Norway's Prime Minister Visits USS Iwo Jima

19 November 2018

Norway's PM Erna Solberg attended a reception aboard the Wasp-class amphibious assault ship USS Iwo Jima (LHD 7).

Norway's Prime Minister Erna Solberg attended a reception aboard the Wasp-class amphibious assault ship USS Iwo Jima (LHD 7) during a recent port visit in Oslo, Norway Nov. 15 after the conclusion of Trident Juncture 18.

"Trident Juncture is about showing that the NATO alliance is capable of conducting preparations, working together and becoming stronger together," said PM Solberg.

The ship arrived in Norway’s capital to enhance U.S.-Norway relations as the two nations continue to strengthen regional security and stability.

“I’m glad to hear all of the stories of how the allied forces were welcomed to the communities during the exercise and I think you’ll see that what we really value is the importance of your contribution to our security,” Solberg said. “It seems to me that Norwegians felt proud to be hosting you during this historic exercise.”

U.S. Ambassador to Norway was also in attendance and spoke on the importance of Trident Juncture 18.

"As we all know now, Trident Juncture was the largest NATO exercise to be held since the end of the Cold War, and we are grateful to the Norwegian government and to the people of Norway for their generous commitment of time, energy and financial investment to ensure the success of this important NATO undertaking," Ambassador Kenneth J. Braithwaite said.

Trident Juncture 18 was a NATO-led exercise designed to certify NATO response forces and develop interoperability among participating NATO allied and partner nations.

The Iwo Jima Expeditionary Strike Group embarks the 24th MEU and is comprised of the amphibious assault ship USS Iwo Jima (LHD 7), amphibious dock landing ship USS Gunston Hall (LSD 44) and amphibious transport dock ship USS New York (LPD 21), Fleet Surgical Team 6, Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron 22, Tactical Air Control Squadron 22, components of Naval Beach Group 2 and the embarked staffs of Expeditionary Strike Group 2 and Amphibious Squadron 8.

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