Category: Africa

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U.S., Tunisian Leaders Meet to Foster Bilateral Security Cooperation

Source: United States AFRICOM

TUNIS, February 12, 2024 – U.S. Ambassador to Tunisia Joey Hood, acting U.S. Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for African Affairs Jennifer Zakriski, and U.S. Africa Command Director of Strategy, Engagement and Programs Major General Kenneth Ekman met with Tunisian Minister of National Defense Imed Memmich to discuss the United States and Tunisia’s longstanding bilateral cooperation on security, particularly through the annual Joint Military Commission, scheduled for later this year in Tunis. 

U.S. Ambassador Hood remarked on the historical partnership between our nations, “From the beginning of its existence as an independent country, the United States has enjoyed a close friendship with Tunisia and strong diplomatic ties. The benefits of over two centuries of U.S.-Tunisian cooperation are clear when looking at our military security partnerships, which have grown tremendously in the past decade as Tunisia has transitioned to become a regional provider of security expertise, including through its support for UN peacekeeping operations.”  

Zakriski said, “Convening senior level working groups set the stage for the Joint Military Commission, reaffirmed the importance of the longstanding partnership between the United States and Tunisia, and underscored the Department of Defense’s support for expanding Tunisia Armed Forces’ role as a regional security leader.”

“Tunisia plays a pivotal role as a security leader in Africa,” Ekman said. “U.S. Africa Command appreciates the strong relationship between our nations’ militaries and remains committed to working alongside our Tunisian partners to achieve shared security objectives and foster stability throughout Africa. I’m thankful for our meeting with Minister Memmich and for the productive discussions that have occurred.”

Meetings held throughout the week provided an opportunity to reaffirm the commitment of both nations to bolster mutual defense and security objectives. Topics covered included security cooperation, institutional capacity building, border security, and a review of multi-million-dollar defense capacity building programs for Tunisia which are funded by the United States.  

Discussions also highlighted the success of recent joint military exercises, the U.S. commitment to strengthening Tunisian border security and countering terrorist threats, as well as international challenges of mutual concern including instability in the Sahel and beyond.

The two countries agreed to continue working closely together to strengthen their bilateral strategic partnership and achieve mutual strategic interests in accordance with goals of the U.S.-Tunisian Roadmap for Defense Cooperation which includes capacity building, military interoperability, force readiness, and regional security contributions.

U.S. Africa Command is one of seven U.S. Department of Defense geographic combatant commands, and is responsible for all U.S. military operations, exercises, security cooperation, and crisis response on the African continent in support of U.S. interests and to promote regional security, stability, and prosperity. 

The visit highlights U.S. Africa Command’s 3D approach, which leverages diplomacy, development, and defense collaboration. 

For more information, visit our website, Facebook and Twitter pages, or contact U.S. Africa Command Media Relations at africom-pao-media@mail.mil.  

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USAFRICOM’s Ambassador Scott visits Tanzania to meet leaders, talk maritime security

Source: United States AFRICOM

Gallery contains 3 images

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USAFRICOM’s Ambassador Scott visits Tanzania to meet leaders, talk maritime security

Ambassador Robert Scott, representing the U.S. Africa Command as the Deputy for Civil-Military Engagement, conducted a diplomatic visit to Dar es Salaam, Tanzania from January 21 to 25. His agenda included bilateral meetings with Tanzanian officials and participation in a maritime security seminar.

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USAFRICOM’s Ambassador Scott visits Tanzania to meet leaders, talk maritime security

Ambassador Robert Scott, representing the U.S. Africa Command as the Deputy for Civil-Military Engagement, conducted a diplomatic visit to Dar es Salaam, Tanzania from January 21 to 25. His agenda included bilateral meetings with Tanzanian officials and participation in a maritime security seminar.

