Members of U.S. Air Force 820th Base Defense Group, a unit which supports Special Operations Forces (SOF) and the Department of Defense’s Immediate Response Force, train in simulated tactical combat casualty care during Exercise Trojan Footprint 22 near Udbina, Croatia, May 4, 2022. Exercise Trojan Footprint is the premier special operations forces exercise in Europe that focuses on improving the ability of SOF to counter myriad threats, increases integration with conventional forces and enhances interoperability with our NATO allies and European partners. (U.S. Army photo by Sgt. Hannah Hawkins)

A Norwegian soldier with Armoured Battalion, Brigade Nord, Norwegian Army, runs off a U.S. Marine Corps CH-53E Super Stallion with Marine Heavy Helicopter Squadron 366 (HMH-366), 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing, during Exercise Cold Response 22 in Setermoen, Norway, March 15, 2022. Exercise Cold Response 22 is a biennial Norwegian national readiness and defense exercise that takes place across Norway, with participation from each of its military services, including 26 North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) allied nations and regional partners. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Sgt. William Chockey)

A Countdown to the 70th Anniversary

A Countdown to the 70th Anniversary

Adm. Harold R. Stark, the U.S. Navy Forces Europe commander, left, is greeted upon his arrival at Copenhagen, Denmark, in July 1945. (Courtesy photo)

Brig Gen Enno Mõts, chief of the Headquarters of the Estonian Defense Force, delivers remarks during the Baltic Sea C5I Synchronization Board April 22 in Stuttgart, Germany. The Baltic Sea C5I Synchronization Board was established after a milestone Terms of Reference arrangement was signed in Oct. 2021 in Tallinn, Estonia. This arrangement reaffirmed the U.S. and Baltic Allies’ commitment to improve warfighting interoperability among all parties and across all domains to be better postured to defend against future threats.

Lithuanian Armed Forces' Cmdr. Albertas Padriezas provides an update from the Maritime Component Working Group during the Baltic Sea C5I Synchronization Board Apr. 22 in Stuttgart, Germany. U.S. Estonian, Latvian and Lithuanian military leaders met to strengthen their nations' information systems' interoperability during the USEUCOM-hosted event.

Two military officers from the Latvian Armed Forces discuss briefing details during the Baltic Sea C5I Synchronization Board April 22 in Stuttgart, Germany. During the event, U.S., Estonian, Latvian and Lithuanian military leaders met to strengthen their nations’ information systems’ interoperability.

Military leaders from Baltic nations and USEUCOM met during the Baltic Sea C5I Synchronization Board in Stuttgart, Germany, Apr. 22. This is the first time the board met after a milestone Terms of Reference arrangement was signed last year in Tallinn, Estonia. This arrangement reaffirmed the U.S. and Baltic Allies' commitment to improve warfighting interoperability among all parties and across all domains to be better postured to defend against future threats.

From left, the Norwegian Fritdjof Nansen-class frigate HNoMS Thor Heyerdahl (F314), French F70 type frigate FS Latouche-Tréville (D646) and German Sachsen-class air-defense frigate FGS Sachsen (F219) sail in formation in the North Atlantic Ocean in support of exercise Northern Viking 2022. Northern Viking 22 strengthens interoperability and force readiness between the U.S., Iceland and Allied nations, enabling multi-domain command and control of joint and coalition forces in the defense of Iceland and Sea Lines of Communication in the Greenland, Iceland, United Kingdom (GIUK) gap. (Courtesy photo by French Navy)

U.S. Marines assigned to the 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit and Royal Marine Commandos assigned to M Company, 42 Commando Royal Marines execute a tactical recovery of aircraft and personnel exercise during Northern Viking 2022 on Keflavik Airbase, Iceland, April 8, 2022. Northern Viking 22 strengthens interoperability and force readiness between the U.S., Iceland and Allied nations, enabling multi-domain command and control of joint and coalition forces in the defense of Iceland and Sea Lines of Communication in the Greenland, Iceland, United Kingdom (GIUK) gap. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Yvonna Guyette)

