2nd MEB Marines return to Europe to support BALTOPS 19

Photo By Chief Petty Officer Theodore Green | 190610-N-DP001-0011 BALTIC SEA (June 10, 2019) Maj. Gen. Stephen Neary, commanding general, 2nd Marine Expeditionary Brigade (left) and Rear Adm. Brad Skillman, commander, Expeditionary Strike Group (ESG) 2 (right) conduct a commander’s update brief aboard the Blue Ridge-class command and control ship USS Mount Whitney (LCC 20) during Exercise Baltic Operations (BALTOPS) 2019. BALTOPS is the premier annual maritime-focused exercise in the Baltic Region, marking the 47th year of one of the largest exercises in Northern Europe enhancing flexibility and interoperability among allied and partner nations. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Theodore Green)  

SH, GERMANY

06.11.2019

Courtesy Story

2nd Marine Expeditionary Brigade

USS MOUNT WHITNEY – U.S. Marines with 2nd Marine Expeditionary Brigade return to Europe for the third time in just over half a year to support another combined exercise with 17 NATO allies and European partners.

Approximately 100 Marines and Sailors from the MEB, commanded by Maj. Gen. Stephen Neary, along with 250 Marines and Sailors from 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit are participating in exercise Baltic Operations 19 (BALTOPS).

The exercise, commanded by Vice Adm. Andrew Lewis, Commander U.S. 2nd Fleet, on behalf of U.S. Naval Forces Europe, enhances interoperability between partnering nations and strengthens the already robust strategic relationships.

“No one nation can face today’s challenges alone, we are much stronger together,” said Lewis. “Our partner and NATO alliances must continue to strengthen our deterrence and defense efforts and adapt through improving readiness and responsiveness.”

The MEB demonstrated its commitment to a forward presence in Europe through its support to a number of large exercises recently including Austere Challenge 19 and Trident Juncture 18.

During BALTOPS, the MEB will exercise command and control over a multinational landing force consisting of British, Romanian, Spanish, Polish and U.S. Forces through a number of amphibious demonstrations and assaults throughout the Baltic Sea region.

“BALTOPS 19 is a great opportunity for 2nd MEB and Expeditionary Strike Group 2 to operate as an amphibious force in a competitive space, commanding and controlling multinational maritime and amphibious forces with the goal of improving our interoperability,” said Neary. “This reassures our allies and partners and deters potential adversaries around the globe.”

The exercise began June 9 and will continue through June 22.

• Date Taken: 06.11.2019
• Date Posted: 06.11.2019 09:34
• Story ID: 326586
• Location: SH, DE