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USAFRICOM’s Ambassador Scott visits Tanzania to meet leaders, talk maritime security

Ambassador Robert Scott, representing the U.S. Africa Command as the Deputy for Civil-Military Engagement, conducted a diplomatic visit to Dar es Salaam, Tanzania from January 21 to 25. His agenda included bilateral meetings with Tanzanian officials and participation in a maritime security seminar.

Ambassador Robert Scott, U.S. Africa Command Deputy for Civil-Military Engagement, traveled to Dar es Salaam, Tanzania Jan. 21-25 for bilateral meetings with Tanzanian leadership and to participate in a conference on maritime security. 

Scott presented the opening remarks for the “Maritime Safety and Security: Shared Challenges and responses in the Indian Ocean” seminar hosted by the Africa Center for Strategic Studies. The four-day seminar hosted about 45 participants from 15 Indian Ocean countries, along with international and regional organizations to dicsuss the security challenges affecting the region, including illegal, unregulated, unreported fishing.

“Maritime threats such as IUU fishing, piracy, and trafficking cross international borders and addressing those threats requires a collaborative approach,” Scott said. “Many of the countries participating in this seminar share borders and coastlines, and this provides the opportunity to foster the partnerships and approaches to work together to counter these threats.”

During his visit, Scott also met with Dr. Stergomena Tax, Tanzanian Minister of Defence and National Service; and Alexander Mnyeti, Tanzanian Deputy Minister of Livestock and Fisheries.

“Tanzania has been a longstanding partner to the U.S., and I had a very good meeting with Minister Tax to discuss security challenges and areas of collaboration,” Scott said. “I was also grateful for the meeting with Deputy Minister Mnyeti, and we talked about the maritime security challenges faced in the region, and how we could support Tanzania in addressing those.”

The ambassador traveled back to Stuttgart Jan. 25.

 U.S. Africa Command is one of seven U.S. Department of Defense geographic combatant commands, and is responsible for all U.S. military operations, exercises, security cooperation, and crisis response on the African continent in support of U.S. interests and to promote regional security, stability, and prosperity.  

The visit highlights U.S. Africa Command’s 3D approach, which leverages diplomacy, development, and defense collaboration.  

For more information, visit our website, Facebook and Twitter pages, or contact U.S. Africa Command Media Relations at africom-pao-media@mail.mil.   

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EUCOM, Romanian defense officials discuss security cooperation in Romania, Black Sea

Source: United States EUROPEAN COMMAND

US European Command, Romanian defense officials discuss security cooperation in Romania, Black Sea

U.S. European Command representatives met with senior officials from the Romanian Ministry of National Defense Oct. 16, 2023, at the Romanian Ministry of Defense building in Bucharest, Romania, to discuss ongoing bilateral security cooperation efforts in Romania and the Black Sea region. (Courtesy photo)

US European Command, Romanian defense officials discuss security cooperation in Romania, Black Sea

U.S. European Command representatives met with senior officials from the Romanian Ministry of National Defense Oct. 16, 2023, at the Romanian Ministry of Defense building in Bucharest, Romania, to discuss ongoing bilateral security cooperation efforts in Romania and the Black Sea region. (Courtesy photo)

U.S. European Command representatives met with senior officials from the Romanian Ministry of National Defense in Bucharest this week to discuss ongoing bilateral security cooperation efforts in Romania and the Black Sea region.

 U.S. Air Force Brig. Gen. Bryony Terrell, the EUCOM deputy director for plans, policy, strategy and capabilities and Brig. Gen. Mihail Iancu, the Romanian deputy head of the department for defense, policy, planning and international relations, co-chaired the U.S.-Romanian day-long committee discussions.

 Topics included the legal framework for the joint committee and combined efforts to implement security initiatives, agreements and security cooperation efforts with a focus on the Black Sea region.

 “As we work together with our important Romanian Ally, we recognize the need to deepen Black Sea security defense to counter regional threats,” said Terrell. “These recurring bilateral conversations are a cornerstone for building the framework of collective security initiatives to meet these needs and to build strong and strategic relationships.”

