CAMP LEJEUNE, N.C. -- U.S. Marines and Sailors with the 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit aboard USS Iwo Jima (LHD 7), USS New York (LPD 21) and USS Gunston Hall (LSD 44) set sail Oct. 3, 2018, to join more than 40,000 international service members taking part in Exercise Trident Juncture 2018. The service members will train in the host nations of Iceland and Norway.
Exercise Trident Juncture 2018, directly supporting NATO’s Readiness Action Plan, is designed to improve total-force readiness, crisis and contingency response, and cooperative security. While operating in Iceland and Norway, the Marines and Sailors will familiarize themselves with partner nations’ methods and procedures to build teamwork and camaraderie in unique, cold-weather environments.
“If you can fight in these conditions, you can fight anywhere,” said Sgt. Maj. Christopher Garza, the 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit’s sergeant major. “It is a unique opportunity for our Marines and Sailors to deploy and train in a challenging environment and strengthen our skillsets.”
The 24th MEU deployed with its Navy counterpart, the Iwo Jima Amphibious Ready Group, and brought service members from Battalion Landing Team 2nd Battalion, 2nd Marines; Combat Logistics Battalion 24; and assets from Marine Aircraft Group 29.
The 24th MEU will conduct a variety of training exercises while at sea and ashore. Training will consist of an amphibious landing, cold-weather training, surface assault, aerial assault, fire-support control, and sustainment operations. The multilateral exercise provides the 24th MEU with the opportunity to exercise their amphibious and expeditionary capabilities in a unique environment in support of partner nations.
“The 24th MEU will have the opportunity to deploy with the Navy and enhance our interoperability and teamwork with our Allies and partners,” said Col. Eric D. Cloutier, the commanding officer of the 24th MEU. “This exercise will demonstrate our readiness to deploy forward and fight as a Marine Air Ground Task Force. I’m excited that the 24th MEU has the opportunity to participate. Our Marines and Sailors are prepared and ready to go.”
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