Exercise Strong Express Drawing to a Close, Norway Part 1

Description

OF DEPARTMENT FILM RELEASE OFFICE OF ASSISTANT SECRETARY OF DEFENSE (PUBLIC AFFAIRS) UNITED WASHINGTON, D.C. - 20301 STATES OF PLEASE NOTE DATE IMMEDIATE RELEASE September 28, 1972 OXford 7-5111 Number 105-72 Footage: 150' 16mm Color Original Room 2 E 773 Time: 4:09 EXERCISE "STRONG EXPRESS" DRAWING TO A CLOSE (Official U. S. Navy Film Released by the Department of Defense) NOTE TO EDITORS: This story was filmed September 18 - 20, 1972 in Norway Exercise "Strong Express, 11 a joint NATO exercise in the North Atlantic involving some 64,000 men; 300 ships; and 700 aircraft from the United States and eleven other NATO countries, is drawing to a close. "Strong Express, 11 which began on September 14, and is to be terminated today, was highlighted by a 3,000-man tri-national landing force in a phased vertical envelopment waterborne assault along the Norwegian coast. This film shows portions of that ult. The assault began when 40 Marine Reservists from Billings, Montana -- the first Marine Reserve unit ever to join regular forces in an exercise outside the United States -- penetrated enemy lines to set beacons to guide the landing force. The landings, de- signed to demonstrate NATO's ability to defend Norway, went well ahead of schedule after two reinforced rifle platoons were inserted by helicopter on the 20th. They were set down five miles apart, diverting contesting forces from the main Allied landing zone. The U. S. Marines were followed by British Royal Marine Commandos in helicopters and Royal Netherlands Marines by waterborne assault. The following morning, with the British, U. S., and Dutch marines firmly lodged on Norway's northern coast, the Combined Amphibious Task Force smashed the enemy forces and regained the contested territory. Throughout the exercise, the Task Force received extensive Allied air and sea support. NATO naval units participating in "Strong Express" include attack and anti-submarine warfare aircraft carriers, cruisers, frigates, and destroyers; mine layers and mine sweepers; fast patrol vessels; amphibious assault carriers, command and landing ships; submarines; hovercraft; and auxiliaries. Aircraft involved range from supersonic fighters to long-range patrol aircraft and a wide variety of helicopters. - More -

Collection

Records of the Office of the Chief Signal Officer

Series

Filmed News Releases