Harry S. Truman Carrier Strike Group Deployed to Europe for NEPTUNE STRIKE 24-2

On 23 SEPT 2024 the USS Harry S. Truman (CVN 75) Carrier Strike Group (CSG) left its homeport of Naval Base Norfolk,Virginia on a deployment to the Eastern Mediterranean and ultimately the North Sea and Scandinavia.The Truman was accompanied by Carrier Air Wing 1;Arleigh Burke-class guided missile destroyers USS Jason Dunham (DDG 109) and USS Stout (DDG 55);Yorktown-class guided missile cruiser USS Gettysburg (CG 64);and typically an unannounced nuclear-powered attack submarine for force protetction.This blog met some of the USS Gettysberg Sailors and noted how young they were,just out of high school.*The Harry S. Truman Carrier Strike Group is a member of U.S. 2nd Fleet (Atlantic Fleet).It is under the command of RDM Sean Bailey.Said ADM Daryl Caudle,commander,U.S. Fleet Forces Command:This comes on the heels of the Dwight D. Eisenhower Carrier Strike Group's nine month mission that highlighted the need for continuity in our sustained presence amid escalating international tensions.The operational experience gained through these deployments is invaluable for maintaining a deep bench of skilled warfighters with trust in their system's reliability,adaptability and lethality in a rapidly changing security environment.*NATO Joint Forces Command Brunssum (Netherlands):One of NATO's premier enhanced Vigilance Activities NEPTUNE STRIKE (NEST) 24-2 began on 24 OCT 2024,encompassing multiple joint operational areas across Europe.Running from 24 OCT 2024 TO 31 OCT,NEST 24-2 demonstrated the complex integration of joint high-end multinational maritime strike capabilities.*NATO took operational command of multiple aircraft carriers and expeditionary strike groups in support of deterrence and defence of the Alliance.The main objectives of NEST 24-2 are to maintain freedom of navigation and manoeuvre in NATO's Area of Operations;to secure strategic maritime chokepoints (such as the Greenland-Iceland-UK Gap,or GIUK);to conduct deterrence and vigilance;and to increase the interoperability in operational domains,e.g.,air-land-integration,fostering NATO's capabilities to enable wide-ranging multi-domain operations.*Participating units operated from the Meditarraenean and Adriatic Sea up to the North and Baltic Sea,including air operations across Central Europe to conduct air-to-ground operations in the Baltic Sea Region,also with NATO's new member Sweden.Among others,the activities also included amphibious landings;counter mine operations;explosive ordnance disposal;and defence against drones.*NEST 24-2 was led by Naval Strike and Support Forces NATO (STRIKFORNATO).It was a long-planned activity conducted in compliance with international laws and standards,and was scheduled independently from any current developments.*In the North Sea,NEST 24-2 activities featured the USS Harry S. Truman Carrier Strike Group,as well as the Royal Navy aircraft carrier HMS Prince of Wales and her escorts.In the Mediterraenean,NEST 24-2 staff elements from STRIKFORNATO were embarked on the Blue-ridge class command ship USS Mount Whitney (LCC 22) to demonstrate the ability to deploy a self-sufficient mobile command element anywhere at any time.The multipurpose amphibious assault ship USS Wasp (CV 7),along with the dock landing ship USS Oak Hill (LSD 51) carried an Amphibious Ready Group and the embarked 24th Marine Expedtionary Unit (MEU).The Turkish Navy supported with the amphibious assault ship TCG Anadola and her embarked Marine Battalion,as well as her escorts.The Italian Navy provided the aircraft carrier ITS Cavour and her escorts for parts of the activity.In total,some 20 surface vessels and submarines,Special Operations Forces and numerous aircraft participated in NEST 24-2 in different compositions,with some 15,000 support personnel.*The Neptune Strike series is part of Project Neptune,conceptualised in 2020.It aims to enhance the pace and flexibility of command and control of naval strike and amphibious forces.It provides a blueprint for contingency and defence operations even over long distances,JFC Brunssum Public Affairs Office said.The most recent USNI tracking information on the HSTCSG was on 12 NOV 2024,when it was operating off the West Coast of Norway.