In addition to providing routine support to Romania through military training exercises and other activities, the U.S. and Romania have two agreements that support U.S. operations in Romania. These include the Defense Cooperation Agreement signed in 2005 and the United States Ballistic Missile Defense System Agreement signed in 2011 that provide critical deterrence and defense capabilities for NATO’s eastern flank.

“Our partnership with the U.S. is key for the security in the Black Sea region and for Romanian defense modernization. We are fully committed to supporting U.S. troops in Romania as we endeavor to enhance our cooperation and interoperability,” said Iancu. 

 The U.S.-Romanian bilateral discussions reinforce current agreements, identify opportunities and address new or evolving strategic security challenges as part of developing an increasingly capable collective defense.

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 About USEUCOM

U.S. European Command (USEUCOM) is responsible for U.S. military operations across Europe, portions of Asia and the Middle East, the Arctic and Atlantic Ocean. USEUCOM is comprised of more than 65,000 permanent military personnel supported by rotational forces and DoD civilians working closely with NATO Allies and partners. The command is one of two U.S. forward-deployed geographic combatant commands headquartered in Stuttgart, Germany. For more information about USEUCOM, visit www.eucom.mil.

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US, Adriatic Charter nations’ military leaders reinforce charter commitments during conference

Source: United States EUROPEAN COMMAND

US, Adriatic Charter nations’ military leaders reinforce charter commitments during conference

U.S. Army Gen. Christopher G. Cavoli, the commander of U.S. European Command and Supreme Allied Commander Europe, meets with North Macedonia Minister of Defense Slavjanka Petrovska while attending the U.S. – Adriatic Charter Chiefs of Defense Conference Sept. 26-28, 2023, in Skopje, North Macedonia. Chiefs of defense from Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia, Montenegro and North Macedonia, as well as the U.S. and observer nations Kosovo and Slovenia, discussed the security situation in Europe and expressed solidarity with Ukraine following Russia’s unprovoked invasion.

US, Adriatic Charter nations’ military leaders reinforce charter commitments during conference

U.S. Army Gen. Christopher G. Cavoli, center, the commander of U.S. European Command and Supreme Allied Commander Europe, speaks to participants at the U.S. – Adriatic Charter Chiefs of Defense Conference, held Sept. 26-28, 2023, in Skopje, North Macedonia. Chiefs of defense from Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia, Montenegro and North Macedonia, as well as the U.S. and observer nations Kosovo and Slovenia, discussed the security situation in Europe and expressed solidarity with Ukraine following Russia’s unprovoked invasion.

US, Adriatic Charter nations’ military leaders reinforce charter commitments during conference

U.S. Army Gen. Christopher G. Cavoli, the commander of U.S. European Command and Supreme Allied Commander Europe, meets with Lt. Gen. Vasko Gjurchinovski, the chief of defense of North Macedonia and country host for the U.S. – Adriatic Charter Chiefs of Defense Conference held Sept. 26-28, 2023, in Skopje, North Macedonia. Chiefs of defense from Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia, Montenegro and North Macedonia, as well as the U.S. and observer nations Kosovo and Slovenia, discussed the security situation in Europe and expressed solidarity with Ukraine following Russia’s unprovoked invasion.

The leaders of U.S. European Command and the Armed Forces of North Macedonia co-chaired the U.S. – Adriatic Charter (A5) Chiefs of Defense Conference Sept. 26-28, 2023, in Skopje, North Macedonia. 

Chiefs of defense or their representatives from the Adriatic Charter nations of Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia, Montenegro, North Macedonia and the U.S. were present at the event, which was hosted by North Macedonia. Delegations from Kosovo and Slovenia also attended as observer nations. 

During the conference, military leaders from the Adriatic Charter nations and observer states discussed security challenges in the western Balkans and expressed solidarity with Ukraine following Russia’s unprovoked invasion. They also reaffirmed their commitment to further strengthen relations and military cooperation among the Adriatic Charter nations in order to enhance regional security and defensive capabilities.   

