With tensions rising with Russia, the US and European allies, Norwegian officials are contemplating a small amount of U.S. Marines to be stationed in Norway as a reaction force.
Pending the approval of the Norwegian government, the small contingent of Marines, approximately 300 or so, would deploy in a six-month rotation, with additional rotations to follow if approved, according to Military.com.
The Vaernes air station in Stjordal, Norway, is being considered to house the Marines according to the Norwegian newspaper Adresseavisen.
The air station also serves as part of Marine Corps Prepositioning Program-Norway, a program that allows the Corps to store thousands of vehicles and other major pieces of gear in temperature-controlled caves, at the ready for joint exercises or a major European combat contingency.
The base, located in central Norway, is about 1,000 miles away from Russia, with which Norway shares a border about 120 miles long at its northeastern limit.
Ahead of an official signal to proceed by the Norwegian government, Maj. Gen. Niel E. Nelson, the commander of Marine Corps Forces Europe and Africa, would confirm only that the possibility is being considered.
“We have a long and close relationship with our friends in the Norwegian Armed Forces, and a limited rotational Marine presence in Norway is one option being considered as a further development of this relationship,” Nelson told Military.com in a statement. “However, at this time, it would be premature to discuss possible implementation of such an initiative before the appropriate Norwegian political processes are completed.” (Read More)
Could this be a sign of imminent war with Russia? Only time will tell.
(Photo Credit: Britanica.com)