Category: US European Command

Source: United States EUROPEAN COMMAND

US B-1B Lancers conduct Bomber Task Force mission in Eastern Europe

U.S. Air Force B-1B Lancers from Dyess Air Force Base, Texas, and currently deployed to RAF Fairford, United Kingdom, conducted a Bomber Task Force mission, collaborating closely with fighter jets from NATO Allies the Czech Republic and Hungary over Eastern Europe on Oct. 26, 2023.

U.S. Air Force B-1B Lancers from Dyess Air Force Base, Texas, currently deployed to RAF Fairford in the United Kingdom for Bomber Task Force 24-1, performed the first-ever hot-pit refueling at Incirlik Air Base, Türkiye, Tuesday.

Hot-pit refueling, a practice in which a plane is refueled while its engines are running, allows an aircraft to reduce time spent on the ground and get back in the air faster.

By honing hot-pit refueling procedures and leveraging the advantages it offers, the U.S. and its Allies fortify their combat readiness across the European theater. This notable event marks the first B-1 hot-pit refueling in Türkiye and underscores the strong ties between the U.S. and Türkiye in the NATO Alliance.

Before the aircraft touched down at Incirlik, the aircraft integrated in training missions with Turkish Joint Terminal Attack Controllers and conducted close air support training with Turkish F-16 Fighting Falcons.

The intent of these long-planned bomber task force missions is to demonstrate the U.S.’s readiness to support geographic combatant command objectives and showcase the nation’s ability to project U.S. airpower around the globe.  

Source: United States EUROPEAN COMMAND

EUCOM hosts Finnish Defence Force high command academic delegation

U.S. Air Force Maj. Gen. Daniel Lasica, the U.S. European Command strategy, plans and policy director, fourth from left; J-5 Vice Director Brig. Leigh R. Tingey, fourth from right; Finnish Defence Forces Deputy Chief of Staff for Strategy Lt. Gen. Janne Jaakkola, center; and 27 members of FDF High Command Course meet in front of EUCOM Headquarters in Stuttgart, Germany, on Oct. 19, 2023.

EUCOM hosts Finnish Defence Force high command academic delegation

U.S. Air Force Maj. Gen. Daniel Lasica, the U.S. European Command strategy, plans and policy director, right; British Brig. Leigh R. Tingey, the EUCOM vice director for partnership, security cooperation and space capability, left; Finnish Defence Forces Deputy Chief of Staff for Strategy Lt. Gen. Janne Jaakkola, center; and 27 members of FDF High Command Course meet to discuss defense cooperation at EUCOM headquarters in Stuttgart, Germany, on Oct. 19, 2023.

U.S. European Command Vice Director for Partnership, Security Cooperation and Space Capability British Brig. Leigh R. Tingey hosted a military academic delegation from NATO’s newest member state Oct. 19, 2023, at EUCOM headquarters in Stuttgart, Germany.

Finnish Defence Forces Deputy Chief of Staff for Strategy Lt. Gen. Janne Jaakkola and 27 senior Finnish military leaders attending the nation’s High Command Course visited and familiarized themselves with both EUCOM and NATO Supreme Headquarters Allies Powers in Europe (SHAPE) in Mons, Belgium, as part of the study trip. 

Presentations and discussions were designed to optimize interoperability, strengthen the bilateral strategic relationship and build a positive frame of reference for future interactions between the Finnish Defence Forces and EUCOM.

“This is the perfect capstone to our High Command Course,” Jaakola said. “The visit to SHAPE and EUCOM gives strategic context to our senior leaders responsible for national and collective defense.”

The discussions focused on defense cooperation, activities like operations and exercises, military training, and resourcing. Designed to enable Finland’s senior military leaders to be key decision makers in current and future roles, the visit also strengthened the collective resolve between the two nations to support multinational goals across Europe as part of NATO’s collective defense.

“Our shared values and commitment to collective defense unite our two nations, along with 29 other NATO member states on both sides of the Atlantic,” Tingey said. “This Alliance embodies this transatlantic bond through which the security of NATO Allies in Europe and North America is inextricably linked.”