“The A5 initiative has been recognized as one of the most successful and efficient regional events for addressing common security and defense challenges. Together, we have developed a mechanism to support mutual security and defense objectives. With our USEUCOM partners, we constantly identify modern security challenges and work on common approaches and appropriate responses,” said Lt. Gen. Vasko Gjurchinovski, the chief of defense of North Macedonia and country host for the conference.

The U.S. – Adriatic Charter was formed with the core task to enable nations in Southeast Europe to pursue, and ultimately, obtain, full NATO membership. To date, four U.S. – Adriatic Charter nations have ascended into NATO with North Macedonia’s ascension in 2020 as the latest member. 

“”Members and observers of this charter have pledged continued participation in training events and peacekeeping operations with Allies and partners,” said U.S. Army Gen. Christopher Cavoli, the commander of U.S. European Command. “Throughout this charter’s 20-year history, we continue to demonstrate that cooperation enhances the defense of each nation and collective regional security for all.”

The conference also hosted National Guard senior leadership from Colorado, Iowa, Ohio, Maine, Maryland, Minnesota, New Jersey and Vermont as the states that partner with the Adriatic Charter and observer nations as part of the State Partnership Program, celebrating 30 years of partnership.

Regularly hosted by Allies throughout Europe, chiefs of defense conferences are a key component of EUCOM’s comprehensive approach to regional security. Through continuous engagement, EUCOM and its Allies foster enduring partnerships and strengthening cooperation among Allied nations.

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 U.S. European Command (USEUCOM) is responsible for U.S. military operations across Europe, portions of Asia and the Middle East, the Arctic and Atlantic Ocean. USEUCOM is comprised of more than 64,000 military and civilian personnel and works closely with NATO Allies and partners. The command is one of two U.S. forward-deployed geographic combatant commands headquartered in Stuttgart, Germany. For more information about USEUCOM, visit www.eucom.mil. 

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USEUCOM aids Greece in combatting wildfires

Source: United States EUROPEAN COMMAND

Three UH-60 deploy to support wildfires in Volos, Greece

STUTTGART, Germany – U.S. European Command, in coordination with the Department of State, began providing assistance Jul. 28 to the government of Greece in their efforts to combat numerous wildfires causing devastation across the country.

USEUCOM has designated U.S. Naval -Forces Europe and Africa as the lead component command overseeing USEUCOM assistance efforts.

To aid in coordination, U.S. Marine Corps Brig. Gen. Andrew Priddy, Commander Task Force 61/2 is leading efforts and will provide command and control capability for U.S. military assistance to Greece.

Three UH-60 Blackhawk helicopters from the 3rd Infantry Division, Combat Aviation Brigade began fire suppression support operations in the vicinity of Volos, Greece.

USEUCOM is committed to supporting Greece as they combat these wildfires.

The U.S. military will work in coordination with USAID, interagency partners, the government of Greece and our Allies and partners to aid the people of Greece. USEUCOM is committed to providing assistance. The role of U.S. forces during this mission is to rapidly respond to the wildfires with critically needed capabilities to aid areas the government of Greece deems most necessary.

For additional details please contact Naval Forces Europe at cne_cna_c6fpao@us.navy.mil

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About USEUCOM

U.S. European Command (USEUCOM) is responsible for U.S. military operations across Europe, portions of Asia and the Middle East, the Arctic and Atlantic Ocean. USEUCOM is comprised of more than 64,000 military and civilian personnel and works closely with NATO Allies and partners. The command is one of two U.S. forward-deployed geographic combatant commands headquartered in Stuttgart, Germany. For more information about USEUCOM, visit https://www.eucom.mil.

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USEUCOM commander visits sub; highlights multinational cooperation, integrated deterrence

Source: United States EUROPEAN COMMAND

Gallery contains 10 images

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USEUCOM commander visits sub; highlights multinational cooperation, integrated deterrence

Ohio-class ballistic missile submarine, USS Tennessee (SSBN 734), and the Royal Navy warship HMS Northumberland, travel along the northwest coast of the U.K following a capabilities demonstration July 16, 2023. The USS Tennessee integrated with the Royal Navy for invaluable training experience, which supports regional and global security objectives with highly trained, interoperable forces.

