U.S. Marine Corps Maj. Gen. Scott F. Benedict, a native of California and the commanding general of the 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing (MAW), speaks about Exercise Nordic Response 24 and working with Sweden as a new NATO member at Lulea, Sweden, March 13, 2024. Benedict observed a demonstration of U.S. Marines with Marine Aerial Refueler Transport Squadron (VMGR) 252, 2nd MAW, providing aviation-delivered ground refueling to U.S. F-35B Lightning II jet aircraft with Marine Fighter Attack Squadron (VMFA) 542, 2nd MAW, during a distributed aviation operation, showcasing expeditionary advanced-base operations using host-nation support. The training event marked the first U.S. F-35B Lightning II jet landing in Sweden at Kallax Air Base. Exercise Nordic Response 24 is designed to enhance military capabilities and allied cooperation in high-intensity warfighting scenarios under challenging arctic conditions while providing U.S. Marines unique opportunities to train alongside NATO allies and partners. (U.S. Marine Corps video by Cpl. Rowdy Vanskike)

U.S. Marines with Marine Aerial Refueler Transport Squadron (VMGR) 252, 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing (MAW), refuel F-35B Lightning II jets with Marine Fighter Attack Squadron (VMFA) 542, 2nd MAW, using aviation-delivered ground refueling during Exercise Nordic Response 24 in Lulea, Sweden, March 13, 2024. VMFA-542 and VMGR-252 demonstrated aviation-delivered ground refueling during a distributed aviation operation to showcase expeditionary advanced-base operations using host-nation support. The training event marked the first U.S. F-35 landing in Sweden at Kallax Air Base. Exercise Nordic Response 24 is designed to enhance military capabilities and allied cooperation in high-intensity warfighting scenarios under challenging arctic conditions while providing U.S. Marines unique opportunities to train alongside NATO allies and partners. (U.S. Marine Corps video by Cpl. Rowdy Vanskike) (Music licensed from DeWolfe Music)