Category: Uncategorized

Source: United States EUROPEAN COMMAND

U.S. Air Force aircraft conduct training mission to Incirlik

A B-1B Lancer assigned to Dyess Air Force Base, Texas, sits on the flightline during Bomber Task Force 24-2 at Morón Air Base, Spain, April 2, 2024. BTF Europe provides U.S. and NATO leaders with strategic options to assure, deter and defend against adversary aggression against the Alliance, throughout Europe, and across the globe. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Holly Cook)

U.S. Air Force aircraft conduct training mission to Incirlik

Chief Master Sgt. Justin Daigle, 9th Expeditionary Bomb Squadron Maintenance Senior Enlisted Leader, marshalls out a B-1B Lancer during Bomber Task Force 24-2 at Morón Air Base, Spain, April 2, 2024. Agile logistics and mobility activities, as showcased in operations and exercises, directly strengthen the U.S.’ ability to support Allies and partners and respond to potential crises. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Holly Cook)

Two U.S. Air Force B-1B Lancers flew from their deployed location at Morón Air Base, Spain, to Incirlik Air Base, Türkiye, April 15, 2024 as part of a long-planned, routine training mission conducted under Bomber Task Force 24-2.

As part of the mission, the U.S. aircraft integrated with and trained alongside Turkish fighter aircraft before landing at Incirlik, where the U.S. aircraft are projected to conduct additional training events in coordination with Turkish forces.

“We would like to thank our Turkish hosts for their role in this vital training opportunity and for their on-going support to our team living and working as part of the Incirlik community,” said Col. Kevin Lord, the 39th Air Base Wing Commander. “Bilateral operations and routine engagement between U.S. and Turkish forces, including these recent bomber task force missions, strengthen our shared commitment to regional security and stability.”

U.S. European Command, U.S. Air Forces in Europe, and the 39th Air Base Wing officials also emphasized the importance of the partnerships with the Turkish Ministry of Defense and how bi-lateral training contributes to cooperation and shared defense in the region.

BTF 24-2 is a part of Large Scale Global Exercise 2024, an umbrella term that incorporates dozens of separate exercises and military activities under multiple combatant commands, which enables U.S. forces to train with Allies and partners to improve shared understanding, trust, and interoperability on security challenges.

The bombers and supporting personnel will conduct a series of missions throughout the BTF 24-2 deployment to train alongside Allies and partners. Through these missions, USAFE-AFAFRICA enables dynamic force employment in the European theater, providing strategic predictability and assurance for Allies and partners while contributing to deterrence by introducing greater operational unpredictability for potential adversaries.

Source: United States EUROPEAN COMMAND

U.S. Air Force aircraft conduct training mission to Incirlik

A B-1B Lancer assigned to Dyess Air Force Base, Texas, sits on the flightline during Bomber Task Force 24-2 at Morón Air Base, Spain, April 2, 2024. BTF Europe provides U.S. and NATO leaders with strategic options to assure, deter and defend against adversary aggression against the Alliance, throughout Europe, and across the globe. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Holly Cook)

U.S. Air Force aircraft conduct training mission to Incirlik

Chief Master Sgt. Justin Daigle, 9th Expeditionary Bomb Squadron Maintenance Senior Enlisted Leader, marshalls out a B-1B Lancer during Bomber Task Force 24-2 at Morón Air Base, Spain, April 2, 2024. Agile logistics and mobility activities, as showcased in operations and exercises, directly strengthen the U.S.’ ability to support Allies and partners and respond to potential crises. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Holly Cook)

Two U.S. Air Force B-1B Lancers flew from their deployed location at Morón Air Base, Spain, to Incirlik Air Base, Türkiye, April 15, 2024 as part of a long-planned, routine training mission conducted under Bomber Task Force 24-2.

As part of the mission, the U.S. aircraft integrated with and trained alongside Turkish fighter aircraft before landing at Incirlik, where the U.S. aircraft are projected to conduct additional training events in coordination with Turkish forces.

“We would like to thank our Turkish hosts for their role in this vital training opportunity and for their on-going support to our team living and working as part of the Incirlik community,” said Col. Kevin Lord, the 39th Air Base Wing Commander. “Bilateral operations and routine engagement between U.S. and Turkish forces, including these recent bomber task force missions, strengthen our shared commitment to regional security and stability.”

U.S. European Command, U.S. Air Forces in Europe, and the 39th Air Base Wing officials also emphasized the importance of the partnerships with the Turkish Ministry of Defense and how bi-lateral training contributes to cooperation and shared defense in the region.

