US-Europe World Affairs

An Exclusive interview with Major Victor Gallardo (Spanish Army) – Spokesperson and Chief of EU NAVFOR Operation Atalanta Media Branch,   conducted by Editor in Chief, Catherine S. Schmidt

It is a great honor to have you with us in this interview, Sir. Thank you for accepting the invitation. 

Q 1: The European Naval Forces – Operation Atalanta has been implementing continuously series of trainings and maritime capacity building with African partners. Could you speak about some of these recent maritime activities in coordination with the European Union Capacity Building Mission in Somalia (EUCAP)?

First, I would like to thank you for the opportunity given to me by such an outstanding News Media to make EU NAVFOR Operation ATALANTA, our objectives and activities, as well as the deep and robust cooperation with US forces with whom we share areas of operations, a little better known.
Regarding EUCAP Somalia, I must say that our cooperation is very intense and close as we are part, together with EU TM Somalia, of the EU Integrated Approach to Somalia. Thanks to the special structure and capabilities of EUCAP, they have the responsibility to generate all capacity building/enhancing activities with regard to maritime security, in which we cooperate as experts in the field. 

As perfect example, last 19 December, ESPS “Santa María” conducted a Local Maritime Capacity Building activity in international waters. The activity consisted of providing support to EUCAP-Somalia on a three days drill carried out with Somali Police Force and Maritime Police Unit and Coastguard. The training was focused on basic navigation procedures on paper chart, use of radar, communications training, boarding search and seizure procedures and first aid. Remarkably, for the first time, the Somali Police Force and Maritime Police Unit and Coastguard made a transit with two boats over 12 nautical miles in order to embark/disembark their personnel on board ESPS “Santa María”.

Q 2: The U.S Naval force has been also a supporting partner for the EU NAVFOR from the beginning of Op. Atalanta. As of recent time the ESPS Santa Maria participated in a save and rescue exercise with the U.S Navy, U.S Marine Corps, and U.S Airforce.  Could you elaborate on this joint exercise?

As noted in the introduction above, the relationship between EUNAVFOR and the US forces deployed in the region is strong, trusting and permanent. These relations are particularly notable with Combined Joint Task Force Horn of Africa (CJTF HOA), whose HQ is in Djibouti (Djibouti), and the US units associated with the Combined Maritime Force (CMF), whose HQ is in Manama (Bahrain).

Thanks to these partnerships, multitudes of joint activities are realized. For example, on 2 December, ESPS “Santa María” took part in exercise “Bullshark” along with US CJTF HOA, together with the FFDJ (French Forces in Djibouti) and the Djibouti Coast Guard. The Spanish Special Operations Maritime Task Unit performed a “Personnel Recovery” drill in Djibouti territorial waters and inland. This kind of exercises assure the complementarity of efforts with the US forces and rest of maritime security actors in the area and have become one of the distinctive traits of Atalanta’s coordination with CJTF HOA.

And how such a close partnership benefits the both sides?

Our joint actions allow our units to be fully aware of mutual tactics, techniques and procedures (LTT), creating a deep relationship of trust and support. In the example above, a “Personnel Recovery” drill will allow the synchronization between the participating units in a real case to be as appropriate, fast and precise as possible, allowing the best possible chance of success.

Q 3: In November 2022, the EU NAVFOR in partnership with Combined Maritime Forces (CMF) hosted the 50th SHADE Conference in Bahrein. What were the envisaged goals to be accomplished with this forum?

On 16th and 17th November, the 50th iteration of the SHADE conference (Shared Information and De-confliction) was held in Manama (Bahrain), organized by EU NAVFOR Atalanta and co-chaired by the Combined Maritime Forces. So again, a very close cooperation with U.S. forces.

Since its inception in 2009, this forum has become the major platform for de-conflicting the operational activities of the naval forces in the region. Indeed, it is a unique meeting to share information with representatives of the international shipping industry, countries (Oman, India, Pakistan, China, Republic of Korea), international (IMO) and regional organizations (Djibouti Code of Conduct/Jeddah Amendment, Contact Group on Illicit Maritime Activities), and the academia (University of Copenhagen). Thanks to the different workshops and the final plenary session, together with the interventions of relevant attendees through the VTC platforms, these two objectives are achieved in a very productive and associative way.

