Rear Admiral David Patchell, vice commander, U.S. 2nd Fleet, and Commander CTF North defined how giant, multi-national workouts proceed to solidify NATO’s interoperability and readiness.
“Steadfast Defender is an opportunity to apply, to train, to return collectively, construct relationships, and strengthen the readiness and unity that already exists,” mentioned Patchell. “NATO is stronger than it has ever been. This train represents one other alternative for over 90,000 sailors, aviators and troopers to work collectively throughout the alliance.”
Steadfast Defender 2024, NATO’s largest train in a long time, consists of greater than 90,000 troops from 31 allied nations, and Sweden. The train will display NATO’s capability to deploy forces quickly from throughout the Alliance to strengthen the protection of Europe. Throughout the CTF-N command heart, there are at the moment eight allied nations that comprise the duty power, and the numbers of personnel will develop because the train progresses.
The Whidbey Island-class dock touchdown ship USS Gunston Corridor (LSD 44), left Norfolk, Va., Jan. 24, 2024 as the primary tactical motion of Steadfast Defender 24. Rear Admiral Benjamin Nicholson, commander, Expeditionary Strike Group 2 and deputy commander CTF-N, mentioned that he’s extremely pleased with the work the ship has executed already.
“The ships’ crew has already accomplished a number of coaching occasions and represented the USA as ambassadors throughout a port go to to Portsmouth, England,” mentioned Nicholson. “This train is about studying and teamwork. We’ll be taught the instruments and strategies to conduct future maritime operations and additional develop our ways and coaching as a staff with our Allies and companions.”
The CTF-North workers will conduct the complete vary of maritime operations in coordination with NATO Allies and companions working out of Bodø Airbase.
“I am grateful for the Sailors of U.S. 2nd Fleet, ESG-2 and all of our companions which are becoming a member of us. The dedication is excellent, and you may see and you may really feel the thrill, the readiness. This staff is prepared; able to execute, able to be taught, able to be inventive and modern as we undergo this train.” mentioned Patchell.
U.S. 2nd Fleet, reestablished in 2018 in response to the altering international safety atmosphere, develops and employs maritime forces able to combat throughout a number of domains within the Atlantic and Arctic with a view to guarantee entry, deter aggression and defend U.S., allied, and accomplice pursuits.
U.S. Navy images and b-roll can be found on DVIDS. For extra data, contact c2f_pao@us.navy.mil.
Comply with together with the train on social media by utilizing #steadfastdefender24