U.S. Marines, NATO. Allied Forces Prepare for Defence in Poland. - YouTube - MIL 3010 - 2 JUL 2024

On 2 JUL 2024,U.S. Marines,along with the Spanish Army and a Spanish Navy Sailor,conduct military operations as part of NATO Exercise Baltic Operations (2024).BALTOPS 2024 is the premier naval exercise to strengthen joint response capabilities critical to preserving freedom of navigation and security in the Baltic Sea Region.Text by MIL 3010 and edited by Andrew Taylor

U.S. Marines, NATO. Tanks and armoured vehicles. Military exercises in Sweden - YouTube - MIL 3010

The U.S. Marines and Royal Swedish Amphibious Corps (Marines) during Baltic Operations 24 in Sweden.BALTOPS 24 is the premier annual exercise in the Baltic Sea Region.It provides a unique opportunity to strengthen joint response capabilities critical to maintaining freedom of navigation and security in the Baltic Sea Region.*Text by MIL 3010 and edited by Andrew Taylor Lockheed Martin C-130J Super Hercules and M142 HiMARS (LMT),General Dynamics Land Systems Abrams M1A2V3 tank (GD)

Warfighting:Sweden's Integration into NATO Provides New Opportunities

According to Sweden's Minister of Defence Pal Johnson:Going into an Alliance is of course a big change.Policywise it's a big change;mentally it's a big change.And we have to remember we're not necessarily going to be defending Sweden from inside Sweden,but from a distance,and we're going to be doing it as a solidaric Ally.*For the first time,according to RDL Jens Nykvist,Deputy Chief of Defence Staff,NATO can craft a unified defence of the Nordic Region.Sweden brings more than 100 years of experience operating submarines in the Baltic Sea Region,doorway to Russia's largest port,St.Petersburg.*Defence Minister Jonson added:This is a direct consequence of Russia's illegal,unprovoked full-scale invasion of Ukraine.This is the mother of all unintended consequences for Russian strategic thinking.*The Swedish Armed Forces have only 25,000 troops under arms.Yet Sweden can offer its territory to NATO for deterrence and defence,a base and staging area for NATO forces.For example,Sweden has entered into a Defence Cooperation Agreement (DCA) with the US,allowing the US the privilege to deploy troops to Swedish military bases.This can help shape the regional environment for preventing Russia's efforts for potential conflict,and for response to Russian incursions.According to RDL Nykvist:Some people tried to say Sweden and Finland now being part of NATO makes the Baltic a NATO lake.I would say it's not...because we have the Russian bases (in Kaliningrad).*Sweden's Chief of Staff GEN Micael Byden said:I'm sure that Putin even has both eyes on Gotland (Sweden's central island).Putin's goal is to take control of the Baltic Sea Region.If Russia controls and seals off the Baltic Sea,it would have an enormous impact on our lives-in Sweden and in all countries bordering the Baltic Sea.We can't allow it (Note:Gotland has been highly militarised by Sweden to act as a bulwark against Russian incursions).*RDL Nykvist expalined that increased commercial shipping and underwater infrastructure like cables and pipelines are making Baltic Sea operations more complicated (Note:The Royal Swedish Navy is developing a new class of submarines designed for detecting undersea sabotage.The two new A26 Blekinge-class boats will have a large airlock from which to deploy divers and Unmanned Underwater Vehicles).There's a lot of density of traffic.It's 4,000 ships moving around every given minute in this region.It's coming from St.Petersburg area and going out and back.That's one of the main routes for Russia regarding oil and energy products.I would claim unique assets and capabilities when it comes to operating in the Baltic Sea.We've been working for decades with our submarines;on the surface with our surface combatants.*