U.S. Navy Sailors assigned to the Kearsarge Amphibious Readiness Group and U.S. Marines with 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit conduct ship-to-shore movements aboard a U.S. Navy landing craft, air cushion attached to Assault Craft Unit 4, in support of exercise Northern Viking 2022 in Miðsandur, Iceland, April 10, 2022. Northern Viking 22 strengthens interoperability and force readiness between the U.S., Iceland and Allied nations, enabling multi-domain command and control of joint and coalition forces in the defense of Iceland and Sea Lines of Communication in the Greenland, Iceland, United Kingdom (GIUK) gap. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Yvonna Guyette)

The German Sachsen-class air-defense frigate FGS Sachsen (F 219), front, and Wasp-class amphibious assault ship USS Kearsarge (LHD 3) transit in formation in the North Atlantic Ocean in support of exercise Northern Viking 22. Northern Viking 22 strengthens interoperability and force readiness between the U.S., Iceland and Allied nations, enabling multi-domain command and control of joint and coalition forces in the defense of Iceland and Sea Lines of Communication in the Greenland, Iceland, United Kingdom (GIUK) gap. (Courtesy photo by Terence Wallet)

A B-52H Stratofortress from the 69th Expeditionary Bomb Squadron at RAF Fairford, England, is escorted by two Swedish Saab JAS 39 Gripens on Feb. 18, 2022. The Swedish fighters met with the B-52 during a sortie over Sweden to practice establishing communications between the aircrafts. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Zachary Wright)

U.S. Marines with Jaeger (Hunter) concept platoon, 3rd Battalion, 6th Marine Regiment, 2nd Marine Division, hike to a hide site position prior to Exercise Cold Response 22 in Setermoen, Norway, March 3, 2022. Exercise Cold Response 22 is a biennial Norwegian national readiness and defense exercise that takes place across Norway, with participation from each of its military services, including 26 North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) allied nations and regional partners. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Sgt. William Chockey)

NORTH ATLANTIC OCEAN (April 4, 2022) - An AV-8B Harrier, attached to the 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit, takes off the flight deck of the Wasp-class amphibious assault ship USS Kearsarge (LHD 3) during a Northern Viking 22 air defense exercise, April 4, 2022. Northern Viking 22 strengthens interoperability and force readiness between the U.S., Iceland and allied nations, enabling multi-domain command and control of joint and coalition forces in the defense of Iceland and Sea lines of Communication in the Greenland, Iceland, United Kingdom (GIUK) gap. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Jesse Schwab)

NORTH ATLANTIC OCEAN (April 4, 2022) - The Wasp-class amphibious assault ship USS Kearsarge (LHD 3) transits the Atlantic Ocean during exercise Northern Viking 22, April 4, 2022. Northern Viking 22 strengthens interoperability and force readiness between the U.S., Iceland and allied nations, enabling multi-domain command and control of joint and coalition forces in the defense of Iceland and Sea lines of Communication in the Greenland, Iceland, United Kingdom (GIUK) gap. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Jesse Schwab)

NORTH ATLANTIC OCEAN (April 4, 2022) - The Icelandic off-shore patrol vessel ICGV Freyja sails with Allied units in the North Atlantic Ocean in support of exercise Northern Viking 22, April 4, 2022. Northern Viking 22 strengthens interoperability and force readiness between the U.S., Iceland and allied nations, enabling multi-domain command and control of joint and coalition forces in the defense of Iceland and Sea lines of Communication in the Greenland, Iceland, United Kingdom (GIUK) gap. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Jesse Schwab)

NORTH ATLANTIC OCEAN (April 4, 2022) - The Wasp-class amphibious assault ship USS Kearsarge (LHD 3) transits the Atlantic Ocean during exercise Northern Viking 22, April 4, 2022. Northern Viking 22 strengthens interoperability and force readiness between the U.S., Iceland and allied nations, enabling multi-domain command and control of joint and coalition forces in the defense of Iceland and Sea lines of Communication in the Greenland, Iceland, United Kingdom (GIUK) gap. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Jesse Schwab)

Two German Air Force Eurofighters escort a United States Air Force B-52H Stratofortress assigned to the 69th Expeditionary Bomb Squadron at RAF Fairford, England April 5, 2022. The German Air Force escorted the 69th EBS on their way to the Mediterranean region to integrate with Allies as part of pre-planned Bomber Task Force Europe series of missions.

