Support Our Deployed U.S. Troops: RED Friday Stands for Awareness and Unity

On this RED Friday, February 28, 2025, we come together to show our unwavering support for the brave men and women of the U.S. military deployed around the world. While many of us continue with our daily lives, it’s important to remember that countless service members are far from home, performing critical missions to ensure our security and uphold global stability. Their sacrifices often go unnoticed by those who are not directly connected to the military. Today, let’s raise awareness, show gratitude, and deepen our commitment to the troops and their families.

RED Friday stands as a simple yet powerful symbol — “Remember Everyone Deployed.” It’s a reminder that the hardships faced by our service members and their loved ones do not end when the headlines fade. As citizens, it’s our responsibility to stay informed about the challenges our troops face and the vital roles they play in protecting freedom, both at home and abroad.

Throughout the year, stories emerge that reflect the commitment of U.S. forces on global missions. For instance, U.S. Marines are currently deployed to counter sabotage in the Baltic Sea, working to secure one of the most strategically vital areas of the world. Meanwhile, the USS Minnesota’s strategic visit to Western Australia underscores the importance of the AUKUS collaboration in strengthening regional security. Not far from those regions, soldiers from the 10th Mountain Division are preparing for a crucial Arctic training exercise at the Sodonkyla Training Area in Finland. These stories, while vital, are just a glimpse of the dedication and bravery exhibited by our troops every day.

As we move forward, the next few articles will highlight these stories, shedding light on the specific missions and operations our service members are currently undertaking. But for now, take a moment to reflect on the sacrifices made by our military personnel and their families. Every time you see someone in red on Friday, you’re not just participating in a tradition — you’re showing solidarity with those who defend the freedoms we often take for granted.

Let’s continue to support them, raise awareness, and keep them in our hearts and minds.

10th Mountain Division Soldiers Prepare for Arctic Training at Sodonkyla

Soldiers from the 10th Mountain Division (Light Infantry) are preparing for a pivotal deployment to the Sodonkyla Training Area in Finland, where they will take part in the Arctic Forge 25 exercise. This annual exercise, scheduled for late February 2025, focuses on enhancing U.S. military readiness and interoperability with NATO allies in the Arctic environment.

The training, which involves troops from the 2nd Battalion, 14th Infantry Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division, is designed to push soldiers to their limits while training in harsh, winter conditions. The 10th Mountain Division’s participation in Arctic Forge 25 provides invaluable opportunities for joint exercises with Finnish forces, ensuring the U.S. military can integrate seamlessly with NATO allies while operating in extreme cold-weather environments.

Throughout the deployment, the soldiers will engage in a series of joint operations and combat readiness drills, which include using Finnish military equipment, such as the RK 62 assault rifle. This not only improves interoperability but also fosters a deeper understanding of the tools and strategies used by their Finnish counterparts.

Arctic Forge 25 is a crucial exercise, aimed at strengthening the U.S. Army’s ability to rapidly deploy in the region while reinforcing the strategic ties between the United States and its NATO allies. With the Arctic becoming increasingly important in global security discussions, this exercise serves as a demonstration of the U.S. Army’s commitment to readiness and its willingness to support its allies in defending the region.

As the 10th Mountain Division soldiers prepare for their deployment to the Sodonkyla Training Area, they continue to train rigorously, refining their skills and testing their ability to operate in one of the most demanding environments on the planet. The exercise promises to enhance the capabilities of all involved forces, ensuring that they remain ready to respond to any challenges that may arise in the Arctic.

USS Minnesota’s Strategic Visit to Western Australia Enhances AUKUS Collaboration

On February 25, 2025, the Virginia-class fast-attack submarine USS Minnesota (SSN 783) arrived at HMAS Stirling naval base in Western Australia, marking the first of two scheduled U.S. submarine visits to the base this year. This deployment underscores the ongoing commitment of the United States to the Australia-United Kingdom-United States (AUKUS) trilateral security partnership, aiming to bolster Australia’s future acquisition of conventionally armed, nuclear-powered attack submarines.