Q 4: Could you give us an update of recent years challenges and achievements in suppressing piracy in the Horn of Africa and the Western Indian Ocean? And in terms of technological investments does EU NAVFOR see a need for higher investments?

In terms of the challenges, the Operation has faced the previous ATALANTA mandate came into force in January 2020, which called for the operation to become a Maritime Security Provider in the Western Indian Ocean. Once again, as on many occasions over the past 14 years, the Operation was able to adapt to new requirements. But it also adapted to the new reality, when the non-extension of UNSCR 2608, which allowed the operation to enter Somali territorial waters, was adopted.

Moreover, thanks to the valuable assistance of the EEAS and the PSC, ATALANTA was authorized in February 2022 to activate its secondary executive task of “contributing to the fight against narcotics and drug trafficking off the coast of Somalia”. We were proud to note that in a period of just a few days, eight interceptions were made and up to 12.7 tons of narcotics worth more than 250 million euros in street value were seized from criminal networks. And additionally, we continue our unstinting effort to support the Somali government and authorities in contributing to the creation of a regional maritime security architecture.

Finally, the Operation has been greatly strengthened as an integral tool of EU naval diplomacy thanks to the Strategic Operation Review or the Coordinated Maritime Presences Concept itself. Furthermore, we are very proud to confirm that Atalanta’s mandate has recently been renewed for another two years. However, this new mandate has additional challenges: an expanded area of operations; new strengthened responsibilities in the areas of IUU fishing or capacity building; the challenges posed by the unstable situation in the region, aggravated by the undesirable results of Russia’s aggression against Ukraine. This framework makes our commitment stronger than ever. At the Operational and tactical level, it will be necessary to make an additional effort with our air resources, currently reduced after not continuing the P3M ORION in support to the Operation, while at the strategic level the ties and synergies between ATALANTA and EMASOH will be strengthened. The Concept of Cooperation of ATALANTA (COCOA) will be more important than ever.

And of course, at the same time, all these new demands and challenges motivate us to give our best and be able to achieve the objectives that are demanded of EU NAVFOR. Thank you very much again for giving us this opportunity and we hope to strengthen our cooperation even more if possible in the future.

See some of our recent and past interviews and articles:

• Interview with Hon. VICE ADMIRAL JOSÉ M. NÚÑEZ TORRENTE, Operation Commander of the European Union Naval Force Somalia Operation ATALANTA
• Interview with Hon. Major General Martin Smith, Operation Commander European Union Naval Force Somalia

 

 

The United States Navy in Operation Atalanta-1

The United States Navy in Operation Atalanta-2

• Additional: News from Spanish Navy
• News from Spanish Army
• European Union Naval Force Somalia Operation ATALANTA (Official site)
• European Union Naval Force Somalia Operation ATALANTA (on our site)

Acknowledgments: Image-1 EU NAVFOR joint activity with CJTF HoA ©EU NAVFOR. Image-2 U.S Naval Replenishment Ship ‘USNS Laramie’ (center) off the Coast of Somalia, supporting Operation Atalanta. December 17, 2015 ©EU NAVFOR. The interview is subject to Copyright Law. ©EU NAVFOR/U.S Europe World Affairs.

NATO allies and partner nations, U.S military including the National Guards, and most European armed-forces, coming closer than ever in multinational operation Atlantic Resolve 2023.                                                                                                                                                                Since its launch in 2014, the U.S Army-led operation Atlantic Resolve has been one of the most crucial annual exercises which has developed exponentially the most needed strategies for defense and security of European.

 

 

 

 

 

Operation Atlantic Resolve creates and facilitates new ways of effective and highly rapid interoperability between the U.S, Europe; NATO allies and partner states. It builds deeper and expands further the pathways to increase constructive communications and understanding, greater interconnectivity and stronger partnerships at all levels in military operations.

Announced by the Army, V Corps  is in command of Atlantic Resolve rotational forces.