Finland became an official member of NATO on April 4, 2023. With its full accession, the nation committed to not only contributing to Europe’s collective defense, but also helping to uphold NATO’s common values of individual liberty, democracy, human rights and the rule of law. 

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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

Readout of USEUCOM Commander’s meeting with Ukrainian President

Gen. Christopher Cavoli commander of U.S. European Command, meets with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in Germany, Dec. 14, 2023, to discuss ongoing U.S. and international military support to aid the Ukrainian people in defense of their nation against Russian aggression. (Photo by Susanne Goebel)

Readout of USEUCOM Commander’s meeting with Ukrainian President

Gen. Christopher Cavoli, commander of U.S. European Command, meets with Ukrainian President, Volodymyr Zelenskyy in Germany, Dec. 14, 2023, to discuss ongoing U.S. and international military support to aid the Ukrainian people in defense of their nation against Russian aggression. (Photo by Susanne Goebel)

Readout of USEUCOM Commander’s meeting with Ukrainian President

Gen. Christopher Cavoli, commander of U.S. European Command, meets with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in Germany, Dec. 14, 2023, to discuss ongoing U.S. and international military support to aid the Ukrainian people in defense of their nation against Russian aggression. (Photo by Susanne Goebel)

Gen. Christopher Cavoli, commander of U.S. European Command, met with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in Germany, Dec. 14, 2023.

Gen. Cavoli and President Zelenskyy discussed continued U.S. support to meet Ukraine’s most urgent requirements, including the provision of the 53rd Presidential Drawdown package announced this week by President Biden.

The two also discussed ongoing U.S. and international efforts to train the Ukrainian Armed Forces. President Zelenskyy also met with multinational representatives from some of the 50 nations who continue to provide assistance to Ukraine. Through the strong and strategic relationships established in support of Ukraine, the U.S. and international community continue to support Ukraine’s fight to preserve its sovereignty and ability to protect Ukrainian civilians and infrastructure.

Source: United States EUROPEAN COMMAND

EUCOM increases cyberspace interoperability in annual NATO-hosted cyber defense exercise

U.S. European Command and 35 other countries participated in Cyber Coalition, an annual NATO exercise, conducted from Tallinn, Estonia, Nov. 27 to Dec. 1. Cyber Coalition 2023 focused on simulated responses to cyber threats and enhancing cyber defense posture. (Courtesy photo by Paolo Giordano)

U.S. European Command participated in NATO’s annual Cyber Coalition exercise, which hosted 35 participant countries, the largest number to date, from Nov. 27 to Dec. 1.

Cyber Coalition 2023 expanded on lessons learned from previous exercises, emphasizing coordination and collaboration among EUCOM, participating Allies and partners under NATO’s oversight. The exercise’s main focus was to simulate responses to cyber threats and enhance our cyber defense posture. This involved testing NATO’s capability to request cyberspace operations resources and the capacity of exercise participants to deliver them.

“We use technical challenges to trigger the coordination and collaboration within and between our military and civilian cyberspace stakeholders,” said U.S. Navy Cmdr. Charles Elliott, Cyber Coalition exercise director. “The considerable number of participating Allies and partners increases the exercise complexity helping us to better identify capability gaps and comprehensively test new cyberspace operations procedures.”

The annual exercise was conducted from Tallinn, Estonia, a leading NATO Ally known for its extensive digitization efforts throughout its nation and functioned as the central command and control center. All participating countries participated in the training remotely. Exercise activities included training on the application of international law in cyberspace, validating cyberspace warfare development products and experimenting with new tools.

“Consistently working with our NATO Allies and partners to identify vulnerabilities on their government-operated networks aids in our own cyberspace preparedness through enhanced information-sharing relationships,” said U.S. Air Force Brig. Gen. James Cleet, EUCOM deputy director of operations. “These exercises provide us a comprehensive opportunity to bolster collective cyberspace capabilities and are foundational to our overall security commitment to the NATO Alliance and global partners.”

Another key U.S. participant included the 16th Air Force (Air Forces Cyber) providing exercise planning and execution support. Sixteenth Air Force was created to seize and maintain the initiative in the information environment, especially the cyber domain and regularly participates in global cyber and information warfare exercises to prepare for crisis and conflict.  

