U.S. Marines support NATO-led Baltic Sentry mission

Photo By Lance Cpl. Brian Bolin Jr. | U.S. Navy Hospital Corpsman 1st Class Kepono Gowan, a special operations independent duty corpsman with 2d Reconnaissance Battalion, 2d Marine Division, launches an RQ-20 Puma unmanned aircraft system during Operation Baltic Sentry in Southern Finland, Feb. 24, 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.)  

FINLAND

02.21.2025

Story by Master Sgt. Scott Schmidt 

U.S. Marine Corps Forces, Europe and Africa     

Approximately 40 U.S. Marines have deployed to Finland in support of the NATO-led Baltic Sentry enhanced vigilance activity.

NATO launched Baltic Sentry in January following a possible act of sabotage against Baltic Sea energy and data cables between Finland and Estonia at the end of December. Baltic Sentry is a NATO-led enhanced vigilance activity with U.S. Marines in a supporting role.

The Marines are from 2nd Reconnaissance Battalion based out of Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, N.C. They will operate alongside the Finish Coastal Brigade and provide unique maritime domain awareness capabilities.

Marines will provide sUAS and other expeditionary-based capabilities aimed at safeguarding critical infrastructure in the Baltic Sea through increasing surveillance, information exchange and awareness. The Marine Corps’ ability to be an expeditionary and agile force, with expertise in littoral environments, makes us a logical partner for this type of enhanced vigilance activity.

This cooperation marks the first activity between the Finish Defense Forces and the U.S. Marine Corps since the defense cooperation agreement between the U.S. and Finland went into effect September 2024. The Marine Corps is committed to our long-standing collaborative relationship with Finland and NATO. This operation will also set conditions for European allies to bolsters their NATO contributions and capabilities.

For questions concerning the Marine Corps involvement in Baltic Sentry, please reach out to U.S. Marine Corps Lt. Col. Zachary Leuthardt at [e-mail].

• Date Taken: 02.21.2025
• Date Posted: 02.25.2025 07:00
• Story ID: 491203
• Location: FI