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USEUCOM commander visits sub; highlights multinational cooperation, integrated deterrence

Sailors assigned to the U.S. Navy Ohio-class ballistic missile submarine, USS Tennessee (SSBN 734), watch the SD Raasay approach for debarking of personnel after a distinguished visitor tour of the ship off the northwest coast of the U.K., July 16, 2023. U.S. Army Gen. Christopher G. Cavoli, commander of U.S. European Command, U.S. Navy Vice Adm. William Houston, commander of Allied Submarine Command, and U.K. Royal Navy Commodore Paul Dunn, commodore Submarine Service, toured the U.S. Navy Ohio-class ballistic missile submarine to advance Allied cooperation and coordination.

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USEUCOM commander visits sub; highlights multinational cooperation, integrated deterrence

U.S. Navy Vice Adm. William Houston, commander of Allied Submarine Command (right), briefs U.S. Army Gen. Christopher G. Cavoli, commander of U.S. European Command, on embark procedures prior to entering the U.S. Navy Ohio-class ballistic missile submarine, USS Tennessee (SSBN 734), off the northwest coast of the U.K., July 16, 2023. The purpose of Cavoli’s visit was to further the bilateral military coordination with the U.K., underscore U.S. commitment to its Allies, and support assurance and deterrence objectives.

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USEUCOM commander visits sub; highlights multinational cooperation, integrated deterrence

U.S. Army Gen. Christopher G. Cavoli (left), commander of U.S. European Command, and U.S. Navy Vice Adm. William Houston, commander of Allied Submarine Command, walk across the topside of the U.S. Navy Ohio-class ballistic missile submarine, USS Tennessee (SSBN 734), off the northwest coast of U.K., July 16, 2023. The USS Tennessee is a launch platform for submarine-launched ballistic missiles, providing the U.S. with its most survivable leg of the nuclear triad.

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USEUCOM commander visits sub; highlights multinational cooperation, integrated deterrence

U.S. Navy Cmdr. Anthony Wilson, commanding officer of the Ohio-class ballistic missile submarine USS Tennessee (SSBN 734), observes debarking operations from the watch tower following a capabilities demonstration off the northwest coast of the U.K., July 16, 2023. U.S. Army Gen. Christopher G. Cavoli, commander of U.S. European Command, U.S. Navy Vice Adm. William Houston, commander of Allied Submarine Command, and U.K. Royal Navy Commodore Paul Dunn, commodore Submarine Service, toured the Tennessee to advance Allied cooperation and coordination.

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USEUCOM commander visits sub; highlights multinational cooperation, integrated deterrence

Crew members of the supply tender SD Raasay, of the British Underwater Test and Evaluation Centre (BUTEC), begin procedures to support an embark with the U.S. Navy Ohio-class ballistic missile submarine, USS Tennessee (SSBN 734), off the northwest coast of the U.K., July 16, 2023. The purpose of Cavoli’s visit was to further the bilateral military coordination with the U.K., underscore U.S. commitment to its Allies, and support assurance and deterrence objectives.

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USEUCOM commander visits sub; highlights multinational cooperation, integrated deterrence

(Left to right) U.S. Navy Vice Adm. William Houston, commander of Allied Submarine Command, U.S. Army Gen. Christopher G. Cavoli, commander of U.S. European Command, and U.K. Royal Navy Commodore Paul Dunn, commodore Submarine Service, toured the U.S. Navy Ohio-class ballistic missile submarine, USS Tennessee (SSBN 734), off the northwest coast of the U.K., July 16, 2023. The purpose of Cavoli’s visit was to further the bilateral military coordination with the U.K., underscore U.S. commitment to its Allies, and support assurance and deterrence objectives.

