While the world continues to face down an invisible enemy and works to destroy the COVID-19 virus, U.S. European Command continues its all-important security missions across Europe.
From the skies spanning Denmark’s Bornholm Island to Lithuania, Latvia and Estonia, to the Arctic Circle and the Barents Sea, America’s premier combatant command in Europe demonstrated its constant state of readiness this week alongside Allies and partners through three high-profile military missions.
On May 5, two U.S. Air Force B-1 Lancers from Ellsworth Air Force Base in South Dakota conducted a long-range strategic Bomber Task Force mission to the Baltic region. From conducting integration and interoperability training with Danish F-16s to providing close-air-support training with Estonian Joint Terminal Air Controllers, the B-1s exhibited their capabilities in the mission that took them more than 7,600 kilometers from their home base in America’s Midwest showcasing the U.S. commitment to America’s Baltic Allies and regional security.
“Integrating bomber missions with our NATO allies and partners builds enduring relationships that are capable of confronting a broad range of global challenges,” said U.S. Air Forces in Europe Commander Gen. Jeff Harrigian. “When you see the capability and integration first-hand, it is clear we have a force that stands ready to execute the mission.”
On May 1, nearly 1,200 Sailors from the U.S. Navy and British Royal Navy conducted a bilateral naval antisubmarine warfare (ASW) exercise, the latest in a series of U.S. ships operating above the Arctic Circle.
“Our regional alliances remain strong because of our regular operations and exercises with partner navies,” said Vice Adm. Lisa Franchetti, commander of the U.S. Navy’s 6th Fleet, based in Naples, Italy. “We welcome this opportunity to work collaboratively at sea, while enhancing our understanding of Arctic operations.”
As an Arctic nation, the United States has enduring security interests in the Arctic region. As part of USEUCOM’s theater of operations, U.S. forces work with those of Arctic and European Allies and partners to ensure an open Arctic by continuing freedom of navigation and overflight missions through the region and conducting land, air and sea operations required for deterrence, presence and overarching Arctic security.
Additionally, four U.S. Navy ships and a British Royal Navy ship entered the Barents Sea May 4 to conduct bilateral maritime security operations in the harsh and challenging environmental conditions above the Arctic Circle.
Joining the Royal Navy’s HMS Kent (F 78), three U.S. Arleigh Burke-class Aegis destroyers – USS Donald Cook (DDG 75), USS Porter (DDG 78) and USS Roosevelt (DDG 80) – were supported by fast combat support ship USNS Supply (T-AOE 6) to assert freedom of navigation and demonstrate seamless integration among Allies. U.S. forward deployed Naval Forces-Europe ships have been operating with partner nations throughout European seas over the last month, strengthening international security and promoting freedom across critical sea lanes in the European theater.
“In these challenging times, it is more important than ever that we maintain our steady drumbeat of operations across the European theater, while taking prudent measures to protect the health of our force,” Franchetti added. “We remain committed to promoting regional security and stability, while building trust and reinforcing a foundation of Arctic readiness.”