Spring Storm 24/Swift Response 24:British Army is Ready to Defend Estonia Today

British troops are practising warfighting on NATO's Eastern Flank in NATO Exercise Spring Storm 24.The drills are part of NATO's Defender Europe 2024,the largest NATO exercise since the Cold War,with over 90,000 military personnel participating.Spring Storm simulates a Russian attack on Estonia.In Spring Storm,Estonia is hosting an annual military exercise led by an Infantry Division of its Estonian Defence Forces.The goal is to train in defensive joint operations with Allied Units,focusing within a scenario covered by NATO Article V,an attack on one is an attack on all.Participants include military forces from Estonia,the UK,Denmark,France,the US and Finland,with Republic of Georgia and Ukraine participating as observers.The drills run from 12-31 May 2024.According to the UK news outlet The Independent,BG Giles Harris,commander of British forces in the Baltics,said:It's very urgent.I'm not going to second guess what may or may not happen,but as military personnel,our job is to be ready.There is no point in waiting to be ready.We should be ready now.And what's playing out in Ukraine provides us with the lessons that we nee to learn.Our mindset is whether it's today or tomorrow,we must make ourselves ready to defend every inch of Estonian land if necessary.In the minds of the Soldiers,the strategic purpose and context in which we're doing this training has definitely changed.The fact that we are doing this so close to Russia brings it home why it's so important to be here.*Said BG Mark Berry,commander of 16 Air Assault Brigade:I don't consider any of the activities my Soldiers conduct is a show.My role is to make sure that Soldiers have the right training opportunities and feel ready and prepared to work together with Allies or on their own.We do,of course,send messages to whoever will listen.We want to make clear our forces are ready...they're capable of working with each other.In any specific time frame,when we are training we are looking for lessons from conflict zones,anywhere that has a lesson we can take.*Said LTC David Lambert of the Army Air Corps:The training is generally as realistic as it gets.There is no artificiality in this.It's just as good training from the lowest level all the way to the top.We are ready to fight today.*In the overlapping Swift Response 24,the U.S. led Immediate Response Force will carry out joint operations to enhance readiness;foster interoperaability;and contribute to NATO's assurance and deterrence efforts.Aligned with U.S. European Command's (USEUCOM) North/South exercise campaign,it involves both command post exercises and field training drills.Paticipants include the US and France,with USEUCOM leading the initiative.It runs from 14 May-14 June 2024 in Poland,Latvia,Lithuania,Estonia and the Republic of Georgia.

