FEBRUARY
2015
THE 42 ND AMERICAN | NORWEGIAN
RECIPROCAL TROOP EXCHANGE
NOREX
2015 THE 42ND AMERICAN | NORWEGIAN RECIPROCAL TROOP EXCHANGE
N O R WA Y KEY
NORWAY KEY
Retracing History
About Camp Værnes
The 103 Airmen and Soldiers of the
Minnesota National Guard participating in
the 42nd American/Norwegian Reciprocal
Troop Exchange retraced the steps of U.S.
and Norwegian special operators who, 70
years ago, during the final months of WWII,
waged a successful sabotage campaign
against German forces occupying Norway
in the areas around Trondheim, Camp
Vaernes, Stiklestad and Snåsa.
Camp Værnes has a long and eventful
history. Military activity at the camp dates
back to the late 15th century, but it was not
until 1887 that the Norwegian government
purchased the estate in order to establish
a permanent drill site for the training of
Army regiments in the region.
Soldiers from the 99th Infantry Battalion,
a unit comprised of Norwegian-speaking
Americans primarily from Minnesota and
the Dakotas, volunteered to train with the
Office of Strategic Services, the precursor
to the CIA, to infiltrate into Norway
and
conduct
unconventional
warfare
operations alongside Norwegian special
operations forces. It was these small, OSS
teams that were tasked with sabotaging the
Norwegian rail lines to halt the movement
of German troops by performing combined
parachute-ski operations.
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The first aircraft came to Camp Værnes
in 1914, and after World War II the Royal
Norwegian Air Force expanded the use of
the camp as an air base.
Currently Trøndelag Home Guard District 12
has its headquarters and training facilities
at Camp Værnes, which is also home to
units of the Norwegian Defense Logistical
Organization,
the
Norwegian
Defense
Medical Corps, the Home Guard Central
Staff and the Norwegian Defense Estate
Agency.
2015 THE 42ND AMERICAN | NORWEGIAN RECIPROCAL TROOP EXCHANGE
TABLE OF CONTENTS
ARRIVAL and EQUIPMENT ISSUE
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FTX PREP: SKIING, TENT SET UP, HEATERS and STOVES
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FTX DAY 1: FIRST SKI MARCH and CAMP SET UP
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FTX DAY 2: 400-METER CLIMB and CROSSING OVER THE MOUNTAIN
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FTX DAY 2 and 3: WINTER SURVIVAL TRAINING and ASH WEDNESDAY SERVICE
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FTX DAY 4: COMMEMORATION and MEMORIAL CEREMONY
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AMERICAN MEAL
10 WEAPONS TRAINING
11 NORWEGIAN HERITAGE: STIKLESTAD BATTLEFIELD TOUR
12 NORWEGIAN HERITAGE: VIKING GAMES and NORWEGIAN MEAL
13 NORWEGIAN HERITAGE: NIDAROS CATHEDRAL and TRONDHEIM
14 FAREWELL BANQUET
A NOREX member conquers the elements and terrain on day two of the Norwegian Reciprocal Troop Exchange’s Field Training Exercise
near Snåsa on Feb. 17, 2015. Photo by: Tech Sgt. Amy Lovgren.
T AB L E OF CON T E N T S
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2015 THE 42ND AMERICAN | NORWEGIAN RECIPROCAL TROOP EXCHANGE
ARRIVAL and EQUIPMENT ISSUE
ARRI VA L a n d E QUI P M E N T I SSU E
The Minnesota National Guard’s 42nd
annual troop exchange with the
Norwegian Home Guard took place from
Feb. 12, 2015, to Feb. 27, 2015. Three
KC-135 Stratotankers carried the group
from the 133rd Airlift Wing to Værnes
Air Station, Norway. Upon arrival, the
103 Soldiers and Airmen were supplied
standard-issue Norwegian gear and
briefed on the cold weather training
they were about to receive.
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“The winter elements had nothing
on the clothing and training that the
Norwegians provided for us.
We all
learned an important Norwegian lesson
— There is no such thing as bad weather,
only bad clothing!”