A Czech Air Force Saab JAS-39C Gripen es-corts a United States Air Force B-52H Stratofortress assigned to the 69th Expedi-tionary Bomb Squadron at RAF Fairford, Eng-land April 5, 2022. The Czech Air Force es-corted the 69th EBS on their way to the Mediterranean region for Bomber familiariza-tion with Allies as part of pre-planned Bomb-er Task Force Europe series of missions.

Two Czech Air Force Saab JAS-39 Gripen fly in formation alongside a B-52H Stratofortress assigned to the 69th Expeditionary Bomb Squadron at RAF Fairford, England, as a part of the pre-planned Bomber Task Force Europe series of missions, March 29, 2022. B-52s from the 69th EBS flew to the Czech Republic to integrate with U.S. Allies in an effort to strengthen fighter-bomber interoperability. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Zachary Wright)

An Italian Air Force Eurofighter escorts a B-52H Stratofortress assigned to the 69th Expeditionary Bomb Squadron at RAF Fairford, England, as a part of the pre-planned Bomber Task Force Europe series of missions, March 29, 2022. The 69th EBS flew to Romania and The Czech Republic to integrate with U.S. Allies for bomber familiarization. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Zachary Wright)

220327-N-SP805-0001 GDANSK, Poland (March 27, 2022) Arleigh Burke-class guided missile destroyer USS Forrest Sherman (DDG 98) moors in Gdansk, Poland for a scheduled port visit, March 27. USS Forrest Sherman (DDG 98) is deployed to the European theater of operations and participating in a range of maritime activities in support of U.S. 6th Fleet and NATO Allies. (U.S. Navy photo by Lieutenant Junior Grade Kathleen Barrios).

Spc. Edwin Miranda and Sgt. Kyle Moitoza of Bravo Company, 1st Brigade Engineer Battalion, 1st Armored Brigade Combat Team, 1st Infantry Division, prepares a Bangalore explosive for the wired obstacle as part of range detonation training, March 21, 2022 at Swietoszow Range, Poland. Combat Engineers of Bravo Company conducted demolition certification to ensure readiness and warfighting mastery. (U.S. Army photo by Sgt. Joseph Aleman)

U.S. Paratroopers assigned to 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 82nd Airborne Division conduct sling load training in Zamość, Poland, March 18, 2022. The focus of the 82nd Airborne Division's mission is to assure our Allies by providing a host of unique capabilities and conducting a wide range of missions that are scalable and tailorable to mission requirements. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Sgt. James Bourgeois)

An honor guard welcomes Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III as he arrives in Sofia, Bulgaria on March 18, 2022. (DoD photo by Chad J. McNeeley)

Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III speaks to Soldiers assigned to 2nd Cavalry Regiment in Bulgaria on March 18, 2022. (DoD photo by Chad J. McNeeley)

U.S. Air Force B-52H Stratofortress bombers support a routine, pre-planned Dynamic Targeting and Close Air Support training event at the Grafenwoehr Training Area, Germany, March 4, 2022 in support of NATO allies and regional partners. The B-52H's are manned by aircrew assigned to the 5th Bomb Wing from Minot Air Force Base, North Dakota. Bomber Task Force rotations demonstrate the U.S.’ ironclad commitment to promoting regional security alongside our NATO allies and regional partners. (U.S. Army photos by Kevin Sterling Payne)

U.S. and Bulgarian forces work together during DEFENDER Europe 21.