BTF 24-2 is a part of Large Scale Global Exercise 2024, an umbrella term that incorporates dozens of separate exercises and military activities under multiple combatant commands, which enables U.S. forces to train with Allies and partners to improve shared understanding, trust, and interoperability on security challenges.

The bombers and supporting personnel will conduct a series of missions throughout the BTF 24-2 deployment to train alongside Allies and partners. Through these missions, USAFE-AFAFRICA enables dynamic force employment in the European theater, providing strategic predictability and assurance for Allies and partners while contributing to deterrence by introducing greater operational unpredictability for potential adversaries.

Source: United States EUROPEAN COMMAND

28th Bomb Wing Public Affairs

U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Justin Kennedy, 28th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron aircraft noncommissioned officer in charge, marshals a B-1B Lancer assigned to the 28th Bomb Wing, Ellsworth Air Force Base, South Dakota, to the landing pad during Bomber Task Force 24-2 at Luleå-Kallax Air Base, Sweden, Feb. 23, 2024. The Air Force routinely operates across the globe and remains flexible and agile to respond to the changes in the operational environment. BTF operations provide U.S. leaders with strategic options to assure Allies and partners, while deterring potential adversary aggression across the globe. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Jake Jacobsen)

Two U.S. Air Force B-1B Lancers assigned to the 28th Bomb Wing, Ellsworth Air Force Base, South Dakota, arrived in Luleå-Kallax Air Base, Sweden, for Bomber Task Force 24-2, Feb. 23, 2024. 

During the deployment, the bomber crews and support personnel will integrate with the Swedish Armed Forces, NATO Allies and other international partners to synchronize capabilities and assure security commitments across the U.S. European Command area of responsibility. 

The U.S. routinely demonstrates its commitment to NATO Allies and partners through BTF missions. Through these missions, U.S. Air Forces Europe – Air Forces Africa enables dynamic force employment in the European theater, providing strategic predictability and assurance for Allies and partners while contributing to deterrence by introducing greater operational unpredictability for potential adversaries.  

Regular and routine deployments of U.S. strategic bombers also provide critical touch points to train and operate alongside our Allies and partners while bolstering a collective response to any global conflict.  

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.

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. 

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.

Source: United States EUROPEAN COMMAND

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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.

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.

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.

Source: United States EUROPEAN COMMAND

Armenian military leaders visit EUCOM for bilateral meeting

U.S. Air Force Lt. Gen. Steven Basham, U.S. European Command deputy commander, right. shakes hands with the Republic of Armenia Armed Forces Chief of the General Staff Lt. Gen. Edvard Asryan during Asryan’s visit to EUCOM headquarters in Stuttgart, Germany, Nov. 2, 2023. Asryan met with EUCOM leadership and directors to engage in strategic dialogue on Armenia’s current security environment, defense reforms and defense cooperation with the United States. (U.S. Army photo by Frederick Wheeler)

Armenian military leaders visit EUCOM for bilateral meeting

U.S. Air Force Lt. Gen. Steven Basham, U.S. European Command deputy commander, and U.S. Air Force Brig. Gen. Bryony Terrell, EUCOM deputy director for strategy, plans and capabilities, greet the Republic of Armenia Armed Forces Chief of the General Staff Lt. Gen. Edvard Asryan in front of the EUCOM headquarters building, in Stuttgart, Germany, Nov. 2, 2023. Asryan met with EUCOM leadership and directors to engage in strategic dialogue on Armenia’s current security environment, defense reforms and defense cooperation with the United States. (U.S. Army photo by Frederick Wheeler)

U.S. Air Force Lt. Gen. Steven Basham, the U.S. European Command deputy commander, hosted a delegation of military officials from Armenia at EUCOM’s headquarters on Nov. 3. 

The Armenian delegation was led by Chief of the General Staff of the Republic of Armenia Armed Forces Lt. Gen. Edvard Asryan.

Discussions focused on Armenia’s security environment, defense reforms and the defense cooperation with the United States.

“We were honored to host Lt. Gen. Asryan and his team. We learned a lot from one another,” Basham said. “This was a milestone event as we deliberately and incrementally develop our defense relationship.”  

The Armenian delegation began their visit to Germany with a tour at the Joint Multinational Readiness Center in Hohenfels to observe training activities. They also met with the Non-Commissioned Officer Academy as part of their aims to further develop the Armenian military’s NCO corps.

“Armenian armed forces are currently undergoing significant reforms and transformation and we are interested in receiving support and learning about the best practices from our partners, and especially the United States.” Asryan said. “These discussions lay the foundation to plan and conduct future combined training with U.S. European Command as we aim to advance our military’s ability to respond to changes in a dynamic and complex environment.”  

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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.