A U.S. Air Force F-35 Lightning II approaches a KC-135 Stratotanker from the 100th Air Refueling Wing, Royal Air Force Mildenhall, England, during a Trilateral Bomber Task Force support mission over the North Sea, Dec. 3, 2024. BTF missions enhance combat readiness amongst participating NATO allies and partner nations, ensuring their ability to rapidly respond to emerging threats. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Christopher Campbell)

U.S. Air Force F-35 Lightning II’s from the 57th Wing, Nellis Air Force Base, Nevada, and 48th Fighter Wing, Royal Air Force Lakenheath, England, fly alongside a KC-135 Stratotanker from the 100th Air Refueling Wing, RAF Mildenhall, England, during a Trilateral Bomber Task Force support mission over the North Sea, Dec. 3, 2024. BTF missions demonstrate the credibility of U.S. forces to address a global security environment that is more diverse and uncertain than at any other time in recent history. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Christopher Campbell)

A B-52H Stratofortress assigned to the 20th Expeditionary Bomb Squadron taxis the runway at RAF Fairford, England, prior to taking off for Exercise Apex Buccaneer, Dec. 3, 2024. APEX BUCCANEER is a Norwegian-led trilateral exercise in the High North that showcases integrated operations with U.S., U.K., and Norwegian forces integrating advanced air, land, and naval capabilities. (U.S. Air Force Photo by Airman 1st Class Laiken King)

U.S. European Command and the German Ministry of Defense co-hosted the 2024 iteration of the Northern Europe Chiefs of Defense Conference in Berlin, Germany, from Nov. 19-20, 2024, bringing together senior military leaders from across Europe and the U.S. to discuss regional security, military modernization and collective deterrence and defense.

U.S. European Command and the German Ministry of Defense co-hosted the 2024 iteration of the Northern Europe Chiefs of Defense Conference in Berlin, Germany, from Nov. 19-20, 2024, bringing together senior military leaders from across Europe and the U.S. to discuss regional security, military modernization and collective deterrence and defense.

U.S. European Command and the German Ministry of Defense co-hosted the 2024 iteration of the Northern Europe Chiefs of Defense Conference in Berlin, Germany, from Nov. 19-20, 2024, bringing together senior military leaders from across Europe and the U.S. to discuss regional security, military modernization and collective deterrence and defense.

U.S. Air Force Gen. James Hecker, U.S. Air Forces in Europe - Air Forces Africa commander, awards the Silver Star medal to Maj. Benjamin Coffey, 494th Fighter Squadron F-15E pilot, during a ceremony at RAF Lakenheath, Nov. 12, 2024. The Silver Star is the United States Armed Forces third-highest military decoration for valor in combat and was presented based on the aircrew’s gallantry in action repelling the Iranian attack as the airborne mission commanders directing coalition forces during the unprecedented large-scale attack against Israel.

From left, U.S. Air Force Gen. James Hecker, U.S. Air Forces in Europe - Air Forces Africa commander, Lt. Col. Curtis Culver, 494th Fighter Squadron, Lt. Col. Timothy Causey, 494th FS commander, and Col. Jack Arthaud, 48th Fighter Wing commander, stand during the presentation of the Distinguished Flying Cross to Culver and Causey during a ceremony at RAF Lakenheath, Nov. 12, 2024. Airmen from the 494th Fighter Squadron and 494th Fighter Generation Squadron were recognized for their contributions during a defensive operation against hundreds of one-way attack drones, formally known as one-way attack unmanned aerial vehicles, and missiles launched from Iran and Houthi-controlled areas of Yemen against Israel April 13-14, 2024, while deployed in the U.S. Central Command's area of responsibility.

The 52nd iteration of the US-Italy Joint Military Committee is concluded Nov. 14 at Naval Air Station Sigonella, Italy. Topics discussed included the Unmanned Aerial Systems threat, basing agreements, force protection, environmental remediation and initiatives to further defense cooperation between the two nations.

U.S. Army Brig. Gen. Chris McKinney, U.S. European Command’s deputy director for partnering and security cooperation, visited Montenegro from Oct. 30-31, 2024. The trip included a stop at the Montenegrin Navy Headquarters in Bar for a demonstration of improvements to the headquarters’ Maritime Domain Awareness and capabilities of four fast patrol boats recently donated by the U.S.

