AT SEA, HNLMS Rotterdam -- The “Warlords” of 2nd Battalion, 2nd Marine Regiment, 2nd Marine Division strengthened their amphibious roots with a simulated raid in a new clime, above the Arctic Circle, March 18, during exercise Cold Response 14.
The U.S. Marines worked with the Dutch Marines from the HNLS Rotterdam and Norwegian soldiers from Host Nation Support Battalion to land on a simulated hostile beach during the multinational, multilateral exercise involving nearly 16,000 servicemembers from 16 different nations.
“This has been a unique training opportunity being able to work with other countries in a cold weather environment,”” said 1st Lt. Kyle Tucker-Davis, the combined anti-armor team platoon commander.
Integrating with the Dutch Marines and naval vessel helped the Marines demonstrate their capabilities for amphibious operations in unfamiliar terrain and unpredictable conditions.
“It has been good to be able to work and train with our partners,” said Tucker-Davis, a Birmingham, Ala., native. “We’ve been able to show them what the Marine Corps can provide; our amphibious capability.”
The Marines and Norwegians embarked on the HNLS Rotterdam two days prior to conducting the raid, which gave them a chance learn how to work with Dutch forces and learn to operate together.
“I was very impressed by the proficiency and organization of the Dutch forces,” Tucker-Davis said. “I think it’s important for us to see how the Dutch Marines perform in their amphibious operations and planning.”
The amphibious raid was the last major part of the U.S. Marine training evolution during Cold Response 14, which will finish March 21.
“The planning for the raid was intensive,” Tucker-Davis said, “but translating the concepts and practices of both nations Marines concepts showed an impressive capability during the raid.”