LAPLAND, FINLAND – In a significant display of NATO interoperability and Arctic logistical prowess, U.S. Marines with Combat Logistics Battalion 6 (CLB-6) officially completed a historic long-range, cross-border convoy into Finland on March 9, 2026.
The movement, captured in newly released B-Roll footage, marks a critical milestone for Exercise Cold Response 2026 (CORE26). This Norwegian-led winter exercise is a key component of NATO’s enhanced vigilance activity, Arctic Sentry, designed to ensure collective defense across the High North.
A Journey Across Three Nations
The convoy was the final leg of an ambitious two-day multinational journey. Originating in Setermoen, Norway, the Marines of the 2nd Marine Logistics Group pushed through challenging Arctic terrain, crossing into Sweden before finally entering Finland via the Pello border crossing.
The successful transit demonstrated the battalion's ability to:
Navigate extreme winter conditions and sub-zero temperatures.
Coordinate complex border crossings with Finnish and Swedish customs and military personnel.
Maintain "flexible logistical support" for forward-deployed units across multiple allied borders.
Strategic Integration
Upon arrival in Finland, CLB-6’s ground convoy linked up with infantry forces from Echo Company, 2nd Battalion, 6th Marine Regiment. While the logistics team traveled by land, the infantry units were concurrently airlifted from Norway to Rovaniemi, Finland, by a German-French Binational Air Transport Squadron—showcasing a seamless "hub-and-spoke" delivery of personnel and equipment.
"For us, this is the most important exercise of the year from the perspective of logistics and Host Nation Support," stated Finnish military officials, emphasizing the importance of receiving Allied forces rapidly during a crisis.
About CORE26
Exercise Cold Response 26 involves over 25,000 soldiers from 14 countries. It serves as a rigorous testing ground for NATO's ability to operate in the "High North," where the environment is as much of an adversary as any simulated opposing force. The footage provided in the B-Roll showcases the grit of the individual Marines—from refueling Humvees in Swedish forests to the final handshakes with Finnish border officials.
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