“This fantastic opportunity allowed us to collaborate, share and effectively integrate cyber security capabilities. We successfully operated across four time zones, assessed each other’s capabilities, and strengthened our great relationships with NATO allies and partners,” said Candace Sanchez,16th Air Force senior joint cyber exercise planner. 

The insights garnered from the Cyber Coalition 2023 exercise, including observations, in-depth analysis, and valuable feedback, play a pivotal role in shaping the trajectory of future doctrine development, capability enhancements and informed decision-making processes.

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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

USEUCOM, Austrian defense leaders explore opportunities to expand cooperation

U.S. Air Force Lt. Gen. Steven Basham, center left, deputy commander, U.S. European Command, and Ambassador Kate Marie Byrnes, left, civilian deputy and foreign policy advisor to U.S. European Command, host Secretary General of the Austrian Ministry of Defense, Dr. Arnold Kammel, center right, and members of Kammel’s staff at the command’s headquarters in Stuttgart, Germany, on Nov. 30, 2023. The meeting, aimed at identifying areas for future military cooperation, builds on a broadening relationship after Austria and the Vermont National Guard formalized their partnership under the State Partnership Program in 2022. As no nation can confront today’s challenges alone, U.S. European Command is committed to preserving the mutual commitment, support and trust we share with our Allies and partners.

USEUCOM, Austrian defense leaders explore opportunities to expand cooperation

U.S. Air Force Lt. Gen. Steven Basham, second from right, deputy commander, U.S. European Command, and Ambassador Kate Marie Byrnes third from left, civilian deputy and foreign policy advisor to U.S. European Command, host Secretary General of the Austrian Ministry of Defense, Dr. Arnold Kammel, center, and members of Kammel’s staff at the command’s headquarters in Stuttgart, Germany, on Nov. 30, 2023. The meeting, aimed at identifying areas for future military cooperation, builds on a broadening relationship after Austria and the Vermont National Guard formalized their partnership under the State Partnership Program in 2022. As no nation can confront today’s challenges alone, U.S. European Command is committed to preserving the mutual commitment, support and trust we share with our Allies and partners.

USEUCOM, Austrian defense leaders explore opportunities to expand cooperation

U.S. Air Force Lt. Gen. Steven Basham, deputy commander, U.S. European Command, presents a gift to Secretary General of the Austrian Ministry of Defense, Dr. Arnold Kammel, at the command’s headquarters in Stuttgart, Germany, on Nov. 30, 2023. The meeting, aimed at identifying areas for future military cooperation, builds on a broadening relationship after Austria and the Vermont National Guard formalized their partnership under the State Partnership Program in 2022. As no nation can confront today’s challenges alone, U.S. European Command is committed to preserving the mutual commitment, support and trust we share with our Allies and partners.

USEUCOM, Austrian defense leaders explore opportunities to expand cooperation

U.S. Air Force Lt. Gen. Steven Basham, right, deputy commander, U.S. European Command, and Ambassador Kate Marie Byrnes, left, civilian deputy and foreign policy advisor to U.S. European Command, host Secretary General of the Austrian Ministry of Defense, Dr. Arnold Kammel, center, at the command’s headquarters in Stuttgart, Germany, on Nov. 30, 2023. The meeting, aimed at identifying areas for future military cooperation, builds on a broadening relationship after Austria and the Vermont National Guard formalized their partnership under the State Partnership Program in 2022. As no nation can confront today’s challenges alone, U.S. European Command is committed to preserving the mutual commitment, support and trust we share with our Allies and partners.

U.S. Air Force Lt. Gen. Steven Basham, deputy commander, U.S. European Command, hosted Secretary General of the Austrian Ministry of Defense, Dr. Arnold Kammel, and members of Kammel’s staff at the command’s headquarters in Stuttgart, Germany, on Nov. 30, 2023.

The meeting, aimed at identifying areas for future military cooperation, builds on a broadening relationship after Austria and the Vermont National Guard formalized their partnership under the State Partnership Program in 2022.

