Category: US European Command

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.

Source: United States EUROPEAN COMMAND

US Air Force bombers integrate with UK 5th Gen fighters in pre-planned mission

U.S. Air Force B-2 Spirits assigned to Whiteman Air Force Base, Missouri, conducted a flight from their home station to a training area over the North Sea, linking with United Kingdom F-35 Lightning II’s during a long-planned Bomber Task Force mission Dec. 13.

The routine BTF mission demonstrated the Department of Defense’s ability to project power and global reach through conventional bomber employment as well as its flexibility and agility to respond to evolving challenges in the operational environment.

“Strategic bomber missions aim to deter conflict, showcasing our rapid response capability and reinforcing commitment to the U.K. and NATO,” said Gen. James Hecker, USAFE-AFAFRICA commander and Allied Air Command commander. “Operating alongside RAF fifth-gen fighters enhances our strength through combined training.”

The bombers executed the mission with aerial refueling support from a KC-135 Stratotanker assigned to the 100th Air Refueling Wing at RAF Mildenhall, U.K., and achieved all mission objectives. One B-2 returned to Whiteman AFB the same day and one landed at RAF Fairford.

Wednesday’s mission provided combined integration with Allied fifth-generation aircraft intended to enhance multi-domain interoperability and continue development of fifth-generation tactics, techniques and procedures.

Planning and executing globally integrated BTF missions underscores that the U.S., its allies, and partners possess credible military capabilities to protect the safety of their citizens and security of their shared values. Integration with NATO forces fosters greater interoperability and the ability to leverage shared capabilities. This synergy not only enhances operations but is invaluable to the overall effectiveness and ensures a unified response to any threat.