U.S. Marine Corps Sgt. Tristan Siemek, a military policeman with 4th Law Enforcement Battalion, Force Headquarters Group, poses for a photo during exercise Cold Response 26 in Elvegardsmoen, Norway, Mar. 2, 2026. A key component of NATO's enhanced vigilance activity Arctic Sentry, exercise Cold Response 26 is a Norwegian-led winter military exercise designed to enhance collective defense capabilities and ensure U.S. readiness to rapidly deploy and seamlessly operate alongside NATO Allies in challenging arctic conditions. Siemek is a native of Colorado. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Sgt. Emily De La Torre)
U.S. Marines with 6th Engineer Support Battalion, 4th Marine Logistics Group, Marine Forces Reserve, conduct Joint Petroleum Over-the-Shore operations in Norway, March 2-6, 2026. The Joint Petroleum Over-the-Shore system, which allows for the transfer of bulk fuel from ships at sea to forces on shore, was tested as part of exercise Cold Response 26. A key component of NATO's enhanced vigilance activity Arctic Sentry, exercise Cold Response 26 is a Norwegian-led winter military exercise designed to enhance collective defense capabilities and ensure U.S. readiness to rapidly deploy and seamlessly operate alongside NATO Allies in challenging arctic conditions. (U.S. Marine Corps video by Cpl. Isaiah W. Smith)
T-minus 3, 2, 1… We have liftoff! The ground rumbled as the engines roared to life. Smoke and flames erupted out of the bottom as it began to lift into the sky, ascending higher until it was finally out of sight. There are some kids who see a rocket take off and begin to dream of becoming astronauts; there are some kids who make that dream come true.