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USEUCOM commander visits sub; highlights multinational cooperation, integrated deterrence

U.S. Navy Cmdr. Anthony Wilson, commanding officer of USS Tennessee (SSBN 734) (right), briefs U.S. Army Gen. Christopher G. Cavoli, commander of U.S. European Command, on diving procedures during a tour of the U.S. Navy Ohio-class ballistic missile submarine off the northwest coast of the U.K., July 16, 2023. SSBNs, such as the USS Tennessee, support the U.S. ability to maintain a strong, credible, survivable strategic force and contribute to a combined regional deterrence.

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USEUCOM commander visits sub; highlights multinational cooperation, integrated deterrence

U.S. Army Gen. Christopher G. Cavoli, commander of U.S. European Command, listens in as citations are read for sailors receiving their Submarine Warfare Insignia while aboard the U.S. Navy Ohio-class ballistic missile submarine, USS Tennessee (SSBN 734), off the northwest coast of U.K., July 16, 2023. Cavoli visited the Tennessee at sea where the crew provided a tour and demonstrations of the unit’s capabilities.

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USEUCOM commander visits sub; highlights multinational cooperation, integrated deterrence

U.S. Army Gen. Christopher G. Cavoli (left), commander of U.S. European Command, U.S. Navy Cmdr. Anthony Wilson, commanding officer of USS Tennessee (SSBN 734), and his staff watch monitoring systems during a dive aboard the Ohio-class ballistic missile submarine during a dive off the northwest coast of the U.K., July 16, 2023. SSBNs, which patrol continuously, provide a critical, stabilizing, survivable and highly effective element of the U.S. nuclear deterrence force.

**This release was updated July 19, 2023, to include a quote from U.K. Commodore Paul Dunn

The U.S. Navy Ohio-class ballistic missile submarine, USS Tennessee (SSBN 734), arrived off the northwest coast of the U.K. for a brief logistics stop July 16, 2023.

Commander of U.S. European Command, U.S. Army Gen. Christopher G. Cavoli, embarked the Tennessee at sea where the crew provided a tour and demonstrations of the unit’s capabilities.

“This operation demonstrates the flexibility, survivability, resolve, readiness and capability of the U.S. Navy’s submarine forces. Strategic deterrence provided by the USS Tennessee reflects the United States’ commitment to the Alliance,” Cavoli said. “Submarine operations like this one complement other efforts such as exercises, training and military cooperation to ensure our strategic forces are ready and available to conduct global operations, at any time.”

U.S. Navy Vice Adm. William Houston, commander of Allied Submarine Command, and U.K. Commodore Paul Dunn, commodore to the Royal Navy’s Submarine Service, participated alongside Cavoli to advance Allied cooperation and coordination.

“It was an honor to spend time with colleagues from the United States during their recent visit to the UK,” Dunn said. “Time together enables us to discuss mutual goals and to reinforce the close working relationship between our two Navies.”

The objective of the commander’s visit was to further the bilateral military coordination with the U.K., underscore U.S. commitment to its Allies, and support the combatant commander’s assurance and deterrence campaign objectives.

“The undersea capabilities delivered by USS Tennessee and her crew are critical to our integrated deterrence strategy. The strategic reach, stealth, survivability and mobility of an undersea platform is unmatched in the other domains,” Cavoli said. “I had the honor of being underway with the USS Tennessee and her crew. Their professionalism and skill, as they operated one of our nation’s most lethal assets, were exceptional in every way.”

USS Tennessee is homeported in Naval Submarine Base Kings Bay, Georgia. It is a launch platform for submarine-launched ballistic missiles, providing the U.S. with its most survivable leg of the nuclear triad.

