US European Command – Page 2 – MIL Security Intel Ngin

January 28, 2024

U.S. Military Aircraft Mishap In Eastern Mediterranean

Source: United States EUROPEAN COMMAND

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.

January 28, 2024

Northern Europe defense conference builds on longstanding partnerships for security

Source: United States EUROPEAN COMMAND

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.

January 28, 2024

Armenian military leaders visit EUCOM for bilateral meeting

Source: United States EUROPEAN COMMAND

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.

January 28, 2024

US B-1Bs mark historic milestone at Incirlik Air Base

Source: United States EUROPEAN COMMAND

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.

January 28, 2024

EUCOM hosts Finnish Defence Force high command academic delegation

Source: United States EUROPEAN COMMAND

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.

January 28, 2024

Readout of USEUCOM Commander’s meeting with Ukrainian President

Source: United States EUROPEAN COMMAND

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.

January 28, 2024

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

Source: United States EUROPEAN COMMAND

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

January 28, 2024

USEUCOM, Austrian defense leaders explore opportunities to expand cooperation

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.

January 28, 2024

USS Mount Whitney arrives in Larnaca, Cyprus

Source: United States EUROPEAN COMMAND

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.

January 28, 2024

Statement: Five Servicemembers Killed in U.S. Military Aircraft Mishap in Mediterranean

Source: United States EUROPEAN COMMAND

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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EUCOM logo Shadowed 500×500

Northern Europe defense conference builds on longstanding partnerships for security

EUCOM Logo.png

Armenian military leaders visit EUCOM for bilateral meeting

Armenian military leaders visit EUCOM for bilateral meeting

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

EUCOM hosts Finnish Defence Force high command academic delegation

EUCOM hosts Finnish Defence Force high command academic delegation

Readout of USEUCOM Commander’s meeting with Ukrainian President

Readout of USEUCOM Commander’s meeting with Ukrainian President

Readout of USEUCOM Commander’s meeting with Ukrainian President

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

USEUCOM, Austrian defense leaders explore opportunities to expand cooperation

USEUCOM, Austrian defense leaders explore opportunities to expand cooperation

USEUCOM, Austrian defense leaders explore opportunities to expand cooperation

USEUCOM, Austrian defense leaders explore opportunities to expand cooperation

USS Mount Whitney arrives in Larnaca, Cyprus

USS Mount Whitney arrives in Larnaca, Cyprus

EUCOM logo Shadowed 500×500