The US Marine Corps continues to play a pivotal role in the nation’s defense. In addition to the Marine Corps’ historical connection to the Pacific, and recent support to post-9/11 contingency operations throughout Central Asia, the Marine Corps has a long standing storied relationship with Europe and Africa. The famous stand at Belleau Wood outside Paris in 1918, the Cold War-era Northern Flank mission in Norway, and the even deeper historical connection to Northern Africa, uniquely connect Marines to both continents. The current challenging security environment, with a revanchist Russia and always-dynamic Africa, requires a flexible amphibious option. The US Marine Corps, working with sister US services and NATO partners, is in a unique position to provide this leadership and depth.