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Symposium Focuses on Practical Solutions for Climate Security Challenges

Source: United States AFRICOM

(Updated August 25, 2023)

The third Security Implications of Climate Change Symposium, organized by U.S. Africa Command (USAFRICOM) and the U.S. Institute for Peace (USIP) in concert with the Botswana Defence Force, convened in Gaborone June 26 through June 30 to address climate security challenges. The symposium brought together more than 100 military and government representatives from the United States and 33 African partners to identify practical and actionable solutions to climate security threats, along with future opportunities to collaborate on climate risk.

Major General Kenneth P. Ekman, Director of Strategy, Engagement, and Programs for USAFRICOM, emphasized the importance of gathering U.S. and African partners together for this climate-focused event. “The output that we want from this conference are practical solutions that our militaries can implement in partnership with United States Africa Command to help overcome the negative effects of climate change,” Maj. Gen. Ekman said. 

Lt. Gen. Placid Segokgo, Commander of Defense Forces in Botswana, highlighted the significance of climate change around the world, as a security priority that needs urgent attention. “We are living in times when it is evident that climate change is one of the greatest challenges ever to face mankind, and that is no longer a myth but a reality,” he said.

Throughout the symposium, distinguished participants, including high-level delegates, shared their enthusiasm for the event to generate innovative ideas and actionable initiatives where the U.S. and African partners can work together for meaningful outcomes. The Symposium served as a platform for collaboration and knowledge exchange, enabling participants to collectively develop practical solutions to address the complex challenges posed by climate change and enhance security across the African continent.

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Gen. Langley visits Somalia and Kenya

Source: United States AFRICOM

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Mr. Tim Trenkle, Chargé d’Affaires to U.S. Embassy Mogadishu (left), Gen. Michael Langley, commander, U.S. Africa Command (center), and Federal Government of Somalia President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud conduct a meeting in Mogadishu, Somalia, June 13, 2023. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Natalie Vandergriff)

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Gen. Michael Langley, commander, U.S. Africa Command (left), and Abdulkadir Mohamed Nur, Somalia Minister of Defense, share a laugh during a meeting at the Presidential Hanger in the airport at Mogadishu, Somalia, June 13, 2023. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Natalie Vandergriff)

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Gen. Michael Langley, commander, U.S. Africa Command, preforms a pass and review of The African Union Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS) troops at ATMIS headquarters in Mogadishu, Somalia, June 13, 2023. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Natalie Vandergriff)

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The African Union Transition Mission in Somalia leaders and U.S. military leaders take a group photo outside the ATMIS headquarters in Mogadishu, Somalia, June 13, 2023. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Natalie Vandergriff)

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Col. John Bishop, Joint Special Operations Task Force-Somalia commander, greets Gen. Michael Langley, commander, U.S. Africa Command (right), as he arrives at the Mogadishu International Airport in Mogadishu, Somalia, June 13, 2023. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Natalie Vandergriff)

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Gen. Michael Langley, commander, U.S. Africa Command, gives an interview to The African Union Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS) media in Mogadishu, Somalia, June 13, 2023. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Natalie Vandergriff)

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Gen. Michael Langley, commander, U.S. Africa Command (left), and Maj. Gen. Barise, Front Line States commander, greet each other outside the Joint Operations Control Center at Mogadishu, Somalia, June 13, 2023. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Natalie Vandergriff)

U.S. Marine Corps Gen. Michael Langley, commander, U.S. Africa Command, visited Mogadishu and Kismayo, Somalia June 13-14.

In Mogadishu, Langley met with President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, Somalia Minister of Defense, Abdulkadir Mohamed Nur, senior State Department and defense officials, and African Union Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS) troops to discuss shared priorities and operations, such as our shared fight against al Shabaab.

In Kismayo, Langley met with the Jubaland Federal Member State President Ahmed Madobe, and Danab leadership, as well as U.S. troops to witness ongoing training efforts, and see ongoing operations firsthand.

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U.S. Military Aircraft Mishap In Eastern Mediterranean

Source: United States EUROPEAN COMMAND

EUCOM logo Shadowed 500×500

On the evening of November 10, a U.S. military aircraft conducting training operations in the eastern Mediterranean suffered a mishap and went down.

