Norway is conducting Operation Atlantic City together with the United Kingdom and the United States on and around the Norwegian island of Jan Mayen from 26 August to 4 September. The exercise is part of NATO's enhanced vigilance activity Arctic Sentry.
According to a press release from the Norwegian Armed Forces, personnel from the Norwegian Navy and the Norwegian Home Guard (Heimevernet) are taking part. Similar allied exercise activity was also conducted on and around Jan Mayen last year.
"By operating together with our allies, we demonstrate that we have both the capability and the will to defend Norwegian territory. This includes the Arctic islands, the High North and our territorial waters," says Vice Admiral Rune Andersen, head of the Norwegian Armed Forces' operational headquarters.
Jan Mayen is located approximately 1,000 kilometres from the Norwegian mainland. The Norwegian Armed Forces describe the island as geostrategically important and emphasise the need for Norwegian and allied forces to be familiar with its geography and particular conditions.
The US Marine Corps states that multinational sensors, command nodes and precision strike capabilities will be integrated into a unified, joint-force strike network. The activity will include, among other things, maritime situational awareness and the ability to deny an adversary the use of sea areas.
The United Kingdom is participating with personnel from LXX Squadron of the Royal Air Force as well as commandos from the Royal Marines. On the American side, participants include Marine Corps units, MC-130 and C-130 aircraft, and a HIMARS platoon from the New Hampshire Army National Guard. Elements of the US Sixth Fleet and Task Force 68 are also taking part.
Operation Atlantic City is being conducted in parallel with naval manoeuvres under Operation Northern Viking 26. Arctic Sentry is led by NATO's Joint Force Command Norfolk and coordinates allied military activity in the Arctic.