The American Navy said the exercises will involve 15,000 Estonian and Allied troops training with Marines from the USS Kearsage Amphibious Group and the 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit. The operation is expected to last until May 30 - with the Marines saying they hope it will be a testament to the "strength of our relationshiphe training with our Estonian allies and Baltic partners". Col. Robert J. Hallett added it will be a "demonstration of our shared commitment to regional security and stability.” Footage from the operation today showed Marines packed on a Landing Craft Air Cushion (LCAC) performing a sea landing. The Navy said the exercises will inculde an amphibious landing "followed by a multi-day force on force exercise" and a "vertical assault raid". It comes after the Mirror revealed that Britain will be sending hundreds of troops to Estonia to bolster NATO defences. Soldiers from The Rifles regiment deploy to Estonia in June to replace the Royal Tank Regiment - and UK forces will also form two new HQs in the Baltics.