• Additional: U.S. ARMED-FORCES AND NATO ALLIES IN ATLANTIC RESOLVE- 2021 
• U.S. ARMY IN ATLANTIC RESOLVE

Stay tuned with U.S Army Europe and Africa for more updates on Op. Atlantic Resolve

Acknowledgment: Sources: U.S. Army Europe and Africa, U.S. European Command Public Affairs. Image ©U.S. Army Europe and Africa/ Atlantic Resolve Graphic. Article by Editor in Chief, Catherine S. Schmidt   

Special Edition Interview with the NATO Allied Air Command Spokesperson conducted by Editor in Chief, Catherine S. Schmidt

Q: What is the role of Allied Air Command (AIRCOM) and its position and response to the Russian war in Ukraine?

NATO Allied Air Command Spokesperson: While not a party to the war that Russia is waging in Ukraine, NATO stands united and in full solidarity with the government and people of Ukraine in the defence of their country. NATO nations are providing unprecedented support to help Ukraine uphold its right to self-defence, which is enshrined in the UN Charter. NATO has made clear that it will continue to support Ukraine for as long as it takes. At the same time NATO remains vigilant, calm and closely coordinated, and will always do what is necessary to protect and defend all Allies.

In response, NATO has substantially increased the number of fighter jets on alert across Eastern Europe to send a clear message that we stand ready protect and defend every inch of allied territory. In the wake of Russia’s war, there has been an increased use of missiles, Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) and combat aircraft close to the borders of NATO nations. NATO air forces have bolstered their presence in the eastern part of the Alliance. Their presence helps to shield NATO against any aggression.  Several dozen fighter jets are on alert at all time to respond to possible airspace violations and to deter aggression under our 24/7 collective defence Air Policing mission.

Allied Air Command (AIRCOM) has integrated the Allied air forces’ fighters, air-to-air refuelling and transport aircraft as well as Allied and NATO E-3A/Airborne Early Warning and Control System (AWACS) platforms into the standing arrangements to safeguard the skies above the Allies. These assets enable NATO to patrol the Allied airspace and have 24/7 situational awareness above NATO and adjacent territory. Allied fighters take off from their home bases, forward deployment bases or carriers flying Air Patrol missions along the Alliance’s eastern flank.

Besides our Alliance-wide Air Policing efforts, the NATO Air Shielding mission integrates Allied Air and Surface-Based Air and Missile Defence (SBAMD) units into the NATO Integrated Air and Missile Defence (IAMD) system. Commanded and controlled out of Allied Air Command this will provide a near seamless shield from the Baltic to Black Seas, ensuring NATO Allies are better able to safeguard and protect Alliance territory, populations and forces from air and missile threat. This enhanced posture allows the Alliance to deter and mitigate any potential adversarial threat. Our missions are conducted in compliance with international laws and standards.

Q: In regard to Baltic region security, how is the current air policing on the eastern flank operating?

NATO Allied Air Command Spokesperson: We continue our 24/7 Air Policing mission; this collective effort by all our Allies safeguards the airspace of the NATO member nations and preserves its integrity. Allied Air Command via its two Combined Air Operations Centres (CAOCs) in Uedem, Germany, and Torrejón, Spain, continues to lead and execute this mission especially in Iceland, the Baltic Region, the Western Balkans or the eastern flank where Allied fighter detachments take turns working with local air forces to ensure the security of our populations and territory.

Q: Could you please give us the highlight of the NATO’s rotational deterrence and defense posture of  2022 as well as the current one?

NATO Allied Air Command Spokesperson: AIRCOM’s commitment to collective deterrence and defence is unfaltering. I is great to see how virtually all Allies contribute to our enhanced posture. Our Air Policing posture continues to effectively safeguard the airspace above all our Allies under NATO Command and Control ensured by our CAOCs. Last year, Hungary, Spain, Poland together with Germany, Italy, France, the Czech Republic, Belgium, the United States, Denmark supported our Air Policing mission in the North, and Spain, Germany, the United States, Italy, the Netherlands, the United Kingdom and Canada were deployed to Romania and Bulgaria to enhance that mission in the south, Portugal, Italy and Denmark flew patrols of the Icelandic Airspace. As we speak these missions are ongoing with Poland, France, Germany and the Netherlands in the North, Italy and Spain in the South and Norway in Iceland. 

