U.S. Marines with Marine Wing Support Squadron (MWSS) 272, Marine Air Control Group 28, 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing refuel F-35B Lightning II aircraft with Marine Fighter Attack Squadron (VMFA) 224, Marine Aircraft Group 14, 2nd MAW, in Tervo, Finland, June 9, 2026. The F-35B aircraft serves as a versatile asset in support of expeditionary and rapid deployment operations, displaying U.S. capabilities in support of NATO allies. RAFL26 is NATO’s premier multi-domain tactical exercise involving 19 nations and over 15 operational locations. The exercise provides realistic combat scenarios in complex environments and is designed to enhance the Alliance’s deterrence and collective defense. (U.S. Marine Corps video by Cpl. Mya Seymour)
The U.S. Marine Corps has employed a new and highly-specialized intelligence and cyber warfare unit during Norway’s Cold Response exercise, which has recently been pulled under the umbrella of NATO’s Arctic Sentry activities.
U.S. Marines and Sailors with Combat Logistics Battalion 6, Combat Logistics Regiment 2, 2nd Marine Logistics Group, have already been completing cold weather training for months; their participation in a slippery driver training course from Jan. 26-27, 2026 is a critical part of their preparation for exercise Cold Response.