— Capt. Andrea Kostiuk
(TOP LEFT) The Ohio Air National Guard’s 121st Air Refueling Wing provided transportation via three KC-135 Stratotankers. (TOP RIGHT)
Minnesota National Guard Soldiers and Airmen begin their journey to Norway for two weeks of winter training with the Norwegian
Home Guard. (BOTTOM LEFT) In addition to new uniforms, over-boots, rucksacks, shelter sections and other layered cold weather
clothing, NOREX Soldiers and Airmen are issued the preferred mode of transporation to traverse the Norwegian mountains. (BOTTOM
RIGHT) A NOREX member adjusts his ski’s binding without removing his gloves to avoid cold weather injuries, a point of emphasis from
the Norwegian instructors. Photos by: Tech Sgt. Amy Lovgren.
2015 THE 42ND AMERICAN | NORWEGIAN RECIPROCAL TROOP EXCHANGE
FTX PREPARATION
FIE L D T RAINI N G E X E R CI SE P R EP ARATIO N
(TOP) After each Soldier and Airman is issued one section of a 10-section tent system, sheets are buttoned together to complete the
squad-size shelter. (MIDDLE LEFT) NOREX Soldiers and Airmen acquaint themselves to skiing on level ground before being challenged
by the steep terrain they will face during the FTX. (MIDDLE RIGHT) NOREX Soldiers and Airmen operate a multi-fuel heater to stay
warm and dry in the cold, wet Norwegian wilderness. (BOTTOM) A squad works to erect their shelter, a process they will repeat several
times in the coming days. Photos by: Tech Sgt. Amy Lovgren.
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2015 THE 42ND AMERICAN | NORWEGIAN RECIPROCAL TROOP EXCHANGE
F T X DAY 1
SKI MARCH, TENT SET UP AND SKI-IN MOVIE
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After
completing
the
first day’s ski march and
establishing campsites by
platoon,
the
Norwegian
hosts
invited
NOREX
members to enjoy a ski-in
movie featuring “The Heroes
of Telemark,” starring Kirk
Douglas. The classic WWII
movie is based on the true
story of the Norwegian and
Allied efforts to sabotage
Nazi production of Heavy
Water, which could be used
in the manufacture of an
atomic bomb.
(TOP) With loaded packs and ski pulk, a low-slung small toboggan, NOREX Soldiers and Airmen begin the first of several ski marches.
(MIDDLE LEFT) A NOREX member works to set a shelter picket before his first night in the field. (BOTTOM LEFT) NOREX Soldiers and
Airmen forgo their issued stoves for the heat of a campfire to roast their evening meal. (BOTTOM RIGHT) NOREX Soldiers and Airmen,
after a long day of traversing the Norwegian wilderness on skis, are surprised with an outdoor film screening after establishing their
first base camp. Photos by: Tech Sgt. Amy Lovgren.
2015 THE 42ND AMERICAN | NORWEGIAN RECIPROCAL TROOP EXCHANGE
400M CLIMB and MOUNTAIN CROSSING
Day two of the FTX was
the shortest ski march but
steepest climb as NOREX
members crossed over a
mountain.
“That
evening,
as
we
arrived at our second base
camp, we were greeted
with a wild snowstorm,”
said Pfc. Parker Johnson.
“For me, that seemed to
be the defining moment
where we bonded as a
squad
after
struggling
together for hours setting
up and resetting our tents
in high winds.
“We all completed what
was required — nobody
slacked — and by the end
of it, as exhausted as we
were, we still managed to
laugh and be friends.”
(TOP) The Norwegian countryside offers both scenic views and challenging terrain for NOREX members. (BOTTOM LEFT) Along with
changing elevations, NOREX members encounter varying weather including wind, sun, rain and, of course, snow. (MIDDLE RIGHT) After
cresting the mountaintop, a two-person team carefully negototiates the equally demanding downhill portion of the ski march with a
ski pulk — heavily loaded with squad equipment — between them. (BOTTOM RIGHT) A team carves out blocks of snow to construct a
snow wall to protect their shelter from gusting winds. Photos by: Tech Sgt. Amy Lovgren.