Steadfast Defender 24:UK Makes Major Commitment

The UK Ministry of Defence laid out its plans in the massive NATO Exercise Steadfast Defender 24 on 15 January 2024.Said the Ministry:In the context of our ever more dangerous world,the Secretary of State for Defence,Rt Hon Grant Shapps MP,will deliver a major speech at Lancaster House today to set out his vision for the UK to deter threats,lead among Allies and defend the UK...the Defence Secretary is expected to announce that in the first half of 2024,20,000 service personnel from the Royal Navy,the British Army,and the Royal Air Force will deploy across Europe to take part in Exercise Steadfast Defender 24.*The drills will see the UK Armed Forces join 70,000 other NATO troops from 31 NATO Allies and candidate Sweden to operate across multiple countries coinciding with the Alliance's 75th Anniversary.This deployment will feature the RAF's most advanced fighter jets and surveillance aircraft,the RN's most advanced warships and submarines,and the full range of the Army's capabilities-from logistics to armour to Special Operations Forces.*Mr.Shapps' remarks are expected to say:We are in a new era and we must be prepared to deter our enemies,lead our Allies and be prepared to defend our nations whenever the call comes.Today our adversaries are busily rebuilding their barriers.Old enemies are reanimated.Battle lines are being redrawn.The tanks are literally on Ukraine's lawn.And the foundations of the world are being shaken to their core.We stand at a crossroads...providing vital reassurance against the Putin menace.*Mr.Shapps noted that deploying this year is 7th Light Mechanised Brigade Combat Team...which will be operating across Europe to deliver one of the largest NATO deployments since the Cold War.Steadfast Defender 24 will deliver on the promises made at the 2023 NATO Vilnius Summit.The RN will be deploying eight warships and submarines and more than 2,000 Sailors.A UK carrier Strike Group,centred on a QE Class aircraft carrier and her air group of F-35B Lightning jets and helicopters,will operate as part of a potent Naval Force of Allied warships and submarines in the North Atlantic,the Norwegian Sea,and the Baltics.More than 400 Royal Marines Commandos will be deployed to the Arctic Circle at the heart of our Allied Amphibious Task Group designed to land in the High North and defend the Alliance in one of the world's harshest environments.Sixteen thousand troops from the British Army will be deployed across Eastern Europe from February to June 2024,taking with them tanks,artillery,helicopters,and parachutes.There will be live-fire manoeuvres,parachute jumps,an Army and Navy joint helicopter force,and Army Special Operations Forces on deployment.The British Army will deploy to test and strengthen the readiness of the UK's Land Forces in defending NATO,and to bolster its ability to operate jointly with Allied Armed Forces.*The RAF will be making use of some of its most cutting-edge aircraft,including F-35B Lightning attack aircraft and Poseidon P8 surveillance aircraft.The RAF will practise flying simulated conflict scenarios against near-peer adversaries,proving its ability to defer and defend against threats.*It is known that SD24 will practise a reinforcement of Europe from North America across the Atlantic Ocean.*More context:There is suspicion that Russia has not only been jamming Ukraine with Electronic Warfare,but NATO Allies as well.The Washington think tank Institue for the Study of War (ISW) noted high levels of GPS interference in Poland on 10 and 16 January 2024,and in the Baltic Sea Region between 25 and 27 December 2023.Several analysts believe it was likely Russia attempting to wage hybrid warfare against NATO.The ISW also noted that Putin has been sharply critical of the Baltic States recently for their perceived mistreatment of ethnic Russians living in them-an expansionist vision of Russian Federation sovereignty.ISW said that Putin:notably amplified a long-standing Kremlin effort to set information conditions for future escalations against the Baltic countries,likely as part of his wider effort to weaken NATO.

NATO Rapid Infiltration Drills in the Baltics as Ukrainian Troops Get Combat Training in Poland

This complex video conveys several live-fire drills by NATO in the Baltic States.There were Rapid Infiltration exercises by NATO Allies demonstrating HiMARS and other capabilities.A Belgian Air Force Airbus A400M transported HiMARS units,showcasing mobility and Rapid Infiltration capabilities,while Ukrainian troops underwent combat training in Poland.

NATO Responds to Sabotage of Critical Undersea Infrastructure

On 23 October 2023,the Swedish government announced that an undersea telecommunications cable had been damaged through external force or tampering on 7 October.The cable connects to the Baltic State of Estonia.Two hours later on 7 October,the Balticonnector gas pipeline was sabotaged,and another undersea telecom cable as well.Two civilian vessels were present at all three incidents:Russian freighter Sevmorput and Hong Kong-flagged cargo ship Newnew Polar Bear.This is called grayzone aggression,a form of hybrid warfare that attacks undersea infrastructure.This form of hybrid warfare untilises proxy groups;private companies;civilian contractors;and other non-military actors.* For its part,NATO announced it was increasing patrols in the Baltic Sea Region on 19 October 2023.This consists of more surveillance flights by NATO E-3 Sentry AWACS aircraft;new patrols by Maritime Patrol Aircraft and surveillance drones.Four NATO minesweepers are also being deployed.These can send Unmanned Undersea Vehicles to inspect for cable and pipeline damage.They also have sonar to detect undersea activity with,plus radar.* Said NATO acting spokesperson Dylan White:We continue to monitor the situation closely,and we remain in close contact with our Allies Estonia and Finland,and our partner Sweden.NATO will continue to adapt its maritime posture in the Baltic Sea and will take all necessary measures to keep its Allies safe.In September 2022,it was noted that the Nord Stream gas pipeline had been sabotaged.Since that time,NATO has enhanced patrols near critical undersea infrastructure and utilised technological innovation to better detect suspicious activity.NATO also created an undersea infrastructure coordination cell to deepen ties between government,military and industry actors.It also established the NATO Maritime Centre for the Security of Critical Undersea Infrastructure within Allied Maritime Command (MARCOM) in Northwood,UK.* On 12 October 2023,NATO Defence Ministers and the Swedish Defence Ministry endorsed the Digital Ocean Vision,a new initiative to enhance NATO's maritime situational awareness from seabed to space.The DOV will transform Allied maritime domain awareness by enhancing coordination between Allied and national capabilities utilised for maritime surveillance.The programme includes a broad range of assets from satellites to autonomous systems below,on,or above the sea,the Alliance said.* Minesweepers have sonar,radar and minesweeping gear.The sonar detects and classifies targets and then the minesweepers deploy divers or Unmanned Undersea Vehicles (UUVs) to inspect and neutralise threats with explosive charges.For self-defence,they are armed with 20mm guns and machine guns.

