Category: US European Command

Source: United States EUROPEAN COMMAND

LSGE 24 logo

Large Scale Global Exercise 2024, a series of all-domain military exercises executed alongside Allies and partners around the globe, begins this month and will run through June.

LSGE 24 is a Department of Defense global exercise, coordinated this year by U.S. European Command in collaboration with participating DoD combatant commands. It will incorporate military personnel from the U.S. Army, Navy, Marine Corps, Air Force, and Space Force, and demonstrate joint and multinational military cooperation.

“Our commitment to peace and security not only here in Europe, but throughout the world, is unwavering,” said U.S. European Command Deputy Commander U.S. Air Force Lt. Gen. Steven Basham. “Large Scale Global Exercise 24 is another opportunity to showcase our commitment and resolve, while demonstrating our readiness to respond to any security challenge.”

LSGE 24 is comprised of multiple exercises designed to strengthen agility and interoperability with Allies and partners. The LSGE 24 series will incorporate nearly 30 wide-ranging exercises and military activities with discrete objectives. Collectively, these activities will highlight America’s robust presence and capabilities alongside Allies, partners and fellow U.S. combatant commands.

Of the multiple events associated with LSGE 24, 11 are set to take place in the USEUCOM area of responsibility and will include: Allied Spirit, Trojan Footprint, two iterations of Bomber Task Force, Nordic Response, Arctic Shock, Saber Strike, Immediate Response, Swift Response, Astral Knight, and BALTOPS. The remaining events will be conducted by participating U.S. combatant commands and executed alongside like-minded nations.

LSGE 24 will be the third iteration of the global, integrated series of exercises.

For more information and imagery/video of associated exercises, visit DVIDS: Large Scale Global Exercise 2024.

Source: United States EUROPEAN COMMAND

U.S., European leaders endorse collective defense tactics at strategy symposium

U.S. Air Force Lt. Gen. Steven Basham, U.S. European Command deputy commander, speaks with members of the European Strategy Conference and Workshop at Ramstein Air Base, Germany, on Feb. 1, 2024. Nearly 750 military and civilian leaders from more than 30 Allied and partner nations took part in the event to discuss the impacts of malign influence in the Euro-Atlantic, and considerations to implement and execute NATOS’s regional plans to enhance European security and stability.

U.S., European leaders endorse collective defense tactics at strategy symposium

U.S. Army Gen. Christopher Cavoli, commander of U.S. European Command and Supreme Allied Commander Europe, gives opening remarks during the European Strategy Conference and Workshop at Ramstein Air Base, Germany, on Jan. 31, 2024. Nearly 750 military and civilian leaders from more than 30 Allied and partner nations took part in event to discuss the impacts of malign influence in the Euro-Atlantic, and considerations to implement and execute NATOS’s regional plans to enhance European security and stability.

U.S., European leaders endorse collective defense tactics at strategy symposium

U.S. Assistant Secretary of Defense for International Security Affairs Celeste Wallander provides remarks during the European Strategy Conference and Workshop at Ramstein Air Base, Germany, on Feb. 1, 2024. Nearly 750 military and civilian leaders from more than 30 Allied and partner nations took part in the event to discuss the impacts of malign influence in the Euro-Atlantic, and considerations to implement and execute NATOS’s regional plans to enhance European security and stability.

U.S., European leaders endorse collective defense tactics at strategy symposium

U.S. Air Force Maj. Gen. Daniel Lasica, U.S. European Command director of strategy, plans and policy, gives opening remarks during the European Strategy Conference and Workshop at Ramstein Air Base, Germany, on Feb. 1, 2024. Nearly 750 military and civilian leaders from more than 30 Allied and partner nations took part in event to discuss the impacts of malign influence in the Euro-Atlantic, and considerations to implement and execute NATOS’s regional plans to enhance European security and stability.

Nearly 750 military and civilian leaders from more than 30 Allied and partner nations took part in the U.S. European Command Strategy Conference and Workshop to discuss security in Ramstein, Germany, from Jan. 29 to Feb. 2, 2024.

In his keynote address, U.S. Army Gen. Christopher Cavoli, commander of USEUCOM and Supreme Allied Commander Europe, highlighted the strength of the NATO Alliance and the command’s commitment to collective defense.

