Finnish-American Cooperation Strengthens Maritime Defence in the Baltic Region

A detachment from the United States Marine Corps (USMC), Marine Rotational Force - Europe, led by Combat Logistics Battalion 6, are arriving to Finland and will train together with Nyland Brigade until the end of December. The detachment will have a strength of around 350 Marines by the beginning of November and will be stationed in Nyland Brigade.

Nyland brigade has a long experience of international co-operation and has a high competence in providing host nation support for foreign troops and are glad to welcome the United States Marine Corps back. Preparations for the autumns main event Exercise Freezing Winds 25, that will take place at the end of November and beginning of December, have begun.

- Regular and systematic presence and training are extremely beneficial for the brigade and the maritime defence overall. Our co-operation enhances interoperability and demonstrates the ability to defend the Baltic Sea region. The ability to adjust readiness rapidly and flexibly will remain important for maritime defence in future, says Nyland Brigade’s Commander, Captain (N) Mikko Laakkonen.

The robust security relationship between the U.S. and Finland – through exercises, exchanges, investments, and planning – enhances both nations’ readiness to address future security challenges.

The U.S. Marine Corps is committed to enabling Finland’s defence capabilities and enhancing to regional security and NATO. Because of the leadership of Nordic allies, like Finland, the Marine Corps is capable of seamless integration across the Arctic and Baltic littorals and can rapidly deploy to establish operations anywhere in the world.