Army 3rd Infantry Division to Europe for NATO Operation

Some 4500 U.S. Army Soldiers of the 3rd Infantry Division are headed for Europe,or have alredy arrived there,to bolster NATO's Eastern Flank.Members of the 3rd Infantry Division's Headquarters began departing from Hunter Army Airfield,Georgia on 5 September 2023.On 9 September,a change of command ceremony was held as the Army's 4th Infantry Division transferred authority for Poland-Baltic States protection to 3rd Infantry Division,Task Force Marne-referring to the unit's history in the World War I Battle of the Marne.Task Force Marne will serve in support of Operation Assure,Deter and Reinforce,working alongside NATO Allies and regional security Partners to provide combat-credible Forces to U.S. Army V Corps,America's forward deployed corps in Europe,the Army said.Thus Task Force Marne assumes control of infantry,armored,aviation,and logisitics units across Poland and the Baltic Sea Region.Said 3rd Infantry Division commander,Major General Christopher Norrie:Once again,we have the privilege of standing together with our Polish Allies,the Baltic States,and the rest of NATO.We have stood shoulder-to-shoulder against tyranny and oppression,and we pray that this Alliance will continue to be a beacon of hope for all who aspire for freedom and justice around the world.Added Lt.Gen.John Kolasheski,commanding general of V Corps:Your presence here on the Eastern Flank of NATO is essential to gauranteeing a free and open Europe.We will stand shoulder-to-shoulder with our Allies from across the Alliance during this deployment,which is critical.And should deterrence fail,we will be prepared to defend every inch of sovereign NATO territory.*The Army explained that the Marne Division is the hammer of the U.S. Army's XVIII Airborne Corps,able to raidly deploy,fight,and win against near-peer competitors in large-scale combat operations.The 3rd Infantry Division is the most modernised and lethal formation in the U.S. Army and is fully trained and ready for this important mission.About 4500 Soldiers from 3rd Infantry Division HQ,3rd Infantry Division Artillery Brigade,3rd Infantry Division Sustainment Brigade and 2nd Armored Brigade Combat Team are deploying to various locations across Europe to support NATO Allies;deter further aggression against NATO member states;and train with host-nation Forces to build readiness and interoperability.They join about 2,000 Soldiers from the 3rd Combat Aviation Brigade who deployed to Europe earlier this year,as well as other U.S. Army units currently serving in Europe from Task Force Marne.To prepare for this mission,3rd Infantry Division conducted multiple complex exercises,modernisation,and a culminating training event at Fort Irwin,California.* Should deterrence fail,US Army troops in Poland would be tasked with keeping the Suwalki Gap open,retired Marine Corps Colonel Mark Cancian,a senior adviser at the Center for Strategic and International Studies,told the Task and Purpose newsletter.The Suwalki Gap is a stretch of rural land on the Poland-Lithuania border that is of great strategic significance.It is the only land crossing from Poland to the Baltic States of Lithuania,Latvia and Estonia.The 3rd Infantry Division troops are joining the approximately 85,000 U.S. Forces already in Europe.The deploying Soldiers represent the U.S. commitment to uphold the principles of democracy,territorial integrity,sovereignty,and respect for the international rules-based order.

