Setermoen, Norway, (January 29, 2023): In this photo by Sgt. Christian M. Garcia, U.S. Marines with Combat Logistics Battalion 2, Combat Logistics Regiment 2, 2nd Marine Logistics Group get a good look at the Norwegian countryside during a 5-kilometer hike during Marine Rotational Force- Europe 23. The American Marines train in various real-life exercises including mountain warfare and military to military engagements.

Marine Rotational Force-Europe 23 is an annual meeting of U.S. and Norwegian military units to confront Russian aggression on Europe’s northern flank. The American presence acknowledges Norway as a key strategic ally located on the Russian border and, hopefully, a new member of the NATO alliance.

For the Marines, Norway provides an ideal cold weather environment to test men and equipment to the maximum. With over 63,000 miles of coastline, Norway offers numerous options for realistic training for amphibious landings in an often frozen environment. Inland, Marines patrol with their Norwegian counterparts much as they would do should war break out.

The II Marine Expeditionary Force consists of four Expeditionary Units, each with their own aircraft wings and ground combat forces.