CAMP LEJEUNE, N.C. (WWAY) — Deploying Marines and Sailors with II Marine Expeditionary Force (II MEF) received COVID-19 vaccinations in preparation for an upcoming overseas deployment at the Russell Marine and Family Services Center in Camp Lejeune on Jan. 15.

The Marines and Sailors of the “Teufelhunden Battalion” are the next rotational deployment of Marine Rotational Force-Europe. After a quarantine period at their training location in Norway, to mitigate the risk of COVID exposure and transmission, the Marines will conduct bilateral arctic warfare training, improve interoperability, and strengthen defense capabilities alongside Norwegian allies. This is the first rotation of shorter MRF-E deployments, announced by the Marine Corps in August 2020. Marine Rotational Force-Europe’s deployment will be synchronized with the Norwegian Armed Forces’ arctic training and will allow for increased operational flexibility for the Marine Corps. “Norway offers challenging terrain and unique training opportunities to improve our cold-weather and mountain-warfare skills..." — Lt. Col. Ryan Gordinier, commander of 3rd Battalion, 6th Marine Regiment “Norway offers challenging terrain and unique training opportunities to improve our cold-weather and mountain-warfare skills, enabling our force to fight and win in arctic conditions,” said Lt. Col. Ryan Gordinier, commander of 3rd Battalion, 6th Marine Regiment. “The ‘Teufelhunden Battalion’ looks forward to continuing our historic relationship and strengthening our alliance with the Norwegian military.” During their deployment, the new MRF-E will participate in cold-weather warfare and survival training, led by Norwegian Army instructors; participate in a variety of field training events in rugged, arctic conditions alongside Norwegian Army allies; and participate in Exercise Reindeer II, a major Norwegian Army-led field exercise in northern Norway. Marine Rotational Force-Europe 21.1 is expected to operate in Norway several times over the coming year, with a larger follow-on rotation scheduled in early 2021. The Marine Rotational Force plans to conduct various exercises alongside allied forces for continued inoperability and arctic training.

CAMP LEJEUNE — Chainsaws are buzzing aboard Camp Lejeune this week as 16 Marines with the 2d Marine Logistics Group are working to earn their chainsaw license.

A Camp Lejeune Marine is being recognized on social media for helping a woman pull her car from floodwater last week.

A Camp Lejeune Marine has been honored for jumping in to help save a man's life before paramedics could arrive.

The US Marines are starting to pump iron again, as gyms at some military installations have reopened with strict new safety measures amid the coronavirus pandemic.