The Chief of the General Staff of the Army of Montenegro Brigadier General Zoran Lazarević met with U.S. European Command’s Deputy Director for partnering and security cooperation U.S. Army Brig. Gen. Chris McKinney on Oct. 30, 2024, in Podgorica, Montenegro. During the visit, Lazarević and McKinney discussed strengthening military cooperation between Montenegro and the U.S. with a special emphasis on regional stability, joint military exercises, training and operational interoperability.

The Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Harry S. Truman (CVN 75) sails alongside the fast combat support ship USNS Arctic (T-AOE 8) during a replenishment-at-sea, Oct. 3. USS Harry S. Truman, the flagship of the Harry S. Truman Carrier Strike Group (HSTCSG), is on a scheduled deployment in the U.S. Naval Forces Europe area of responsibility.

The USS Oscar Austin (DDG 79), an Arleigh-Burke class guided-missile destroyer, arrives at Naval Station Rota, Spain, on Oct. 15, 2024, marking its homeport shift from NAVSTA Norfolk, Va. Oscar Austin is the first of two additional destroyers to join the Forward Deployed Naval Force-Europe, enhancing the strategic capabilities of NAVSTA Rota as a key hub for U.S., NATO, and allied operations across Europe, Africa, and the Middle East.

Alaska Army National Guard infantry soldiers conduct military tactical movements, while engaging with opposing forces during a field training exercise near Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson Dec. 3, 2022. The exercise was aimed at enhancing the unit's combat readiness and to evaluate proficiency in the Arctic.

U.S. Army Gen. Christopher Cavoli, Commander, U.S. European Command & Supreme Allied Commander, and U.S. Army Maj. Gen. Andrew Gainey, Commander, U.S. Army Southern European Task Force, and their spouses pose with U.S. Air Force Brig. Gen. Tad Clark, 31st Fighter Wing commander, and his spouse, at Aviano Air Base, Italy, October 9, 2024. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, in close coordination with U.S. Army Garrison Italy, Aviano Air Base and other U.S. Army and U.S. Air Force partners, completed the new supply warehouse at Aviano Air Base earlier this year in 2024. The warehouse will primarily support 173rd Airborne Brigade contingency operations and reduces their time needed to rapidly deploy.

U.S. Army Gen. Christopher Cavoli, commander, U.S. European Command and Supreme Allied Commander Europe, arrives at Aviano Air Base, Italy, to be greeted by U.S. Air Force Brig. Gen. Tad Clark, 31st Fighter Wing commander, on Oct. 9, 2024. Cavoli visited Aviano to join in the ribbon cutting ceremony of a new Army warehouse that will be used by the 173rd Airborne Brigade and enhance their ability to rapidly deploy in response to crisis.

U.S. Army Gen. Christopher Cavoli, Commander, U.S. European Command & Supreme Allied Commander poses for a group photo alongside U.S. Air Force Airmen assigned to the 31st Fighter Wing at Aviano Air Base, Italy, Oct. 9, 2024. Cavoli visited Aviano AB for a ribbon cutting ceremony on a new warehouse designed to support the 173rd Airborne Brigade’s contingency operations and reduce the time needed to rapidly deploy.

U.S. Army Gen. Christopher Cavoli, Commander, U.S. European Command & Supreme Allied Commander, presents a coin to U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Michael Tyler, 31st Security Forces Squadron combat arms instructor, in recognition for his exemplary performance at Aviano Air Base, Italy, Oct. 9, 2024. Cavoli visited Aviano AB for a ribbon cutting ceremony on a new warehouse designed to support the 173rd Airborne Brigade’s contingency operations and reduce the time needed to rapidly deploy.

U.S. Army Gen. Christopher Cavoli, Commander, U.S. European Command & Supreme Allied Commander, and U.S. Army Maj. Gen. Andrew Gainey, Commander, U.S. Army Southern European Task Force, and U.S. Air Force Brig. Gen. Tad Clark, 31st Fighter Wing commander, cut the ribbon of a new Army warehouse at Aviano Air Base, Italy, Oct. 9, 2024 The warehouse project has been a top U.S. Army and USEUCOM priority, as it will reduce 173rd Airborne Brigade response time for contingency missions in Europe, Africa and the Middle East.