Q: Please elaborate on the allies and partners multi-national exercises and vigilance activities from Baltic to the Arctic regions.

NATO Allied Air Command Spokesperson: NATO’s enhanced Vigilance Activities allow our Allies to join forces and practice cooperation and combined joint missions. We have done so and continue to do so during complex training drills and exercises in the Baltic Sea, the Eastern Mediterranean and the North Sea. Our Joint Force Air Component – that we stood up at Allied Air Command with the start of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine – controls and coordinates all these activities; they also involve Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance missions conducted by our Allies’ assets, the E-3A AWACS planes and the Alliance Ground Surveillance Force RQ-4D remotely piloted aircraft; and they are closely coordinated with Surface Based Air and Missile Defence systems. These exercises that also include carrier strike groups at sea, strategic bombers in the air and joint terminal attack controllers and air defence systems on the ground ensure that all participants are able to train across the whole spectrum of Joint Air Power demonstrating NATO’s commitment, cohesion and capability. Our training and exercise activities in the Baltic and Arctic regions have included Finland and Sweden – our regional Partners who are soon going to join the NATO Alliance.

 

View some of the current and past interviews:

• Interview with the NATO Air Command Spokesman (series-1)     
• Interview with H.E. Ambassador Liselotte Plesner, Permanent Representative of Denmark to NATO      
• Interview with NATO Deputy Spokesperson, the Hon. Mr. Piers Cazalet       
• Interview with the Belgian Chief of Defence Hon. Admiral Michel Hofman
• Interview with H.E.  Minister Lucia Puttrich, Minister of European and Federal Affairs and Representative of the State of Hessen at the Federal Government of Germany
• Interview with Brigadier General Bernd Thran, Deputy Head of EULEX Kosovo
• Interview with Deputy Director of EUROPOL, Operations Department Mr Wil van Gemert 

 

• News from: NATO-KFOR                        NATO Air Command
• SHAPE_NATO Allied Command Operations  
• NATO Secretary General  
• NATO Deputy Spokesperson, Piers Cazalet  
• NATO eFP BG Poland                 Team Luftwaffe 
• Bundeswehr               
• NATO eFP Battlegroup Lithuania   

Acknowledgments: Image courtesy of NATO Allied Air Command. Interview is subject to Copyright Law. ©NATO Allied Air Command/NATO

Special Edition on the Anniversary of NATO KFOR June 1999.

Interview with 1LT Catherine M. Bean, KFOR Regional Command East Public Affairs Officer, conducted by Editor in Chief.

Q 1: Over the last two decades Virginia Army National Guard has been the vital components of the NATO-led operation KFOR with its ongoing support and deployment to Kosovo.

• Can you brief us about the current mission, and the roles that Virginia National Guard is holding in KFOR RC-East? And how the U.S Army battalion leads the multinational forces in Kosovo?

1LT Catherine M. Bean: The 116th Infantry Brigade Combat Team, 29th Infantry Division, Virginia National Guard is the commanding unit of Kosovo Forces, or KFOR, Regional Command-East. Regional Command-East is one of two regional commands subordinate to KFOR Headquarters. Regional Command-East’s mission continues to support of the overall mission of KFOR and the United Nations mandate that guides KFOR. Regional Command-East remains committed, together with our partners, to provide a safe and secure environment and freedom of movement for all people and communities in Kosovo.

Q 2: In early May the U.S. Army Brig. Gen. K. Weedon Gallagher, Assistant Adjutant General, Virginia National Guard, and Command Sgt. Maj. Ronald L. Smith, state command sergeant major, VaARNG, visited KFOR RC-East.

• Please tell us the highlights of this visit.

