu Ancuta (right) during the opening ceremony at Mihal Kogalniceanu, Romania. Marines and sailors with Black Sea Rotational Force 13 hold an opening ceremony to welcome BSRF-13 to M.K., Romania, April 10, 2013. BSRF-13 will be based out of M.K. and from there they will travel to 21 diffrent countries to promote regional security and engage our partner military forces.

BSRF-13 ready to train in Romania

Marines and sailors with Black Sea Rotational Force 13 arrived at Mihail Kogalniceanu, Romania which will serve as the unit’s home throughout its six-month deployment as a crisis contingency force.An opening ceremony today marked the official welcome for BSRF-13 to Romania. BSRF-13 and soldiers with the Romanian 341 Battalion, 9th Brigade

An MV-22B Osprey from Marine Tiltrotor Squadron 266 (Reinforced), 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit, II Marine Expeditionary Force, Camp Lejeune, N.C., lands on Kelley Field during a capabilities demonstration at Kelly Barracks, March 28. U.S. Marine Corps Forces Europe, U.S. Marine Corps Forces Africa, in coordination with U.S. European Command, U.S. Africa Command, the community of U.S. Army Garrison Stuttgart, Germany, received “hands-on” experience with the MV-22B Osprey during a capabilities exercise on Patch Barracks, Kelly Barracks, and Stuttgart Army Airfield, that helped to familiarize the combatant commands with the possibilities and new abilities the aircraft could provide throughout their respective area of reach. The three MV-22 Osprey crews flew 1400 nautical miles from the Atlantic Ocean, without having to land to refuel, before arriving two days earlier. The MV-22 Osprey possess twice the speed, can fly twice as high, carry three times the payload, and travels five times the distance of other legacy, medium-lift helicopters. - An MV-22B Osprey from Marine Tiltrotor Squadron 266 (Reinforced), 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit, II Marine Expeditionary Force, Camp Lejeune, N.C., lands on Kelley Field during a capabilities demonstration at Kelly Barracks, March 28. U.S. Marine Corps Forces Europe, U.S. Marine Corps Forces Africa, in coordination with U.S. European Command, U.S. Africa Command, the community of U.S. Army Garrison Stuttgart, Germany, received “hands-on” experience with the MV-22B Osprey during a capabilities exercise on Patch Barracks, Kelly Barracks, and Stuttgart Army Airfield, that helped to familiarize the combatant commands with the possibilities and new abilities the aircraft could provide throughout their respective area of reach. The three MV-22 Osprey crews flew 1400 nautical miles from the Atlantic Ocean, without having to land to refuel, before arriving two days earlier. The MV-22 Osprey possess twice the speed, can fly twice as high, carry three times the payload, and travels five times the distance of other legacy, medium-lift helicopters.

MV-22B Ospreys thunder through Stuttgart skies

In coordination with U.S. Marine Corps Forces Europe and U.S. Marine Corps Forces Africa, the community of U.S. European Command, U.S. Africa Command, and USAG Stuttgart had “hands-on” experience with the MV-22B Osprey during a capabilities exercise on Patch Barracks, Kelley Barracks, and Stuttgart Army Airfield, March 28. The MV-22B Ospreys are

U.S. Marines and sailors stand at attention next to the Republic of Georgia's 4th Infantry Brigade for the opening ceremony of the Exercise Agile Spirit 13 joint training event. - U.S. Marines and sailors stand at attention next to the Republic of Georgia's 4th Infantry Brigade for the opening ceremony of the Exercise Agile Spirit 13 joint training event.

Marines, Georgian Army launch exercise Agile Spirit

Marines and sailors assigned to Black Sea Rotational Force 13 marked the beginning of Exercise Agile Spirit 13, a three-week long bilateral exercise, by participating in the opening ceremony at Vaziani Airfield, Republic of Georgia, March 18.The Republic of Georgia Army’s 23rd Infantry Battalion will be working with Special Purpose Marine

Engineers from two hemispheres work to build FOB

The Marines and sailors of the Black Sea Rotational Force 13 and the 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit are currently living at a forward operating base built and constructed by engineers with the U.S. Marine Corps and the Republic of Georgia Army. Expanding on a basic berm already in place, engineers visited a variety of improvements on the FOB,

BSRF Marines and Georgian Army conduct live fire range together

Marines and sailors assigned to the Black Sea Rotational Force 13 participated in a live fire range today with soldiers of the Georgian army during exercise Agile Spirit 13 at Vaziani Air Base in the Republic of Georgia, March 19, 2013. Marines from BSRF-13 taught Georgian soldiers the characteristics of Marine Corps infantry weapons systems before

Republic of Georgia Col. Lasha Beridze, Deputy Chief of Defense, Georgian Armed Forces, awards retired Marine Gunnery Sgt. James Wells, communications chief, Georgia Liaison Team, with Republic of Georgia’s Peacekeeping Operations Medal, during an award ceremony aboard Joint Expeditionary Base Little Creek – Fort Story in Virginia Beach, Va., Feb. 28. The Republic of Georgia’s Peacekeeping Operations Medal is presented in recognition of a servicemember’s significant contributions to Georgian Armed Forces peacekeeping and combat operations. - Republic of Georgia Col. Lasha Beridze, Deputy Chief of Defense, Georgian Armed Forces, awards retired Marine Gunnery Sgt. James Wells, communications chief, Georgia Liaison Team, with Republic of Georgia’s Peacekeeping Operations Medal, during an award ceremony aboard Joint Expeditionary Base Little Creek – Fort Story in Virginia Beach, Va., Feb. 28. The Republic of Georgia’s Peacekeeping Operations Medal is presented in recognition of a servicemember’s significant contributions to Georgian Armed Forces peacekeeping and combat operations.

Republic of Georgia MOD, ACMC Recognize Marines and Sailor for GDP-ISAF Contributions

Thirteen Marines and one sailor were honored by representatives from the Republic of Georgia’s Ministry of Defense and Gen. John Paxton, Assistant Commandant of the Marine Corps, for their contributions in support of the Georgia Deployment Program – International Security Assistance Force (GDP-ISAF) during an award ceremony at Sandpiper Recreation

Petty Officer 3rd Class Andrew Sanders, a hospital corpsman with the Black Sea Rotational Force13 and an Elizabeth City, N.C., native, helps a role player, who has a mock injury, onto a stretcher going to the medical aid station. Marines and sailors with the 2013 iteration of BSRF conducted their first noncombatant evacuation mission rehearsal exercise the week of January 7. - Petty Officer 3rd Class Andrew Sanders, a hospital corpsman with the Black Sea Rotational Force13 and an Elizabeth City, N.C., native, helps a role player, who has a mock injury, onto a stretcher going to the medical aid station. Marines and sailors with the 2013 iteration of BSRF conducted their first noncombatant evacuation mission rehearsal exercise the week of January 7.

Black Sea Rotational Force Marines go to the field for noncombatant evacuation operations

Marines and sailors with the 2013 iteration of the Black Sea Rotational Force conducted their first noncombatant evacuation mission rehearsal exercise the week of January 7.The training consisted of dry runs and practice with the culminating event being an evaluation of the simulated evacuation control center where about 40 role playing civilians

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