FT X DAY 2
“My limits were pushed
physically and mentally
as I was skiing uphill with
a
50-pound
rucksack,”
said Senior Airman Mariah
Klingenberg. “We were
told by the Norwegian
instructors that they have
never taken a group of
beginners on this type
of course. At one point,
I wanted to take my skis
off and just walk the rest
of the way up, but my
squad
leader
helped
motivate me up a steep
and icy part of the climb.
Getting to the top while
everyone was cheering
was unbelievable.
That
was one of the proudest
moments
I
have
ever
experienced.”
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2015 THE 42ND AMERICAN | NORWEGIAN RECIPROCAL TROOP EXCHANGE
FTX DAY 2 and 3
WINTER SURVIVAL and ASH WEDNESDAY
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“Looking out over the snow covered
mountains in the same area as our
predecessors was a poignant reminder
of the gift we have in the freedom
earned by allied patriots and warriors.”
— Chaplain (Maj.) Buddy Winn
(TOP) Chaplain (Maj.) Buddy Winn performs an Ash Wednesday service to provide for the religious needs of NOREX members in a
unique and memorable environment. Photo by: Staff Sgt. Justin Hackett. (MIDDLE LEFT) An instructor and WWII re-enactor shows how
Norwegian resistance members sheltered themselves from the cold. (BOTTOM LEFT) An instructor demonstrates firing the pre-1900
Norwegian Krag-Jørgensen rifle. (MIDDLE RIGHT) Grouse and other wild game provided a stable food supply for resistance members, as
aerial re-supplies of food and equipment could be inconsistent. (BOTTOM RIGHT) An instructor shows how resistance members snared
grouse, rather than shoot them, to avoid detection and conserve ammunition. Photos by: Maj. Scott Ingalsbe.
2015 THE 42ND AMERICAN | NORWEGIAN RECIPROCAL TROOP EXCHANGE
COMMEMORATION and MEMORIAL
The FTX culminated with a
simulated rail demolition
using signal flares, and
formally concluded with a
wreath-laying ceremony to
honor those who perished
in the Jørstad river on Jan.
13, 1945.
During
WWII,
U.S.
and
Norwegian
special
operators
demolished
the bridge to stop the
movement
of
German
troops
through
Norway.
Several hours after the
successful
demolition
a
train derailed into the icy
waters, claiming the lives
of 78 German troops and
two Norwegian rail workers.
F T X DA Y 4
“Peace is not something that comes easy.
It takes will and hard work. Reconciliation is
even harder. Forgiveness, understanding and
love are the keys if you are to be successful.
However, standing here at this site with the
German, the U.S. and the Norwegian flag
hoisted together, I feel confident that peace
and reconciliation are possible no matter how
dark the history.”
— Norwegian Col. Ebbe Derås, commander
of Home Guard District 12
(TOP) The rebuilt Jørstad Bridge where 80 people died on Jan. 13, 1945. (MIDDLE LEFT) U.S. and Norwegian service members
remember the deadly costs of war near the Jørstad Bridge memorial. (BOTTOM RIGHT) NOREX members continue the tradition of
honoring casualties of WWII near the Jørstad Bridge memorial. Photos by: Tech Sgt. Amy Lovgren.
Read more about the ceremony at http://goo.gl/6vloZr.
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2015 THE 42ND AMERICAN | NORWEGIAN RECIPROCAL TROOP EXCHANGE
A M E R I CA N M E A L
AMERICAN MEAL
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(TOP LEFT) NOREX members and their Norwegian hosts enjoy a classic American steak and potatoes dinner courtesy of Serving Our
Troops. Photo by: Tech Sgt. Amy Lovgren. (MIDDLE LEFT) The American meal in Norway carries on the tradition of NOREX guests
preparing a meal for their Norwegian hosts. Photo by: Maj. Scott Ingalsbe. (BOTTOM LEFT) A NOREX member sets the table to deal
blackjack for his fellow Airmen, Soldiers and Norwegian counterparts in a no-stakes game of chance. (TOP RIGHT), (MIDDLE RIGHT)
and (BOTTOM RIGHT) NOREX members get in character before enjoying a Casino-themed night of entertainment with their Norwegian
hosts. Photos by: Tech Sgt. Amy Lovgren.