U.S. Army Gen. Christopher Cavoli, Commander, U.S. European Command & Supreme Allied Commander, provides during an unveiling of the new Army warehouse at Aviano Air Base, Italy, on Oct. 9, 2024. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers-led project supports USEUCOM’s missions by delivering facilities like this one that enhance readiness, increase operational capabilities and help ensure warfighters have the necessary sustainment capabilities for mission success

Two Swedish CB90-class fast assault crafts transit behind the Whidbey Island-class dock landing ship USS Gunston Hall (LSD 44), during small boat operations in support of Steadfast Defender 24, March 7, 2024. Sweden, NATO’s newest member, is integrating with NATO forces during the Alliance’s largest exercise in decades, continuing their long-standing partnership while showcasing NATO’s ability to deploy forces rapidly to reinforce the defense of Europe. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Danielle Serocki)

Two Swedish CB90-class fast assault crafts transit away from the Whidbey Island-class dock landing ship USS Gunston Hall (LSD 44), during small boat operations in support of Steadfast Defender 24, March 9, 2024. Sweden, NATO’s newest member, is integrating with NATO forces during the Alliance’s largest exercise in decades, continuing their long-standing partnership while showcasing NATO’s ability to deploy forces rapidly to reinforce the defense of Europe. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Danielle Serocki)

Swedish Marines, assigned to 2nd Marine Battalion, in CB90-class fast assault crafts transit towards the well deck of the Whidbey Island-class dock landing ship USS Gunston Hall (LSD 44), integrating with NATO forces during Steadfast Defender, Feb. 29, 2024. NATO has a long-standing partnership with Sweden, similar to its previous collaboration with Finland before its accession; their participation enhances the strength and security of all member nations and illustrates that NATO's doors remain open. Steadfast Defender 2024, NATO’s largest exercise in decades, will demonstrate NATO’s ability to deploy forces rapidly from across the Alliance to reinforce the defense of Europe. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Danielle Serocki)

U.S. Marines, alongside NATO Allies and partners, strategically advanced, securing cover and providing fire support during a breaching and clearing mission to prepare for biennial exercise Nordic Response in Setermoen, Norway, in early 2024. During the course of this NATO extreme cold weather training, multinational military forces enhanced Arctic security, elevated global readiness and fostered interoperability.

Special Forces Operators conducted training in austere conditions at Greenland's Pituffik Space Base in 2023 to support Arctic Edge, a U.S. Northern Command-led homeland defense exercise demonstrating the U.S. military's capabilities in extreme cold weather and the nation's commitment to mutual strategic security interests in the Arctic region.

U.S. Army Gen. Christopher Cavoli, commander of U.S. European Command and Supreme Allied Commander Europe, co-chaired the 2024 U.S.-Adriatic Charter (A5) Chiefs of Defense Conference alongside Maj. Gen. Arben Kingji, chief of the Albanian Armed Forces General Staff, in Tirana, Albania, Sept. 17-19, 2024.

U.S. Army Gen. Christopher Cavoli, commander of U.S. European Command and Supreme Allied Commander Europe, co-chaired the 2024 U.S.-Adriatic Charter (A5) Chiefs of Defense Conference alongside Maj. Gen. Arben Kingji, chief of the Albanian Armed Forces General Staff, in Tirana, Albania, Sept. 17-19, 2024.

U.S. Army Gen. Christopher Cavoli, commander of U.S. European Command and Supreme Allied Commander Europe, co-chaired the 2024 U.S.-Adriatic Charter (A5) Chiefs of Defense Conference alongside Maj. Gen. Arben Kingji, chief of the Albanian Armed Forces General Staff, in Tirana, Albania, Sept. 17-19, 2024.

U.S. Army Gen. Christopher Cavoli, commander of U.S. European Command and Supreme Allied Commander Europe, co-chaired the 2024 U.S.-Adriatic Charter (A5) Chiefs of Defense Conference alongside Maj. Gen. Arben Kingji, chief of the Albanian Armed Forces General Staff, in Tirana, Albania, Sept. 17-19, 2024.