NATO Approves New Maritime Centre for Protection of Undersea Infrastructure

The Maritime Centre for the Security of Critical Infrastructure located at NATO Maritime Command (MARCOM) in Northwood,UK was approved by the NATO Defence Ministerial held at Brussels last week.The Centre will create a new surveillance system for part of the Atlantic Ocean and areas of the North Sea,Baltic Sea,Mediterranean Sea and Black Sea.In charge of the Centre is retired Bundeswehr Lieutenant General Hans-Werner Wiermann.NATO has received information that Russian ships have been mapping critical seabed infrastructure.Said Wiermann:There are heightened concerns that Russia may target undersea cables and other critical infrastructure in an effort to disrupt Western life.* The Centre will bring Allies and the private sector together to help improve information sharing about evolving risks and threats,Mr.Wiermann said.Although it isn't possible to continuously monitor thousands of kilometres of undersea infrastructure,it will be possible to collect intelligence and obtain information from the private sector to connect the dots with.Undersea infrastucture includes underwater data systems,networks and grids,as well as oil and gas pipelines.* In 2022,the UK's Chief of Defence Staff Admiral Sir Tony Radikin,KCB,ADC,told The Times newspaper he was concerned about the phenomenal increase in Russian submarine and underwater activity.Russia's underwater programme was intended to put at risk and potentially exploit the undersea fibre optic cables that provide the world's real information system,noting:That is where predominantly all the world's information and traffic travels.Russia has grown the capability to put at threat these undersea cables and potentially exploit these undersea cables.* Indeed,as early as 2017,then Chief of Defence Staff Chief Air Marshal Sir Stuart Peach told the BBC that if these lines of communication were hit,it would immediately and catasrophically hit the economy.An estimated 77% of global communications and 10 trillion in daily financial transactions depend on the transmission cables.The vulnerability poses a new risk to our way of life.Said Sir Stuart:Russia in addition to new ships and submarines continues to perfect both unconventional capabilities and information warfare.The UK and its Allies need to match and understand Russian fleet modernisation.Russia is prepared to use unconventional assymetric warfare.* In the past decade,Russian undersea traffic has increased significantly in the North Atlantic,especially in the Greenland-Iceland-UK gap (GIUK).Former NATO Supreme Allied Commander (SACEUR) Admiral James Stavridis,US Navy retired,said more dark cables should be kept in reserve and NATO must be prepared to defend global undersea cables.They are the backbone of the world's economy.*Russia's threat to the cables comes primarily from submarines and spy ships deploying deep sea submersibles.Russia might attack the cables in retaliation against NATO for supporting Ukraine's sovereignty and territorial integrity.In response to this threat,NATO has increased its naval presence,including warships,submarines,Maritime Surveillance Aircraft and Unmanned Underwater Vehicles (UUV),in the North Atlantic and Baltic Sea Region.* The new Centre is a coordination cell that brings key military and civilian stakeholders together,according to NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg.The coordination cell will help broaden coverage;enhance deterrence;augment response capability;and increase opportunities to identify risks.Since 2021,seabed cables have been mysteriously severed off Lofoten,Norway;Svalbard,Norway;and the Shetland Islands,UK.

