24th MEU completes training in Iceland

Photo By Sgt. Margaret Gale | A V-22 Osprey departs from USS Iwo Jima (LHD 7) while conducting an air assault in Icelandic terrain Oct. 17. Iceland’s unique terrain and climate allows for Marines to be better prepared and rapidly deploy in support of NATO Allies and partners. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Margaret Gale)  

ICELAND

10.21.2018

Story by Lance Cpl. Margaret Gale 

24th Marine Expeditionary Unit

REYKJAVIK, ICELAND – The 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit completed the Iceland portion of Exercise Trident Juncture 18 by conducting an amphibious air assault and cold-weather training Oct. 17 – 21, 2018. The Iceland portion of Trident Juncture allowed the 24th MEU to rehearse their amphibious capabilities as a sea-based Marine Air-Ground Task Force and increase their proficiency as an expeditionary force in readiness.
Marines with Battalion Landing Team, 2nd Battalion, 2nd Marine Regiment, and Combat Logistics Battalion 24, conducted cold-weather training in southwestern Iceland to familiarize their forces with cold-weather operations. Training consisted of a seven mile hike and cold-weather stations where Marines rehearsed how to sustain themselves in cold, windy, and rainy weather conditions. Teaching Marines these skills is vital to combat readiness in any location.
“It is important to do this type of training because it familiarizes Marines with the gear we utilize in cold-weather environments,” said Sgt. Justin Belding, a radio operator with 2/2. “It was a great opportunity to see the beautiful Icelandic terrain and experience the cold-weather elements.”
While in Iceland, Marines and Sailors have been able to build valuable teamwork and camaraderie skills while training in a unique, cold-weather environment. Training in Iceland’s extreme and unpredictable climate increased their proficiency and provided unique challenges that they had to overcome in order to complete the mission.
“We need to exercise our capabilities in different locations so we can plan for different variables,” said Lt. Col. Misca Geter, an executive officer with 24th MEU. “The weather and terrain of Iceland forced us to plan around those factors. I’d like to thank the government of Iceland for allowing us to conduct this training in their beautiful country.”
The cold-weather training, combined with the air assault, sets the conditions for the 24th MEU to conduct efficient amphibious operations in Norway for the final portion of Trident Juncture. The product of Trident Juncture will be a more ready and combat proficient MAGTF, capable of fulfilling a range of military operations for national command authorities and geographical combatant commanders.

• Date Taken: 10.21.2018
• Date Posted: 10.22.2018 23:37
• Story ID: 297218
• Location: IS