U.S. Marines conduct simulated combat patrols in preparation for exercise Freezing Winds 24 on Dragsvik, Finland, Nov. 4, 2024. Freezing Winds is an annual Finnish-led maritime exercise involving U.S. Marines assigned to Marine Rotational Force – Europe and serves as a venue to increase Finnish Naval readiness and interoperability between NATO partners and allies in and around the Baltic Sea. (U.S. Marine Corps video by Lance Cpl. Christian Salazar)
U.S. Marine Corps Sgt. Kenneth Valentine, a marine musician assigned to the 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing (MAW) Band performs at St. Georges d'Espéranche, France, from Nov. 22-24, 2024. The 2nd MAW Band traveled from Cherry Point, North Carolina, to St. Georges d'Espéranche to perform two concerts for local school children, two large concerts for the public and to participate in a ceremony commemorating the 80th anniversary of the liberation of France during WWII. The concerts and ceremony showcased the long-standing relationship between the people of the United States and France and reinforced that music is a universal language understood by all. Together, the United States and our indispensable allies continue to demonstrate the strength of alliance and dedicated resolve borne out of World War II and forged over eight decades of combat-credible deterrence and defense. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Gunnery Sgt. Donato Maffin)
U.S. Marines from II Marine Expeditionary Force and the Finnish Defence Forces worked toward international strategic goals during the Finnish Readiness Exercise at Camp Dragsvik, Finland, Aug. 5-9, 2024. The training provided U.S. Marines and the FDF multiple opportunities to exchange tactics, techniques, and technologies while further developing military partnerships.
The training primarily focused on enhancing the operational capabilities and readiness of both Finnish and U.S. forces through combined amphibious and helicopter raids, integration of naval gunfire support and coastal defense rehearsals.
The newest training brought to Finland was the establishment of the forward arming and refueling point and the execution of a...