1LT Catherine M. Bean: Brigadier General K. Weedon Gallagher, Assistant Adjutant General, Virginia Army National Guard, and Command Sergeant Major Ronald L. Smith, Command Sergeant Major, Virginia Army Guard, visited the command teams and Soldiers of the 116th Infantry Brigade Combat Team and area of operations in Kosovo, May 6 to May 8, 2022.  During the visit, Brig. Gen. Gallagher and Command Sgt. Maj. Smith received a tour of the medical and aviation area of operations, met with 1st battalion, 149th Infantry command teams at Camp Novo Selo, visited with Charlie Company, 1st Battalion, 149th Infantry Soldiers at Camp Nothing Hill, and conducted an aerial site tour of Kosovo locations within RC-East.

Q 3:  KFOR Civil and Military Cooperation (CIMIC) conference was held in KFOR Headquarters, Pristina, in March this year.

• Can you speak about the framework and the objectives of this conference?

1LT Catherine M. Bean: The KFOR Civil and Military Cooperation, or CIMIC, conference framework included a series of presentations by the KFOR Headquarters CIMIC, local NGOs, and international organizations, as well as, hosted an open discussion on how KFOR can best use its CIMIC resources to positively impact the communities within Kosovo. This allowed KFOR to complete its objectives of building a network of CIMIC related organizations, facilitating increased coordination and information sharing between the attending groups, and facilitating in-person large-group discussion.

Q 4:  Added to its military peacekeeping operation, the KFOR RC-East has been simultaneously supporting civil military cooperation and community based projects from the beginning of its mission- continuing to the present time.

• What are the recent projects that KFOR RC-East has initiated or is part of?

1LT Catherine M. Bean: KFOR Regional Command-East’s recently completed projects, and currently developing projects, are meant to enhance the current capacities of schools at all education levels, women’s shelters, local non-governmental organizations, and the public safety sector. For example, KFOR Headquarters and Regional Command-East recently completed a project including the donation of a constructed water well at the Shelter for Victims of Domestic Violence in NOVO BRDO, enabling the shelter to provide potable water to its residents. Regional Command-East also utilizes Soldiers within the medical unit and effects battalion as resources to provide valuable trainings like CPR, infant care, and burn and scrape care to local schools and NGOs, enabling them to share that knowledge with the community.

Q 5: From troop transport, extinguishing wildfires and rapidly transporting injured personnel via medical evacuation, the U.S. Army’s UH-60 Black Hawk helicopter has demonstrated itself as a great asset for KFOR.

• Please give us a view to the capability of UH-60 Black Hawk and its main operational task in the recent years in NATO-led KFOR mission.

1LT Catherine M. Bean: The UH-60L Black Hawk helicopter is the U.S. Army’s primary medium-lift utility transport and air assault aircraft. It is the work-horse of the Army and is equally proving its capabilities and necessity in the NATO KFOR mission. And is used on a daily bases for a multitude of purposes including troop transportation, Bambi-bucket firefighting, sling load operations and much more. Another critical mission the Black Hawk supports in KFOR is providing aerial medical evacuation, or MedEvac. With the aircraft’s heavy lift capacity, it is able to conduct external hoist operations, which allows the MedEvac crew to conduct aerial lifts of personnel in excess of 600lbs. In addition to its hoist capabilities, the UH-60L is a superior platform for the MedEvac mission due to the internal capabilities such as ventilator support, pain management, and search and rescue capability.

• More news from: KFOR Regional Command East 
• KFOR Regional Command East Religious Support Teams
• NATO-KFOR 

Acknowledgments: Image-1 U.S. Army Sgt. 1st Class Nathan Pettway, a UH-60 Black Hawk helicopter crew chief with 2nd Battalion, 224th Aviation Regiment, 29th Combat Aviation Brigade, 29th Infantry Division, Virginia National Guard, discusses aircraft procedures and safety with service members of the Swiss Air Force. Camp Bondsteel, Kosovo, April 2022. Photo by Sgt. 1st Class Warren Wright ©KFOR Regional Command East/U.S Army/U.S National Guard. The Interview is subject to Copyright Law.

Dear all, we have added a new section dedicated to National Guard’s State Partnership Program. You can view it under:            US NG SPP                                                                           Happy spring, Editor in Chief    

 

African Land Forces Summit (ALFS) is the continuation of U.S. Army’s commitments to African continent. This year the 2022 Summit hosted by the U.S Army Chief of Staff, took place from March 21-25 with the theme on the

                                “Resilient Institutions Build Resilient Leaders”

Official and military leaders from over 40 African countries’ armed-forces, encompassing the representatives of two third of the continent, came to Columbus city -Georgia in the United States to attend  the 10th African Land Forces Summit. 