“Today’s meeting was another important step toward strengthening our relationship with a long-standing partner in Austria,” said Basham. “Our strategic partnership with Austria already includes cooperation for military mobility, information exchanges and military-to-military engagements through the State Partnership Program. We look forward to furthering our mutual commitment to realize a shared vision for European security.”

The two nations’ military-to-military engagement has steadily increased since partnering via the State Partnership Program, including an air exchange in June in which the Vermont Air National Guard flew F-35s alongside Austrian Eurofighter Typhoons at Hinterstoisser Air Base near Zeltweg, Austria.

“Relations with the USA are of particular importance to Austria. The deepening of the strategic partnership with the USA, anchored in the Austrian government program and the growing State Partnership Program, underline this fact,” said Kammel. “As one of the key players in global security and defense policy, the USA is also relevant for Austria in other areas. Today’s talks mark a further point in the strengthening of joint cooperation.”

The long-standing cooperation between the U.S. and Austria has also included participation in the EU’s Permanent Structured Cooperation program, which aims to enable movement of military personnel and assets within the borders of the EU. That intra-European movement is pivotal to the U.S.’ ability to successfully conduct military exercises and operations.

The State Partnership Program pairs U.S. National Guard units with Allied and partner militaries within the USEUCOM area of responsibility to facilitate cooperation across all aspects of international civil-military affairs.

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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. As no nation can confront today’s challenges alone, U.S. European Command is committed to preserving the mutual commitment, support and trust we share with our 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

USS Mount Whitney arrives in Larnaca, Cyprus

Sailors assigned to the Blue Ridge-class command and control ship USS Mount Whitney (LCC 20) participate in a memorial ceremony off the coast of Normandy, France, while in the English Channel, May 26, 2020. Mount Whitney is the U.S. 6th Fleet flagship, homeported in Gaeta, Italy, and operates with a combined crew of U.S. Sailors and Military Sealift Command civil service mariners. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Damon Grosvenor)

USS Mount Whitney arrives in Larnaca, Cyprus

Sailors assigned to the Blue Ridge-class command and control ship USS Mount Whitney (LCC 20) participate in a memorial ceremony off the coast of Normandy, France, while in the English Channel, May 26, 2020. Mount Whitney is the U.S. 6th Fleet flagship, homeported in Gaeta, Italy, and operates with a combined crew of U.S. Sailors and Military Sealift Command civil service mariners. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Damon Grosvenor)

The U.S. 6th Fleet Blue Ridge-class command-and-control ship USS Mount Whitney (LCC 20) arrived in Larnaca, the Republic of Cyprus, for a scheduled port visit, Nov. 30, 2023.

The USS Mount Whitney is conducting U.S. operations in the U.S. European Command area of responsibility, where the ship’s crew and embarked staff will work alongside Allies and partners in support of maritime operations, which encompass naval diplomacy and national efforts to build comprehensive maritime power. The USS Mount Whitney, forward deployed from Gaeta, Italy, operates with a combined crew of U.S. Sailors and Military Sealift Command civil service mariners in the U.S. Sixth Fleet. The fleet operates in support of U.S. national security interests in Europe and Africa.

U.S. Sixth Fleet, headquartered in Naples, Italy, conducts the full spectrum of joint and naval operations, often in concert with allied and interagency partners, including NATO Allies and partner nation naval assets.

The Republic of Cyprus is an important regional partner. Port visits aim to strengthen security and stability and build enduring relationships. Liberty for the ship’s crew and embarked personnel is an opportunity to demonstrate a common commitment to ensure goodwill.

U.S. Sixth Fleet is permanently assigned to U.S. Naval Forces Europe-U.S. Naval Forces Africa and employs maritime forces through the full spectrum of joint and naval operations. Also headquartered in Naples, Italy, NAVEUR-NAVAF operates U.S. naval forces in the U.S. European Command and U.S. Africa Command areas of responsibility.

U.S. Naval Forces Europe-U.S. Naval Forces Africa has forged strategic relationships with Allies and partners, leveraging a foundation of shared values to preserve security and stability for over 80 years.

