US Marines have landed in force near Alta and have driven occupying SRR units from the area.  Resistance has been moderate to light, thanks in large part to NATO close air support aircraft.  With complete air superiority over the region, NATO aircraft relentlessly pounded SRR strong points into submission. At least 5,000 SRR naval infantrymen have been taken prisoner in the eastern sector alone.
 
While the Marines landed in the north, NATO ground forces continued a fierce attack in the west.  Losses are reportedly heavy on both sides.  With heavy NATO attacks, occupied Norway has finally been taken and the remaining SRR resistance collapsed shortly thereafter.  

In the United States, the President praised US armed forces for their role in the victory, and single out the crew of the USS Ronald Reagan in particular for their role throughout the war.  "You were the tip of the spear of Freedom" the President said in a satellite television address to the ships crew "and you performed magnificently".  The USS Reagan is expected to arrive at Norfolk, Virginia within the next 48 hours.  A huge welcome is being planned for the carrier and the crewmembers of the other battle group ships that accompanied the Reagan during the voyage home.
  
The Navy's post cold war acquisition plans and structure plans would seem to have been validated by the recent events in the Barents Sea.  In particular, the combat debut of the Navy's newest fighter the F/A-18E Super Hornet, is considered a great success. 
 