BALTOPS 2023 Shapes Maritime Forces Rapid Response

On 4 June 2023,NATO's most significant maritime exercise in the Baltic Sea Region,Baltic Sea Operations 2023 (BALTOPS) began in Tallin,Estonia.It will run through 16 June.Partcipating will be 50 warships,over 45 aircraft,and 6,000 personnel from 20 countries.The drills are intended to demonstrate NATO's commitment to preserve regional peace and security by exercising a team of international forces that can rapidly respond to a crisis.Nations taking part include Belgium,Canada,Denmark,Estonia,Finland,France,Germany,Italy,Latvia,Lithuania,the Netherlands,Norway,Poland,Portugal,Romania,Spain,Sweden,Turkiye,the UK and the US.This will be Finland's first partcipation as a NATO Ally. It is the 52nd iteration of BALTOPS.BALTOPS remains an Alliance proving ground vital for honing the edge of combined interoperability in mine countermeasures;unmanned surface vehicle operations;and integrated air and maritime operations.This version will include the first ever robust drills in peronnel recovery by unmanned surface vehicles.Another enhancement will be a military chaplain exercise that enables Sailors and Marines to accomplish the mission with honour.All drills will build on last year's scenario story lines,including the undersea and space domains,such as the integration of the NATO Space Centre for space domain scenarios.* BALTOPS 2023 is led by U.S. Naval Forces Europe and Africa/U.S. Sixth Fleet,but will be command-and-controlled by Naval Striking and Support Forces NATO (STRIKFORNATO) out of Oeiros,Portugal.During BALTOPS 2023,NATO will exercise a myriad of capabilities demonstrating the inherent flexibility of maritime forces,to include amphibious;gunnery;anti-submarine;and air defence operations;as well as mine-clearance operations;explosive ordnance disposal;unmanned underwater vehicle capabilities;and at-sea medical responses.Command ship for the drills is USS Mount Whitney (LCC 20).A submarine from the Royal Swedish Navy,HSwMS Uppland,will play a key role in the exercise.* Overseeing BALTOPS 2023 is Vice Admiral Thomas E. Ishlee,USN,Commander,U.S. 6th Fleet and STRIKFORNATO;Deputy Commander,U.S. Naval Forces Europe and Africa;and Joint Force Maritime Commander Europe.A graduate of Officer Candidate School,Rhode Island,VADM Ishlee is highly experienced in submarine operations,having served as an officer at several levels of submarine command,including command of Submarine Squadron 11,ensuring the readiness of six fast attack submarines,amomg other tasks.He also served as Director,Global Operations at U.S. Strategic Command (USSTRATCOM).VADM Ishlee's decorations include the Defense Superior Service Medal;the Legion of Merit;the Meritiorious Service Medal;Navy Commendation Medal;and Navy Achievement Medal; as well as various unit and service awards that are most meaningful to him.* Deputy Commander of BALTOPS 2023 is Rear Admiral James Morely,Royal Navy.A Warfare Officer,his commands have included Standing NATO Maritime Group 2 (SNMG2) in the Eastern Mediterranean and Black Sea.He is a graduate of the Advanced and Higher Command Staff Course and the United States Capstone.

US Army, NATO. US Airborne and British Army soldiers land in Latvia.Multinational Airborne Force Crisis Response

Sweden 🇸🇪 and NATO train to keep Gotland secure

Major NATO Maritime Drills Commence:BALTOPS 22

On 5 June 2022,NATO exercise BALTOPS 22 begins in the Baltic Sea Region.The drills will run through 17 June.According to U.S. Naval Forces Europe,BALTOPS 22 will strengthen the combined response capability that is crtitical to preserving freedom of navigation and security in the region.Those participating include:Belgium,Bulgaria,Denmark,Estonia,Finland,France,Germany,Latvia,Lithuania,the Netherlands,Norway,Poland,Sweden,Turkey,the UK and the US.A myriad of capabilities will demonstrate the inherent flexibility of maritme forces,to include:amphibious operations;gunnery;anti-submarine and air defence drills;mine clearance operations;explosive ordnance disposal;unmanned underwater vehicles;and medical response.Sweden is the host nation.* The scenario builds on BALTOPS 21 story lines and continues the incorporation of the space domain in coordination with the NATO Space Centre.The team of international forces will be tasked with responding rapidly in a time of crisis.Over 45 ships;75 aircraft;and some 7,000 service members will execute the manoeuvres.US Navy warships taking part include:the amphibious assault ship USS Kearsarge (LHD 3),dock landing ship USS Gunston Hall (LSD 44),guided-missile destroyer USS Porter (DDG 78) and command ship USS Mount Whitney (LCC 20).* Strategically,Finland and Sweden's penchant for employing small missile-armed surface combatants and shore-based aircraft with Sweden's stealthy submarines in the context of Nordic geography creates significant Anti-Access/Area Denial capabilties.This could be used to block Russian transit of the North Sea and Atlantic Ocean.The exercise will take place in the Central and Southern Baltic Sea and include drills in the Stockholm archipelago near Uto;on land and sea outside Visby and Faro;on Ravlunda Exercise Field;on Osterlen and in Hano Bay.Sweden will contribute a submarine;two Visby corvettes;two minesweepers;four fighter aircraft;two helicopters and more than 500 troops.There will also be drills on riparian land ranges in Germany,Poland,Sweden and the Baltic States.Warfighting simulation will include maritime interdiction and personnel recovery,strengthening the cohesion and skillsets of NATO Allies and Partners.Personnel recovery is the recovery and reintegration of isolated military personnel,those who must survive,evade,resist or escape because they became separated from their units during combat operations.The Warrior's Ethos states:I will never leave a fallen comrade.An adversary may influence military strategy and national will by exploiting the intelligence and propaganda value of isolated personnel,according to the United States Army Combined Arms Centers.*