2015 THE 42ND AMERICAN | NORWEGIAN RECIPROCAL TROOP EXCHANGE
WEAPONS TRAINING
W E AP O N S T R A I N I N G
(TOP LEFT) Norwegian instructor Bjarne Åsum, who was 7 years old when the Jørstad Bridge was demolished and remembers hearing
the blast, displays what Gen. George Patton called “the greatest battle implement ever devised,” the M1 Garand, at Camp Værnes on
Feb. 14, 2015. (BOTTOM LEFT) A NOREX member familiarizes herself with the WWII-era M1 Garand at Camp Værnes on Feb. 14, 2015.
(TOP RIGHT) NOREX members get a feel for the Norwegian Home Guard’s HK416, which replaced the AG3 as the standard rifle of the
Norwegian military at Leksdalen on Feb. 23, 2015. (MIDDLE RIGHT) Norwegian Home Gaurd HK416s are staged for firing. (BOTTOM
RIGHT) A Norwegian instructor displays WWII-era equipment used by Allied and German forces. Photos by: Tech Sgt. Amy Lovgren.
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2015 THE 42ND AMERICAN | NORWEGIAN RECIPROCAL TROOP EXCHANGE
STIKLESTAD BATTLEFIELD TOUR
N O R WE GI A N HE R I T AGE
Olav II Haraldsson was king
of Norway from 1015 to 1030.
Stiklestad is famous as the
battlefield where King Olav
died on July 29, 1030.
Olav
forcefully
defeated
the earls of Lade who ruled
Trøndelag before him, as well
as other chieftains. Others
pledged their allegiance to
him more or less voluntarily. In
the
mid-1020s however,the
situation began to change.
King Canute of Denmark and
England gradually won the
allegiance of many of the
king`s opponents in Norway
and also bought the loyalty
of other Norwegian chieftains
with money and gold. This
alliance became too powerful
for King Olav, who was forced
to flee in 1028. He fled east to
what is now Russia, and he fell
at Stiklestad when he tried to
regain the kingdom two years
later.
According to the Stiklestad
National Culture Center, the
Battle of Stiklestad represents a
significant turning point in the
history of Norway. Beginning in
the 9th century, Christian culture
had gradually overtaken most
of the country, putting Norse
religion and mythology on the
defensive.
The
introduction
of Christianity and the end of
the Viking raids had weakened
the old chieftan class. With
few exceptions, the emerging
kingdom was accepted after
1030, and it was to develop into
a state later in the Middle Ages.
The saint king Olav became a
unifying symbol of this state:
Rex Perpetuus Norvegiae –
Norway’s Eternal King.
Information gathered from the
Stiklestad
National
Culture
Center,
www.stiklestad.no/english
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(TOP) NOREX members approach a replica Viking longhouse while touring the Stiklestad Battlefield on Feb. 24, 2015. (MIDDLE) Øystein
Walberg, a retired high school teacher and former Norwegian Home Guard commander of the Stiklestad region, gives a presentation
to NOREX Soldiers and Airmen explaining different theories of how the battle at Stiklestad may have played out. (BOTTOM) NOREX
members take in the Stiklestad Church on Feb. 24, 2015, built on the exact spot where King Olaf is believed to have died in battle.
Photos by: Pvt. Christina Vang.
2015 THE 42ND AMERICAN | NORWEGIAN RECIPROCAL TROOP EXCHANGE
VIKING GAMES and NORWEGIAN MEAL
(TOP RIGHT) NOREX members receive their Viking helmets after completing a series of challenges at Camp Værnes on Feb. 24, 2015.
Photo by: Pvt. Christina Vang. (MIDDLE LEFT) NOREX members unleash their inner Viking after completing one of several challenges.