African Land Forces Summit (ALFS) is a multinational annual military event inaugurated in Washington D.C in 2010 with its theme on “Building and Maintaining Strong Relationships”. ALFS is coordinated by the U.S Army Southern European Task Force Africa ‘SETAF-AF’ and is held each year in different parts of Africa and the United States. 

The Summit extensively aims:

• To strengthen the U.S- African’s military partnerships and reaffirm the United States commitment to African continent; 
• To maintain the African continental security, peace and prosperity;
• To enhance interoperability, cooperation, and the joint efforts;
• To discussed range of military interests and work on the transregional security challenges. 

In 2018 the summit was attended not only by most African nations but also by the representatives of the NATO member States. 

“There is a popular saying: ‘If you want to go fast, go alone. But, if you want to go far, go together’,” said Rohling. “The United States wants to travel together. The United States Army is committed to being a trusted, dependable partner. We highly value our partnerships. We want to strengthen our partnerships and expand new ones.” expressed Major General Andrew Rohling, Commanding General for U.S. Army Southern European Task Force, Africa in the summit 2022

The next year’s African Land Forces Summit will be held in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire. 

“We look forward to planning the return of the African Land Forces Summit to the African continent in partnership with Division Gen. Aly Justin Dem and the Ivorian Armed Forces,” remarked Major General Andrew Rohling in the closing ceremony  ALFS 2022

• News from: U.S. Army Southern European Task Force, Africa
• U.S KFOR Regional Command East 
• U.S European Command
• U.S Army Europe and Africa     
• US Naval Forces Europe-Africa           
• U.S Air Force Europe-Africa
• The 7th Army Training   

Acknowledgment: Image embedded in the twitter: Lt. Col. Kezelee Gwesa, executive officer of the 23rd Infantry Brigade, Armed Forces of Liberia, and Lt. Col. Isaac Henderson, commander of the 1-507th Parachute Infantry Regiment. African Land Forces Summit 2022, Fort Benning, Mar. 22, 2022.©U.S. Army by Sgt. Tianna Field. Sources: U.S Army Europe and Africa/ U.S. Army Southern European Task Force – Africa/United States Africa Command.

By Editor in Chief, Catherine S. Schmidt 

An exclusive Interview with the Spokesperson of U.S. European Command conducted by Editor in Chief (Series-2)

Sir, It is a great honor to have you in this interview. Thank you very much for accepting it.

Q 1: U.S. European Command (USEUCOM) is responsible for United States military commitments during peace and war across Europe, parts of Asia, the Middle East, the Arctic and Atlantic Ocean.

• Can you tell us the necessary steps the USEUCOM has been taking  in the face of Russian invasion of Ukraine? And how effective do you see these measures?

U.S. European Command Spokesperson: To strengthen NATO and reassure our Allies, the United States has recently deployed additional forces to the USEUCOM area of responsibility and now has approximately 100,000 U.S. service members in Europe.

Personnel are being deployed to deter any potential aggression against NATO’s eastern flank and train with host-nation forces. We don’t have aggressive intent toward any country, including Russia and we do not seek confrontation. We want to reiterate that U.S. forces will not fight in Ukraine, but are positioned to defend NATO territory, adhering to our treaty commitments, if needed.

Additionally, NATO recently announced the activation of the NATO Response Force. The U.S. Department of Defense placed a range of multi-mission units in the United States and Europe on a heightened preparedness to deploy status, which increases our readiness to provide the U.S. contribution to the NRF on short notice.

As for effectiveness of these deployments, we have been successful in deterring Russia from weakening the NATO Alliance. Russia’s actions have only made the Alliance stronger. What this means is that we stand ready and postured for a range of contingencies to act swiftly when called upon by the President. We have made commitments to our NATO Allies to reinforce their defenses in the event of further Russian aggression, and we have followed through.

