More than 2,500 Sailors and Marines aboard the Wasp-class amphibious assault ship USS Iwo Jima (LHD 7) arrived in Oslo, Norway Nov. 13, 2018 for a scheduled port visit.
The ship arrived in Norway’s capital to enhance U.S.-Norway relations as the two nations continue to strengthen regional security and stability. While inport, the 2,500 Sailors and Marines onboard will participate in several community relation projects and have the opportunity to experience the city’s culture, food and historical sites. The ship will also host a reception for civil and military leaders of the two countries.
"The Sailors and Marines of USS Iwo Jima are looking forward to pulling into Oslo for this upcoming port visit and continuing to develop the strong relationships with our NATO partners in Norway,” said Capt. Joseph O’Brien, commanding officer aboard Iwo Jima. “This is a great opportunity for the crew to experience the history and culture of Norway while enjoying some well-deserved time off.”
The port visit is the latest for Iwo Jima’s crew, who also recently visited Reykjavik, Iceland and Trondheim, Norway.
Iwo Jima recently participated in Trident Juncture 18, which was a NATO-led exercise designed to certify NATO response forces and develop interoperability among participating NATO Allied and partner nations.
The Iwo Jima Expeditionary Strike Group embarks the 24th MEU and is comprised of the amphibious assault ship USS Iwo Jima (LHD 7), amphibious dock landing ship USS Gunston Hall (LSD 44) and amphibious transport dock ship USS New York (LPD 21), Fleet Surgical Team 6, Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron 22, Tactical Air Control Squadron 22, components of Naval Beach Group 2 and the embarked staffs of Expeditionary Strike Group 2 and Amphibious Squadron 8.