Royal Marines thanked by Norwegian monarch

Norway’s monarch Harald V thanked Royal Marines for their participation in the largest military exercise his country has hosted in three decades.

The 81-year-old head of state called in on Vaernes Camp, next to Trondheim airport, to visit participants in Trident Juncture, home to the Arbroath-based marines for the final stage of the war game.

For the bulk of the exercise, the men of X-Ray Company, 45 Commando, have been deployed aboard US assault ship USS Iwo Jima.

After crossing from Reykjavik in Iceland the ‘X-men’ were sent ashore with some of their hardware, including Viking armoured vehicles for the live-action ground phase of Trident Juncture.

They’ve made their home at Vaernes Air Station which shares a runway with Trondheim’s international airport.

Having met Norwegian troops at an exercise area south of Trondheim, the king moved to Vaernes where he was greeted by X-Ray’s Officer Commanding, Major Sam Hughes, and received a brief overview of the Corps’ involvement in Trident Juncture.

After chatting with the rank and file, King Harald toasted the Royal Marines in celebration of their recent 354th birthday.