Q 2:  General Edward Vaughan, Deputy Director of Plans, Policy, Strategy and Capabilities at USEUCOM participated in the Black Sea Maritime Forum which took place in Romania in late February.

• What importance the United States participation in this Forum signifies?

U.S. European Command Spokesperson: The Black Sea Maritime Forum was an important opportunity for leadership from the U.S., NATO, and Black Sea Allies and Partners to discuss regionally-focused security issues. This forum was planned prior to Russia’s unprovoked attack on Ukraine, however, Russia’s aggression has only underscored the importance of this forum and the collaboration and discussion that occurred there.

Q 3: Another important maritime event that took place in February was the integration of the Harry S. Truman Carrier Strike Group (HSTCSG) with two other European Naval Forces; the French carrier Charles de Gaulle’s (R 91) Task Force 473 and Italian carrier Cavour (C-550) strike groups in the Mediterranean Sea.

• Please talk us through the strategic significance of this maritime integration and partnerships?

U.S. European Command Spokesperson: Tri-carrier operations between three allied aircraft  carrier strike groups strengthens high-end maritime integration and NATO Alliance maritime interchangeability.  These operations specifically enhance maritime domain awareness through information-sharing and provide naval crews and aircraft the opportunity to operate in relatively close water and airspace.

Building shared operational processes allows the NATO Alliance to integrate carrier strike group operations when and where needed to reassure NATO Allies and Partners and enhance the Alliance’s maritime warfare capability.

Q 4: The high-level meetings of the U.S. European Command and the Danish Defence Command were finalized early this month in military headquarters Kastellet in Copenhagen.

• Please outline what terms and additional military cooperation have been affirmed in this agreement?

U.S. European Command Spokesperson: U.S. European Command and the Danish Defence Command recently held high-level staff talks focused on a variety of security cooperation issues. The United States and Demark cooperate closely to enhance security in the Arctic and Baltic regions. U.S. and Danish forces regularly exercise together and have operated alongside each other in during operations in Europe, Asia, Africa and in the Atlantic. Additionally, Denmark graciously hosts U.S. forces at Thule Air Base in Greenland. While no formal agreements were signed, these staff talks are just another example of the continued cooperation and partnership between the U.S. and Danish militaries.

Q 5: The last question is about the military partnerships between the U.S and Norway. At the beginning of 2022 the United States and Norway have reached a new milestone in security cooperation in the Arctic and High North region.

• Could you elaborate on this new bilateral security cooperation, and the U.S Norwegian military partnership?

U.S. European Command Spokesperson: The close and continued partnership between the U.S. and Norwegian militaries is nothing new and spans more than 75 years. This close relationship is a testament to our shared ideals and commitment to peace and security in Europe. Each year, Norway sends more than 600 military members to the U.S. each year for training and educational exchange programs under the longest running military exchange partnership between any two nations.  Additionally, Norway has hosted up to 700 U.S. Marines for limited rotational training presence in Vaernes and Setermoen since 2017. This training improves the Marine Corps’ cold weather and mountain readiness in Arctic conditions and also enhances interoperability between U.S. and Norwegian forces.

As an example, more than 3,000 U.S. Marines are currently in Norway participating in Exercise Cold Response. They join some 30,000 military forces from 27 NATO Ally and Partner nations taking part in this Norwegian-led exercise. This is the ninth iteration of this multi-domain extreme cold weather exercise designed to enhance our collective military capabilities in the demanding arctic environment. Our participation in this exercise is another example of our close relationship with Norway and their leadership as NATO’s sentinel in the north.

• News from:  U.S KFOR Regional Command East 
• U.S European Command
• U.S Army Europe and Africa     
• US Naval Forces Europe-Africa           
• U.S Air Force Europe-Africa
•  The 7th Army Training       

Acknowledgments: Image-1 U.S flag ©U.S Air Forces Europe-Africa 2016. Image-2 USEUCOM and Denmark military staff talk advanced collective defense, March.04.2022 ©USEUCOM public affairs. The Interview is subject to Copyright Law. ©U.S. European Command/U.S. Army Europe and Africa /U.S Army/ U.S.NATO/U.S Europe World Affairs.