The coaching occasion began April 11 and was carried out all through northern Norway, together with in Setermoen and Blatind. U.S. and Norwegian Armed Forces carried out chilly climate coaching, a number of built-in stay hearth occasions, shock trauma platoon medical coaching, casualty evacuation drills, explosive ordnance coaching, and reconnaissance and marksmanship coaching.
The coaching started with the Wasp-class amphibious assault ship USS Kearsarge (LHD 3), flagship of the Kearsarge ARG and twenty second MEU, and Whidbey-Island class dock touchdown ship USS Gunston Corridor (LSD 44) arriving in Tromsø and Narvik, respectively, to dump MEU components and gear.
“We thought coming to Norway could be a difficult alternative. We have been proper – it was,” Col. Paul C. Merida, commanding officer of the twenty second Marine Expeditionary Unit, mentioned. “Working on this a part of the world is a problem at sea, within the air, and on land. However as Marines, we now have to return up right here and do it. I’ve by no means heard of an ARG-MEU crew working above the Arctic Circle, however we proved it may be achieved. This was an excellent expertise with our Norwegian Allies and the unit to unit partnership was first-class.”
Lt. Col. Ryan B. Cohen, commanding officer of the 2nd Battalion sixth Marines, twenty second MEU Floor Fight Component, echoed Col. Merida’s sentiments in regards to the significance of the coaching occasion for skilled and private growth alongside Norwegian Allies.
“Our dedication to our Norwegian brothers and sisters is steeled and our combating spirits are excessive,” mentioned Cohen. “It’s an honor and privilege to combine and associate with our Norwegian brethren. Brigade North brings professionalism, warfighting readiness, bodily grit and a combating spirit that ought to allow all to sleep peacefully at night time, figuring out Norway is guarded by a few of our world’s best warfighters.”
As a part of the coaching occasion, Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron (VMM) 263 (Strengthened), assigned to the twenty second MEU, flew MV-22 Ospreys and AH-1 Cobra helicopters from Bardufoss Airfield coaching web site, between Tromsø and Narvik, transporting gear to and from the USS Kearsarge throughout the on load of U.S. Marine Corps gear. Whereas coaching in Bardufoss, VMM-263 carried out plane flight coaching with the Norwegian Air Wing, enhancing interoperability and rising proficiency in chilly climate flight operations.
“VMM-263 (REIN) is drastically appreciative of the chance to conduct bilateral and squadron sustainment coaching whereas in Bardufoss, Norway,” mentioned Lt. Col. Joe “Offended” Andrejack, commanding officer of VMM-263 (REIN). “We elevated our aviation readiness and proficiency and established a brand new baseline for skilled relationships with Norwegian companions.
The mission-set flexibility and variety that Kearsarge dropped at the coaching ensured that Sailors and Marines throughout the ARG-MEU benefitted from occasions and situations related to the general coaching alternative.
“The cooperative coaching between U.S. and Norwegian navy forces showcases the lengthy standing relationship between the US and Norway,” mentioned Capt. Tom Foster, commanding officer of Kearsarge. “We’ve realized many classes working within the excessive north and with the Norwegian navy. At sea, we particularly skilled how respectful you need to be of the atmosphere, how briskly it might probably change, and the significance of strong security contingencies constructed into our operations to account for change. That is precisely the explanation we’re working within the North and studying how to take action safely from our companions in Norway.”
In the course of the scheduled port visits in Tromsø, Kearsarge ARG-MEU management have been greeted on the pier by Mayor of Tromsø’s Workplace members adopted by a flagship tour.
“The Kingdom of Norway has been hospitable and warm-welcoming to the Kearsarge ARG-MEU crew. We’re grateful for the alternatives to coach alongside our Norwegian counterparts, be taught from their experience, and share capabilities to strengthen our armed forces,” mentioned Capt. David Guluzian, commander of the Kearsarge ARG and Amphibious Squadron SIX. “Our Sailors and Marines are particularly grateful to the cities of Tromsø and Narvik for permitting us to benefit from the wealthy tradition Norway has to supply.”
The Kearsarge ARG and embarked twenty second MEU are underneath the command and management of Job Pressure 61/2. The ARG consists of USS Kearsarge; the San-Antonio class amphibious transport dock ship USS Arlington (LPD 24); and the Whidbey Island-class dock touchdown ship USS Gunston Corridor (LSD 44).
Embarked instructions with the Kearsarge ARG embrace Amphibious Squadron SIX, twenty second MEU, Fleet Surgical Group 2, Tactical Air Management Squadron 22, Helicopter Sea Fight Squadron 28, Assault Craft Unit 2, Assault Craft Unit 4, Naval Seaside Group 2, and Seaside Grasp Unit 2.
Amphibious prepared teams and bigger amphibious process forces present navy commanders a variety of versatile capabilities together with maritime safety operations, expeditionary energy projection, strike operations, ahead naval presence, disaster response, sea management, deterrence, counter-terrorism, info operations, safety cooperation and counter-proliferation, and humanitarian help and catastrophe aid.
U.S. Sixth Fleet, headquartered in Naples, Italy, conducts the complete spectrum of joint and naval operations, usually in live performance with Allied and interagency companions, to advance U.S. nationwide pursuits, safety, and stability in Europe and Africa.