Source: United States EUROPEAN COMMAND

EUCOM logo Shadowed 500×500

During a routine air refueling mission as part of military training, a U.S. military aircraft carrying five service members suffered a mishap and crashed into the Mediterranean Sea. All five of the service members onboard the aircraft were killed. 

Out of respect for the affected families, and in accordance with Department of Defense policy, the identities of the crewmembers are being withheld until 24 hours after next of kin notifications have been completed.

Search and rescue efforts began immediately, including nearby U.S. military aircraft and ships.

Our thoughts and prayers are with the families of the fallen. An investigation into the crash is underway.

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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

French delegation visits USEUCOM, strengthens strategic partnership

U.S. Air Force Maj. Gen. Daniel Lasica, director, U.S. European Command Strategy, Plans and Policy, hosted Maj. Gen. Philippe de Montenon, chief of the French Strategic Joint Operation Center, and a French military delegation to the command’s headquarters in Stuttgart, Germany, on Jan. 25, 2024. Discussions included ongoing security assistance to Ukraine; the two nations’ combined capability to respond to crisis; and participation in upcoming military exercises – including DEFENDER-Europe – to build readiness and interoperability.

French delegation visits USEUCOM, strengthens strategic partnership

U.S. Air Force Maj. Gen. Daniel Lasica, director, U.S. European Command Strategy, Plans and Policy, hosted Maj. Gen. Philippe de Montenon, chief of the French Strategic Joint Operation Center, and a French military delegation to the command’s headquarters in Stuttgart, Germany, on Jan. 25, 2024. Discussions included ongoing security assistance to Ukraine; the two nations’ combined capability to respond to crisis; and participation in upcoming military exercises – including DEFENDER-Europe – to build readiness and interoperability.

U.S. Air Force Maj. Gen. Daniel Lasica, director, U.S. European Command Strategy, Plans and Policy, hosted Maj. Gen. Philippe de Montenon, chief of the French Strategic Joint Operation Center, and a French military delegation to the command’s headquarters in Stuttgart, Germany, on Jan. 25, 2024.

“The U.S. and France have a long and storied history of cooperation, and we remain committed to working together toward common security goals,” said Lasica. “Today’s visit is a testament to the strength of our strong partnership and commitment to robust engagement in the fight against threats to our collective security.”

Discussions included ongoing security assistance to Ukraine; the two nations’ combined capability to respond to crisis; and participation in upcoming military exercises – including DEFENDER-Europe – to build readiness and interoperability.

“In the face of ongoing regional threats and global challenges, close cooperation continues to be a priority for both our nations to strengthen security relationships in Europe and uphold international law,” said de Montenon.

France, America’s oldest Ally, will host several multinational commemorative events this summer for the 80th anniversary of WWII, including: Operation Overlord, the Allied operation in Normandy that commenced the liberation of France from Nazi control on 6 June 1944; and Operation Dragoon, the landings in southern France in mid-August 1944. Commemoration events, held to honor the historic resolve of Allies, serve as a reminder of how common purpose and shared vision build enduring partnerships.

Source: United States EUROPEAN COMMAND

U.S. Army Gen. Christopher Cavoli, commander, U.S. European Command, along with USEUCOM Civilian Deputy & Foreign Policy Advisor Ambassador Kate Byrnes joined U.S. chiefs-of-mission in Bucharest, Romania, Jan. 23, to discuss the command’s support to U.S. foreign policy and diplomatic efforts in the Black Sea Region.

“Russia’s invasion of Ukraine altered the security environment in the Black Sea Region,” said Cavoli. “The region is of critical geostrategic importance to USEUCOM, our Allies and our partners. This conference brought together America’s diplomatic and military leaders with a focus on advancing the collective territorial security of the Black Sea Region.”

The conference gathered senior leaders from USEUCOM and eight U.S. ambassadors to discuss whole-of-government support to America’s Allies and partners in the face of increasing threats and challenges across the Black Sea region.

“We take the shared commitment of security seriously and are working toward a return of a secure, prosperous and interconnected Black Sea Region that contributes to robust global commerce,” said Byrnes. “Our enduring strategic relationships with these countries are the foundation of collective cooperation. We are committed to working with our Allies and partners to ensure freedom of navigation and investments that enhance economic opportunities and build resilience in this critical region.”

