Norwegian King Harald has visited Britains 42 Commando Royal Marines Main Headquarters at Salangen Airfield, Elvenes, in Northern Norway, where they have been taking part in Exercise Cold Response 2014.
15 nations and 16,000 personnel have participated the most recent NATO exercise.
King Harald has made a special trip to see the Royal Marines, very few know that he was made an Honorary Colonel of the the regiment some 33 years ago. Arriving at Elvenes by helicopter, Norwegian King Harald was met by Colonel Kevin Oliver RM, Deputy Commander of 3 Commando Brigade and Lieutenant Colonel Richard Cantrill RM, Commanding Officer of 42 Commando.
Captain John Middleton helped host the visit. He said: “King Harald was attending Exercise Cold Response and apparently made it clear that he wanted to visit the Royal Marines. The King has a strong bond with the Royal Marines as an Honorary Colonel and we hope that he enjoyed the opportunity of meeting, and talking, with our men.”
Exercise Cold Response is a Norwegian led exercise that runs over the course of two weeks. The primary purpose of the exercise is to rehearse high intensity operations in winter conditions. Taking part in Exercise Cold Response were 309 Royal Marine personnel from 42 Commando HQ, K Company 42 Commando and C Company 40 Commando.
Hey, you’re the goto expret. Thanks for hanging out here.