U.S. Marine Corps Cpl. Nicholas Lenan, a native of Chicago, Ill., and a network administrator with All Domain Effects Team, 2nd Air Naval Gunfire Liaison Company, II Marine Expeditionary Force Information Group, posts security at his observation position during a deception trail practical application in preparation for Exercise Cold Response 2022, Setermoen, Norway, March 8, 2022. Exercise Cold Response '22 is a biennial Norwegian national readiness and defense exercise that takes place across Norway, with participation from each of its military services, as well as from 26 additional North Atlantic Treaty Organization allied nations and regional partners. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Alexander Ransom)

U.S. Marine Corps Staff Sgt. John Graham, a native of Corpus Christi, Texas, and a platoon sergeant with 2d Low Altitude Air Defense Battalion, Marine Air Control Group 28, 2d Marine Aircraft Wing, II Marine Expeditionary Force, runs in snowshoes prior to Exercise Cold Response 2022, Setermoen, Norway, Feb. 18, 2022. Exercise Cold Response '22 is a biennial Norwegian national readiness and defense exercise that takes place across Norway, with participation from each of its military services, as well as from 26 additional North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) allied nations and regional partners. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Jacqueline C. Arre)

U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. Ryan Loucks, left, and Capt. Corbin Boodee, assigned to the 69th Expeditionary Bomb Squadron at RAF Fairford, England, return to base after an integration mission with NATO Allies and Partners in a B-52H Stratofortress during Bomber Task Force Europe on March 4, 2022. The U.S. is the only Allied nation that maintains strategic bomber capabilities and exercises their global reach on behalf of Allies and Partners around the globe anytime, anywhere. (U.S. Air Force photo by Tech. Sgt. Corban Lundborg)

U.S. Air Force B-52H Stratofortress bombers support a routine, pre-planned Dynamic Targeting and Close Air Support training event at the Grafenwoehr Training Area, Germany, March 4, 2022 in support of NATO allies and regional partners. The B-52H's are manned by aircrew assigned to the 5th Bomb Wing from Minot Air Force Base, North Dakota. Bomber Task Force rotations demonstrate the U.S.’ ironclad commitment to promoting regional security alongside our NATO allies and regional partners. (U.S. Army photos by Kevin Sterling Payne)

U.S. Air Force B-52H Stratofortress bombers support a routine, pre-planned Dynamic Targeting and Close Air Support training event at the Grafenwoehr Training Area, Germany, March 4, 2022 in support of NATO allies and regional partners. The B-52H's are manned by aircrew assigned to the 5th Bomb Wing from Minot Air Force Base, North Dakota. Bomber Task Force rotations demonstrate the U.S.’ ironclad commitment to promoting regional security alongside our NATO allies and regional partners. (U.S. Army photos by Kevin Sterling Payne)

U.S. Air Force Brig. Gen. Edward Vaughan, the U.S. European Command deputy director for security cooperation, policy, partnering and space capabilities, second from right, joins, from left to right, Denmark’s foreign liaison officers to USEUCOM: Cdr. Brian Svendsen, Senior Cdr. Thomas Rasmussen and Senior Cdr. Anders Friis during military staff talks in Copenhagen, Denmark.

Danish military officials led by Royal Danish Air Force Maj. Gen. Anders Rex, Denmark Defence Command’s chief of staff for plans and capabilities; and American military officials meet in Copenhagen, Denmark, as part of bilateral military talks. The U.S. military delegation was led by U.S. Navy Rear Adm. Daniel Cheever, North American Aerospace Defense Command and U.S. Northern Command’s director of plans, policy and strategy; and U.S. Air Force Brig. Gen. Edward Vaughan, U.S. European Command’s deputy director for security cooperation, policy, partnering and space capabilities.

Twelve-man flag details lower the U.S. and French garrison flags one last time as U.S. European Command says goodbye to its headquarters at Camp des Loges near Paris, France. Later that day, the U.S garrison flag was hoisted at the new USEUCOM HQ in Germany. (Courtesy photo by Merle Hunter / ⓒ 1967, 2022 Stars and Stripes, All Rights Reserved.)