USEUCOM personnel joined U.S. ambassadors in panel discussions engaging on critical security topics, including Russia’s unprovoked invasion of Ukraine, access and security in the Black Sea, and regional plans for deterrence and defense. Host country officials Romanian Minister of Foreign Affairs Luminita Odobescu and Minister of Defense Angel Tilvar joined the group for an informative briefing and productive discussion.

“The Black Sea is crucial for global peace and stability, and its importance is only expected to increase in the coming years,” said U.S. Ambassador to Romania Kathleen Kavalec.

“It is a vital export transit route, and its interconnectors facilitate trade and energy flows between Europe, Eurasia, and the Middle East, making it a crucial economic hub. Russia’s war against Ukraine is the most significant conflict in Europe since World War II, and today’s biggest threat to international order,” Kavalec added. “Such an attack on the international order anywhere affects peace and stability everywhere including in the Black Sea region.”

The discussion in Bucharest advanced efforts by U.S. Defense and State Department leaders to merge strategic initiatives and interagency coordination to counter threats and strengthen partnerships.

Attendees included U.S. Assistant Secretary for European and Eurasian Affairs James O’Brien, Ambassador to Ukraine Bridget Brink, Ambassador to Georgia Robin Dunnigan, Ambassador to Türkiye Jeffrey Flake, Ambassador to Armenia Kristina Kvien, Ambassador to Azerbaijan Mark Libby, Ambassador to Moldova Kent Logsdon, Ambassador to the Russian Federation Lynne Tracy, and U.S. Deputy Chief of Mission to Bulgaria Andrea Brouillette-Rodriguez.

Chiefs-of-mission conferences facilitate strategic discussions among U.S. diplomatic and defense leaders to formulate strategic initiatives to further U.S. foreign policy and national security.

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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 www.eucom.mil.

Source: United States EUROPEAN COMMAND

Bosnia and Herzegovina host U.S. F-16s and JTAC training U.S. European Command

Two U.S. Air Force F-16 Fighting Falcons assigned to the 31st Fighter Wing from Aviano Air Base, Italy, conducted bilateral air-to-ground training with joint terminal attack controllers from U.S. Special Operations Command Europe and Armed Forces of Bosnia and Herzegovina JTACs near Tuzla, Bosnia and Herzegovina, on Jan. 8, 2024. This bilateral training is an example of advanced military-to-military cooperation that contributes to peace and security in the Western Balkans and throughout Europe.

Two U.S. Air Force F-16 Fighting Falcons assigned to the 31st Fighter Wing from Aviano Air Base, Italy, conducted bilateral air-to-ground training with joint terminal attack controllers (JTAC) from U.S. Special Operations Command Europe and Armed Forces of Bosnia and Herzegovina JTACs near Tuzla, Bosnia and Herzegovina, on Jan. 8, 2024.

This bilateral training is an example of advanced military-to-military cooperation that contributes to peace and security in the Western Balkans and throughout Europe.

“Joint military events like this are a demonstration of the United States’ enduring partnership with the Armed Forces of Bosnia and Herzegovina,” said U.S. Air Force Lt. Gen. Steven L. Basham, deputy commander, U.S. European Command.

“American support for Bosnia and Herzegovina’s Armed Forces is ironclad, forged over years of close cooperation. For twenty years, the Armed Forces of our two countries have maintained an outstanding and robust military-to-military relationship,” added Basham. “The United States continues to provide assistance that will help their armed forces modernize and become a security contributor both regionally and globally.”

The training was part of routine efforts by U.S. forces to exchange tactics, techniques and procedures with partner nation forces.

The mission was supported by a KC-135 Stratotanker from the 100th Air Refueling Wing, based at RAF Mildenhall, U.K., which provided aerial refueling for the F-16s and contributed to meeting all training objectives.

The U.S. Department of Defense and the Armed Forces of Bosnia and Herzegovina share a common goal in contributing to continued stability in the region and are natural partners in their overall commitment to global security.