Strengthening Naval Ties Through Joint Training

During its stay, the USS Minnesota’s crew will engage in at-sea operations as part of the Submarine Command Course, a rigorous training program designed for naval officers on the cusp of submarine command. This initiative provides a platform for U.S. and Royal Australian Navy personnel to exchange expertise, particularly in areas like weapons handling and operational procedures, thereby enhancing interoperability between the allied forces.

AUKUS Partnership: Progress and Future Plans

The USS Minnesota’s visit is a tangible manifestation of the AUKUS partnership’s first pillar, which focuses on delivering a sovereign, conventionally armed, nuclear-powered submarine capability to Australia. Announced in March 2023, the AUKUS Optimal Pathway outlines a phased approach:

• Phase 1 (2027): Establishment of the Submarine Rotational Force – West (SRF-West) at HMAS Stirling, facilitating operations of up to four U.S. and one U.K. attack submarines from the base.
• Phase 2 (2030s): Australia’s acquisition of its own fleet of conventionally armed, nuclear-powered submarines, enhancing its maritime defense capabilities.

The current visit by the USS Minnesota is the fourth AUKUS-specific port call since the Optimal Pathway’s inception, following previous visits by USS North Carolina (SSN 777), USS Annapolis (SSN 760), and USS Hawaii (SSN 776).

Enhancing Regional Security Amid Geopolitical Tensions

The strategic timing of the USS Minnesota’s deployment coincides with increased maritime activities in the region, notably the presence of a Chinese flotilla operating within Australia’s exclusive economic zone in the Tasman Sea. This underscores the importance of the AUKUS alliance in promoting a free and open Indo-Pacific, with collaborative defense efforts serving as a counterbalance to emerging regional challenges.

Looking Ahead: Continued Collaboration and Infrastructure Development

Later this year, HMAS Stirling is slated to host a three-week maintenance period for another U.S. submarine, further solidifying the base’s role as a pivotal hub for allied naval operations. These ongoing visits not only enhance joint training and operational readiness but also contribute to the development of infrastructure and support systems essential for sustaining nuclear-powered submarine operations in Australian waters.

In summary, the USS Minnesota’s visit to Western Australia exemplifies the deepening defense ties between the U.S. and Australia under the AUKUS framework, reflecting a shared commitment to regional stability and the advancement of Australia’s sovereign defense capabilities.

U.S. Marines Deploy to Counter Baltic Sea Sabotage

February 26, 2025

In response to a series of undersea infrastructure disruptions in the Baltic Sea, approximately 40 U.S. Marines have been deployed to coastal Finland to support NATO’s “Baltic Sentry” mission. This operation aims to identify and prevent potential sabotage activities threatening critical undersea cables and pipelines.

The deployment follows multiple incidents of damage to undersea communication and power cables in the region. Notably, Swedish authorities are investigating suspected sabotage of a telecom cable near Gotland, and similar disruptions have been reported between Finland and Germany. These events have raised concerns about the security of essential infrastructure and the potential involvement of hostile actors.

To enhance surveillance and deterrence capabilities, the U.S. Marines are utilizing advanced aerial drones, such as the RQ-20 Puma, to monitor maritime activities. This technology enables real-time tracking of vessels and rapid response to suspicious actions. The “Baltic Sentry” mission, initiated in January, represents a collaborative effort among NATO allies to safeguard the Baltic Sea’s critical infrastructure.

The recent incidents have also prompted NATO to bolster its presence in the region, deploying naval drones, submarines, ships, and aircraft. These measures aim to deter further acts of sabotage and ensure the security of undersea communication and energy links vital to member states.

As investigations continue, the international community remains vigilant against threats to maritime infrastructure, recognizing the strategic importance of the Baltic Sea in regional security and global communications.