“The Alliance continues to exhibit unprecedented cohesion, focus and determination during its transformation to conduct large-scale, theater-wide deterrence and defensive operations,” said Cavoli. “USEUCOM stands resolutely with the Alliance, committed to supporting its modernized system of collective defense every step of the way.”

The week-long conference included two days of plenary sessions under the theme, “Unite, Adapt and Protect.” During the forum, leaders from NATO, the U.S. Department of Defense and USEUCOM discussed the impacts of malign influence in the Euro-Atlantic, and wide-ranging considerations to implement and execute NATO’s regional plans to enhance European security and stability.

“This event was an opportunity for representatives from multiple nations to discuss strategies and initiatives to enhance capabilities within the NATO Alliance,” said U.S. Air Force Maj. Gen. Daniel Lasica, USEUCOM’s director of strategy, plans and policy. “By bringing together experts and decision-makers from across the Alliance, we solidify our impactful partnerships and develop practical solutions and strategies to promote peace and stability.”

In addition to Cavoli’s keynote address, plenary sessions were led by: U.S. Assistant Secretary of Defense for International Security Affairs, Celeste Wallander; NATO Military Committee Chair, Netherlands Navy Adm. Rob Bauer; NATO Defence Policy and Planning Assistant Secretary General, Angus Lapsley; and Deputy Supreme Allied Commander Europe, U.K. Navy Adm. Keith Edward Blount.

Additional panel discussions and workshops throughout the week centered on the continued defense and deterrence of the Euro-Atlantic, NATO’s role in the 21st century and strategic planning for the year ahead.

Source: United States EUROPEAN COMMAND

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STUTTGART, Germany – July 1, 2025 —U.S. Air Force Gen. Alexus G. Grynkewich assumed command of U.S. European Command from U.S. Army Gen. Christopher G. Cavoli during a formal Change of Command ceremony at Patch Barracks today.

As one of the United States’ six geographic combatant commands, USEUCOM plays a critical role in deterring aggression, supporting NATO allies, and defending U.S. national interests across a vast area of responsibility that includes Europe, parts of Asia and the Middle East, and the Arctic.

Cavoli, who led the command since June 27, 2022, oversaw a period marked by increased U.S. and NATO interoperability, rotational deployments, and defense posture adjustments in Eastern Europe.

“Like many others, I have stood in awe of you,” Cavoli said speaking to members of USEUCOM. “The thing that drives you to great heights is that you perform for our country in front of others and with our allies. The one privilege I will always remember, I will always cherish, is the privilege to stand in the ranks with you, all of you at EUCOM.”

Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, U.S. Air Force Gen. Dan Caine, presided over the ceremony. He spoke to the importance of integrated operations, and both Cavoli’s and Grynkewich’s leadership, saying, “The world can shift in a matter of hours, and that’s why we prepare, why we shift, and why we train and operate as an integrated force – to be ready. General Grynkewich is prepared for this job. He is the right leader who is humble, credible and approachable to follow the great leader before him.”

Grynkewich previously served as the Director of Operations, J-3, Joint Staff. He assisted the Chairman in carrying out responsibilities as the principal military advisor to the President and Secretary of Defense. He has served as an instructor pilot, weapons officer and operational test pilot in the F-16 Fighting Falcon and F-22 Raptor. Grynkewich has commanded at the squadron, wing, and Air Expeditionary Task Force levels.

“Today, a protracted war rages in Europe for the first time in decades, and our operations in the Mediterranean are helping to contain conflict in the Middle East. More broadly our adversaries are aligning, working together more than ever before as they seek to dominate their regions and even the globe, thus the good work done here across the command is more important than ever,” said Grynkewich. “These are consequential times, demanding bold and innovative leadership at all times. The men and women of EUCOM deliver this every single day, and my pledge to you is that I will do everything in my power to do the same for you.”

USEUCOM is dedicated to proactively safeguarding the homeland while enhancing security across the Euro-Atlantic region. It is responsible for planning and executing military operations within its area of responsibility, which includes conducting joint and multinational training, providing military assistance to partner nations, and fostering military-to-military relationships with Allies and partners.

For more information please contact USEUCOM public affairs at eucom.media@mail.mil

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

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.