BALTIC SEA, Latvia – The USS Mesa Verde (LPD 19), assigned to the Bataan Amphibious Ready Group (ARG), and embarked 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit (Special Operations Capable) Marines, hosted the Exercise Northern Coasts 2023 distinguished visitor day, Sept. 18 2023.
Air whips up around a group of Marines settled in an observation post as the chuffs of a U.S. Army AH-64 Apache helicopter sound approaches. U.S. Marine Corps Staff Sgt. Timothy Schmude communicates with the aircraft to ensure they are positioned in an optimal position as Cpl. Mitchell Graff marks a target with his infrared pointer, and within seconds the aircraft is engaging the target.