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