Marine Corps, NATO Allies Brush Up on Amphibious Assault, Communication Skills
7/18/2025
By Tabitha Reeves
CAMP LEJEUNE, North Carolina — Dozens of Marines and sailors poured from a landing craft as soon as its tailgate opened, splashing into knee-deep water with weapons raised and packs strapped to their backs.
As the forces — American, Dutch and British — stormed the beach, they fanned into a semicircle, securing territory while hundreds of other warfighters performed varying parts of an amphibious operation that overtook the coast.
Slightly upshore, another utility landing craft lowered its back door, letting vehicles charge through the shallow water and onto the North Carolina sand. The small boat then began its return to the large amphibious assault ship that brought it — which now floated in far-off waters — a blue-tinted silhouette on the horizon.
The cycle repeated as the sun rose higher into late morning. Faraway warships released smaller landing platforms that carried troops and vehicles to shore, swiftly readying for battle upon reaching land. Helicopters circled overhead, prepared to provide direct air support as needed, the sounds of rhythmic blades cutting in and out.
https://www.nationaldefensemagazine.org/articles/2025/7/18/marine-corps-nato-allies-brush-up-on--amphibious-assault-communication-skills
