U.S. Marine Corps Sgt. Maj. Joseph Mendez, sergeant major of 2d Marine Division, conducts an interview during a command leadership visit to various units participating in Exercise Joint Viking 25 in Setermoen, Norway, March 6, 2025. U.S. Marines are in Norway as part of Exercise Joint Viking 25, a Norwegian military exercise focusing on arctic cold-weather training and military-to-military engagements. The exercise demonstrates the Marine Corps' unique ability to rapidly deploy during a crisis and aims to enhance interoperability between the U.S. Marine Corps and NATO allies and partners. (U.S. Marine Corps video by Sgt. Antonino Mazzamuto)
U.S. Marines with Combat Logistics Battalion 2, Combat Logistics Regiment 2, 2nd Marine Logistics Group, U.S. Army Soldiers with 41st Field Artillery Brigade and Norwegian Army Soldiers, pose for a photo during the battle handover for Exercise Joint Viking 25 in Setermoen, Norway, March 8, 2025. U.S. Marines are in Norway as part of Exercise Joint Viking 25, a Norwegian military exercise focusing on arctic cold-weather training and military-to-military engagements. The exercise demonstrates the Marine Corps' unique ability to rapidly deploy during a crisis and aims to enhance interoperability between the U.S. Marine Corps and NATO allies and partners. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Alfonso Livrieri)
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...
U.S. Marines and Sailors with Marine Rotational Force-Europe (MRF-E) prepared to deploy to Finland and integrate with the Finnish Defense Force for exercise Freezing Winds 24 by completing integrated training Oct. 15 – Nov. 28, 2024.