U.S. Army Gen. Christopher Cavoli, commander of U.S. European Command and Supreme Allied Commander Europe, co-chaired the 2024 U.S.-Adriatic Charter (A5) Chiefs of Defense Conference alongside Maj. Gen. Arben Kingji, chief of the Albanian Armed Forces General Staff, in Tirana, Albania, Sept. 17-19, 2024.

U.S. Army Sgt. 1st Class Nathan Lopez, a former sniper who proposed a more efficient system for deploying camouflage netting over vehicles, was the gold medalist in the recent Dragon's Lair X, an innovation competition where military members pitch U.S. military leadership on potential breakthroughs in military technology.

U.S. European Command's Command Sgt. Maj. Rob Abernethy (second from left) and Sally Pfenning (second from the right), the command's Senior Executive Service director for Requirements and Resource Integration, served as hosts and judges during the recent "Dragon's Lair," an innovation competition where military members pitch U.S. military leadership on potential breakthroughs in military technology.

On Sept. 15, 2024, Maj. Gen. Kriesel, USEUCOM's director of exercises and assessments, had the pleasure of accepting Mayor of Nancy Mathieu Klein's invitation to join the 80th anniversary of Nancy's liberation by Allied and French resistance forces during WWII. During festivities that included French and U.S. color guards and events to commemorate the heroism and sacrifice of those service members who fought for freedom 80 years ago, Kriesel met a Nancy resident who was 4 years old (pictured being held by Gen. George Patton's driver) when the Third Army played a pivotal role in the town's liberation.

On Sept. 15, 2024, 15 Maj. Gen. Kriesel, USEUCOM's director of exercises and assessments, had the pleasure of accepting Mayor of Nancy Mathieu Klein's invitation to join the 80th anniversary of Nancy's liberation by Allied and French resistance forces during WWII. During festivities that included French and U.S. color guards and events to commemorate the heroism and sacrifice of those service members who fought for freedom 80 years ago, Kriesel met with one of the last living French Forces of the Interior (FFI) resistance fighters from Nancy. In 1944 nearly 2,000 FFI rose up and organized themselves to participate in the battles of liberation and facilitate Allied advances.

On Sept. 15, 2024, Maj. Gen. Kriesel, USEUCOM's director of exercises and assessments, had the pleasure of accepting Mayor of Nancy Mathieu Klein's invitation to join the 80th anniversary of Nancy's liberation by Allied and French resistance forces during WWII. During festivities that included French and U.S. color guards and events to commemorate the heroism and sacrifice of those service members who fought for freedom 80 years ago, Kriesel met a Nancy resident who was 4 years old (pictured being held by Gen. George Patton's driver) when the Third Army played a pivotal role in the town's liberation.

On Sept. 15, 2024, Maj. Gen. Kriesel, USEUCOM's director of exercises and assessments, had the pleasure of accepting Mayor of Nancy Mathieu Klein's invitation to join the 80th anniversary of Nancy's liberation by Allied and French resistance forces during WWII. During festivities that included French and U.S. color guards and events to commemorate the heroism and sacrifice of those service members who fought for freedom 80 years ago, Kriesel met a Nancy resident who was 4 years old (pictured being held by Gen. George Patton's driver) when the Third Army played a pivotal role in the town's liberation.

A U.S. Air Force B-52H Stratofortress, assigned to the 23rd Bomb Squadron, passes the air traffic control tower during takeoff for a Bomber Task Force mission from Minot Air Force Base, N.D., Sept. 10, 2024. Bomber Task Force missions enable joint and Allied training, demonstrating the readiness of the U.S. and its Allies to respond to any incident at any time.

A U.S. Air Force B-52 Stratofortress from the 5th Bomb Wing, Minot Air Force Base, N.D., receives fuel from a KC-135 Stratotanker from the 100th Air Refueling Wing, based at Royal Air Force Mildenhall, England, over the North Sea, Sept. 11, 2024. Bomber Task Force missions are representative of the U.S.’ extended deterrent commitment to Allies and partners and enhance regional security.

A U.S. Air Force B-52 Stratofortress from the 5th Bomb Wing, Minot Air Force Base, N.D., receives fuel from a KC-135 Stratotanker from the 100th Air Refueling Wing, based at Royal Air Force Mildenhall, England, over the North Sea, Sept. 11, 2024. Bomber Task Force missions are representative of the U.S.’ extended deterrent commitment to Allies and partners and enhance regional security.