Out of respect for the families affected, we will not release further information on the personnel involved at this time.

The cause of the training incident is currently under investigation.

However, we can definitively say that the aircraft sortie was purely related to training and there are no indications of hostile activity.

We will provide more information as the situation develops.

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U.S. European Command is responsible for U.S. military operations across Europe, portions of Asia and the Middle East, the Arctic and Atlantic Ocean. EUCOM is comprised of more than 65,000 permanent military personnel supported by rotational forces and DoD civilians working closely with NATO Allies and partners. The command is one of two U.S. forward-deployed geographic combatant commands headquartered in Stuttgart, Germany.

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Northern Europe defense conference builds on longstanding partnerships for security

Source: United States EUROPEAN COMMAND

Northern Europe defense conference builds on longstanding partnerships for security

U.S. Army Gen. Christopher Cavoli, commander, U.S. European Command, co-hosted the two-day Northern Europe Chiefs of Defense Conference alongside Gen. Onno Eichelsheim, Netherlands Chief of Defence. The annual strategic gathering was held at the Royal Netherlands Army Headquarters in Utrecht, Netherlands, from Nov. 8-9, 2023. The event drew nearly 80 senior military leaders from Denmark, Estonia, Finland, Germany, Iceland, Latvia, Lithuania, the Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Sweden, the U.K. and the U.S., in addition to U.S. National Guard leadership from Illinois, Maryland, Minnesota and Pennsylvania.

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U.S. Army Gen. Christopher Cavoli, commander, U.S. European Command, co-hosted the two-day Northern Europe Chiefs of Defense Conference alongside Gen. Onno Eichelsheim, Netherlands Chief of Defence. The annual strategic gathering was held at the Royal Netherlands Army Headquarters in Utrecht, Netherlands, from Nov. 8-9, 2023.

The event drew nearly 80 senior military leaders from Denmark, Estonia, Finland, Germany, Iceland, Latvia, Lithuania, the Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Sweden, the U.K. and the U.S., in addition to U.S. National Guard leadership from Illinois, Maryland, Minnesota and Pennsylvania.

“The strength of our partnerships is the greatest advantage we have over our adversaries,” said Cavoli. “When we use this advantage, we achieve collective defense, deterrence, and we continue to preserve the peace in the Euro-Atlantic.”

During the event Cavoli commended the Netherlands as one of the militaries leading the coalition on F-16 training for the Ukrainian Air Force, highlighting the collaboration and unity of purpose among like-minded countries in support of Ukraine.

“This multinational effort provides an important capability to the Ukrainian Armed Forces by giving them aircraft, training (and) sustainment,” added Cavoli. “By supporting Ukraine with F-16s, this demonstrates the strength of our partnership and a concrete investment in our shared values.”

During the event, leaders discussed security and freedom of navigation in the Baltic Sea region and collaboration to address myriad challenges in the Arctic, including climate change and competition from adversary nations.

“We recognize that only through international cooperation we are able to cope with threats and achieve the common goal of European security,” said Eichelsheim. “I am very proud to host this gathering with like-minded nations, because that is the only way we can deter our potential adversaries.”

Three of the 12 European nations in attendance are original members of the State Partnership Program and are celebrating 30 years of enduring partnerships. Norway formalized its longstanding state partnership with the Minnesota National Guard earlier this year.

Regularly hosted by Allies throughout Europe, Chiefs of Defense conferences are a key component of EUCOM’s comprehensive approach to regional security. Through continuous engagement, EUCOM and its Allies foster enduring partnerships and strengthening cooperation among Allied nations.

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U.S. European Command is responsible for U.S. military operations across Europe, portions of Asia and the Middle East, the Arctic and Atlantic Ocean. USEUCOM is comprised of more than 65,000 permanent military personnel supported by rotational forces and DoD civilians working closely with NATO Allies and partners. The command is one of two U.S. forward-deployed geographic combatant commands headquartered in Stuttgart, Germany.