Marine Unit Strengthens Ties with Cyprus Forces

On September 9, 2024, elements of the 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) Special Operations Capable (SOC) arrived in Paphos, Cyprus, to begin planned bilateral training with the Republic of Cyprus National Guard. The training, scheduled from September to early November, has been coordinated with the Government of Cyprus and the U.S. Embassy in Nicosia. The United States appreciates the significant commitment and resources provided by the Republic of Cyprus and its National Guard for this training.

“These long-planned visits and trainings strengthen our ongoing partnership to support stability in the Eastern Mediterranean region,” said the U.S. Ambassador to Cyprus, Julie Davis Fisher. "They also build on our extensive collaboration with the Republic of Cyprus to support the safety and resilience of civilians in crisis."

The MEU and Republic of Cyprus National Guard will conduct a series of joint training events, designed to foster interoperability, improve operational readiness, and reaffirm the U.S. and Republic of Cyprus’ commitment to regional security and stability. The training and readiness objectives include live-fire ranges, unmanned aerial systems employment, long range communications, vessel boarding interoperability exercise, isolated personnel recovery, flight training for several aircraft types, and operating in urban terrain. The training will vary daily and will at times include U.S. aircraft and personnel visible to the local community. This training was planned with the utmost care to minimize disruptions to the local community and environment.

The 24th MEU (SOC) will maintain a detachment of aircraft, vehicles, and personnel in Paphos and Larnaca and will rotate small units through both locations to conduct training. Three main 24th MEU (SOC) elements will operate in the Republic of Cyprus: infantry elements from Battalion Landing Team 1/8, reconnaissance elements from the Maritime Special Purpose Force, and aviation elements from the Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 365 (Reinforced). In November, all 24th MEU (SOC) forces will return to the Wasp Amphibious Ready Group (ARG), from which they are embarked.

The 24th MEU (SOC) is on a scheduled deployment to U.S. Naval Forces Europe and Africa area of operations to support U.S., Allied, and partner interests in the region, including in the Eastern Mediterranean Sea. Routine training exercises ensure that we, alongside our Allies and partners, are always prepared to respond rapidly and effectively to any mission.