Photo by: Pvt. Christina Vang. (BOTTOM LEFT) The Norwegian Meal included fish and other traditional Viking fare. Photo by: Maj. Scott
Ingalsbe. (BOTTOM RIGHT) NOREX members recall their training and strive to make fire with their camp stoves in a race against time.
Photo by: Pvt. Christina Vang.
NORWE GI A N H E R I T A GE
The Viking Games tested the skills
and mettle of the Americans with
a series of challenging tasks,
such as building a primitive
shelter, lighting a fire and
brewing an acceptable-tasting
cup of coffee for the Viking
chief as quickly as possible. After
completing the challenges the
Americans received their Viking
helmets in ceremonious fashion.
Then the new Vikings were
welcomed with a traditional
Norwegian meal of seafood,
grouse and other delicacies.
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2015 THE 42ND AMERICAN | NORWEGIAN RECIPROCAL TROOP EXCHANGE
N O R WE GI A N HE RIT AGE
NIDAROS CATHEDRAL and TRONDHEIM
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Nidaros Cathedral began as a small
chapel in 1035, with the cathedral
being completed around 1300.
After being damaged by several
fires in the 15th and 16th centuries,
large parts of the cathedral lay in
ruins for several hundred years. In
1869, extensive restorations were
undertaken before it was fully
restored a century later.
The late King Olav’s remains were
moved several times after his
death at Stiklestad and eventually
interred in a secret location in the
cathedral. Even to this day his last
resting place remains a mystery.
(MIDDLE LEFT) NOREX members visited Nidaros Cathedral in Trondheim on Feb. 25, 2015. Photo by: Henning Grøtt, used with
permission. (TOP RIGHT) Nearly 25 feet in diameter, the Rose Window is the most dominant feature of the West Front of Nidaros
Cathedral, and the Steinmeyer Organ ranks as one of the largest musical instruments in Europe. Photo by: Dino Makridis, used with
permission. (BOTTOM) NOREX members spent their last day taking in the sights and views, including this famous setting of the River
Nid, or Nidelva, in Trondheim. Photo by: Monica Selnes, used with permission.
2015 THE 42ND AMERICAN | NORWEGIAN RECIPROCAL TROOP EXCHANGE
FAREWELL BANQUET
“I
will
personally
never
forget living in the Snåsa
mountains for four days with
this exceptional team,” said
Capt. Andrea Kostiuk, NOREX
42 company commander.
“It
was
a
remarkable
experience
retracing
history
to
commemorate
the
American/Norwegian
cooperation during WWII.
“Finally, I won’t forget the
pride I had in this team of
ambassadors
who
came
together
as
Team
42,
facing every new training
opportunity with motivation
and
determination,
and
living up to the purpose of
this exchange.”
(TOP RIGHT) NOREX members dine with their Norwegian counterparts during a farewell banquet at Camp Værnes on Feb. 25, 2015.
Photo by: Tech Sgt. Amy Lovgren. (MIDDLE RIGHT) Bjørn Derås, one of several host family members to attend the farewell banquet,
spends a few extra minutes with the NOREX members he hosted at his home. Photo courtesy of: Pfc. Parker Johnson. (BOTTOM LEFT)
Maj. Gen. Neal Loidolt formally thanks Norwegian Home Guard hosts for their hospitality and world-class training provided to members
of NOREX 42. (BOTTOM RIGHT) Norwegian Brig. Gen. Ivar Halset and Col. Ebbe Derås are presented a pair of Minnesota spruce grouse,
a relative of the Norwegian Rype — the namesake of the Home Guard 12 Rapid Reaction Force. Photos by: Tech Sgt. Amy Lovgren.
FARE WE LL BA N QUE T
“I think I also speak for
the company when I say
that I will never forget the
hospitality, patience and
generosity of our Norwegian
trainers.
We are lucky to
call them friends.
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Find the complete NOREX 42 photo album on the Minnesota National Guard’s Picasa page at http://goo.gl/fDPKYq.
Catch up on NOREX 42, and follow upcoming exchanges, at www.facebook.com/MNNGNOREX.
Photo by: Svend Berggren, Multifoto, used with permission.