The first objective of the train was to coach and take a look at the readiness of NATO SOF models to conduct operations in response to elevated aggression in opposition to its Allies.
Flaming Sword, a significant coaching occasion hosted by Lithuania, concerned SOF models from Denmark, Germany, Lithuania, Poland, Portugal, and the US. This train underscores the readiness and functionality of NATO Allied SOF to deploy quickly anytime and wherever, to advertise peace and safety by joint efforts. For the primary time in latest historical past, a German submarine in assist of the German Particular Operation Forces carried out missions within the Baltic Sea and ashore. Danish Frogmen from the Danish Maritime Particular Operations Pressure additionally carried out operations in Baltic Sea area.
“At any time when we’ve got the chance for U.S. Particular Operations Forces to coach alongside our NATO Allies, it reinforces our means to quickly deploy combat-credible forces in all domains – land, sea, air, and area – with tools important to successfully function in any area,” mentioned Main Gen. Steven Edwards, Commander, Particular Operations Command Europe. “Our means to work seamlessly alongside our Allied companions strengthens our collective protection and enhances regional safety.”
Lithuania’s SOF Commander Col. Darius Milašius additionally highlighted the importance of this train, stating, “As NATO, we’ve got a possibility to make use of numerous varieties of platforms within the air, on the sea and on land, making us unpredictable to the enemy. Shock and velocity; these are the primary ideas which we use conducting particular operations”.
Workouts like this foster interoperability amongst Allied forces, refining ways and procedures for seamless warfighting cooperation throughout operations. Occasions included U.S. East Coast-based Naval Particular Warfare Operators (SEALs) conducting maritime operations, shut quarters fight, weapons coaching, and helicopter fast-roping iterations with their Allied SOF companions. This face-to-face coaching fosters a robust and strategic SOF warfighting basis amongst NATO Allies.
“The weeks main as much as this train allowed my crew to combine with our accomplice forces from these nations. Having the prospect to satisfy in individual, construct our operations plans collectively, and execute situations in tandem is invaluable,” mentioned the senior Naval Particular Warfare Operator on web site. “These relationships are important to make sure we’re postured to shortly assist SOCUER’s efforts with flexibility and agility.”
Train Flaming Sword 24 reaffirms NATO’s dedication to solidarity, transparency, and regional stability. By enhancing interoperability and readiness amongst Allied SOF, the train serves as a mannequin for future collaborative efforts guaranteeing a sturdy protection posture within the Baltic and Arctic areas.
Naval Particular Warfare Group TWO produces, helps, and deploys the world’s premier maritime particular operations forces to conduct full-spectrum operations and built-in deterrence in assist of U.S. nationwide aims.
