Beaufort Marines Join NATO Forces in Arctic Training Exercise

150 Marines from Marine Corp Air Station Beaufort are training alongside 25,000 NATO allies in Norway for Cold Response 2026.

Published on Mar. 5, 2026

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A group of 150 Marines from Marine Wing Support Squadron 273 (MWSS273) at Marine Corp Air Station Beaufort are participating in the Cold Response 2026 training exercise in Norway alongside 25,000 NATO forces. The training is focused on learning how to operate in Arctic conditions, including driving on icy, slippery terrain and conducting cold water immersion exercises.

Why it matters

The Cold Response exercise is a routine multinational training event that helps prepare NATO forces, including the U.S. Marines, to operate effectively in the challenging Arctic environment. As tensions rise in the region, this training is crucial for ensuring allied readiness and interoperability.

The details

The Beaufort-based Marines are part of Marine Wing Support Squadron 273 (MWSS273) and are learning skills like operating vehicles on icy roads, recovering disabled or stuck vehicles, and conducting cold water immersion training. The training is a culture and environmental shock for many of the Marines who are more accustomed to the warm, flat terrain of the Lowcountry.

  • The Cold Response 2026 exercise is taking place throughout the month of March 2026.
  • The training has been in the planning for two years, with no correlation to the current conflict in the Middle East.

The players

Marine Wing Support Squadron 273 (MWSS273)

A unit of 150 Marines from Marine Corp Air Station Beaufort participating in the Cold Response 2026 exercise in Norway.

Captain David Leesman

The airfield operations company commander for MWSS273.

Sergeant Gennaro Castaldo

A motor transport operator and recovery operations chief for MWSS273.

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What they’re saying

“As Marines, we pride ourselves in being able to operate in any clime and place. That includes the Arctic Circle. You know, cold weather doesn't stop. So, training in an area like Norway, in the high north, you learn to overcome and still accomplish the mission.”

— Captain David Leesman, Airfield Operations Company Commander, MWSS273 (wsav.com)

“I absolutely think that it is not only an opportunity we should cherish but definitely be thankful every single day that we're out here able to get this experience and the knowledge that we get from our NATO allies.”

— Sergeant Gennaro Castaldo, Recovery Operations Chief, MWSS273 (wsav.com)

What’s next

The 25,000 allied forces will continue training the entire month of March as part of the typical duration of the Cold Response exercise.

The takeaway

This training exercise demonstrates the U.S. Marines' commitment to being prepared to operate in any environment, including the challenging Arctic conditions, and the value of interoperability and cooperation with NATO allies.