USS Forrest Sherman (DDG 98) Arrives In Stockholm - U.S. Naval Forces Europe and Africa/U.S. 6th Fleet

USS Forrest Sherman (DDG 98) Arrives In Stockholm: The Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Forrest Sherman (DDG 98) arrived in Stockholm, Sweden for a scheduled port visit to enhance U.S.-Sweden relations and build cohesion among key

Steadying the Eastern Flank:F-35s Posted to Estonia,Romania

On 24 February 2022,six US Air Force F-35A Lightning II Joint Strike Fighters were forward deployed to air bases in the Baltic and Black Sea Regions.The Lockheed Martin warplanes are from the 34th Fighter Squadron out of Spangdahlem Air Base,Germany.They will provide enhanced Air Policing (eAP) capability to this sensitive line so near to Russia.eAP gives NATO a way to adapt to crises and scale up defensive missions as the security situation evolves.Some of the F-35s will be based Amari Air Base,Estonia to integrate with Belgian F-16 Fighting Falcons.The other JSFs will operate out of Fetesti Air Base,Romania to integrate with Romanian F-16s.Said General Jeff Harrigian,chief of NATO Allied Air Command and Commander,U.S. Air Forces Europe and Air Forces Africa: Our forces bring advanced capabilities to confront a full spectrum of threats to our Alliance.Our ability to move aircraft anywhere at a moment's notice assures our Allies and promotes balanced defense across the Alliance.* F-35s,with their unique capabilities for communications,command and control,and lethality,provide the combined joint force leaders flexibility for power projection and assertion of warfighting Air Dominance in the highly contested environments of the Regions.Since Russia illegally annexed Crimea and instigated a separatist movement among Russian speakers in the Donbas Region of Eastern Ukraine in 2014,NATO'S eAP has helped secure regional stability and foster Ally assurance to counter destabilising influences. The F-35's advanced Electronic Warfare capabilities enable pilots to locate and track enemy forces;jam their radars;and disrupt their attacks with unparalleled effect,thus outpacing key adversaries,according to Lockheed Martin.* Lockheed Martin (LMT)

US,Netherlands Forces Put On Alert for NATO Call-Up

Some 8500 US troops have been notified today that they are on alert for call-up by NATO for the NATO Response Force (NRF) over the Ukraine crisis.NRF is a tripwire force of 40,000 multinational sea,air and land personnel,including Special Operations Forces.The Netherlands has also put its land forces and a Royal Netherlands Navy frigate on standby for this crisis response unit,which includes the 20,000 member Very High-Readiness Joint Task Force (VJTF).The exact criteria for NRF activation have not been disclosed,yet Russia is being put on notice that this activation will happen if it reaches certain milestones.The decision to heighten the alert by Secretary of Defense General Lloyd Austin III,US Army retired is about getting the units,all of them based in the US,on heightened alert for short notice deployment to Europe.Some of the units must be able to deploy in as little as five days.No final decision to deploy has been reached yet,according to Pentagon spokesman Rear Admiral John Kirby,US Navy retired.It is entirely up to NATO,which is commanded by General Tod Wolters,US Air Force,the Supreme Allied Commander Europe (SACEUR).The bulk of the troops are for the NRF,but some are for the VJTF.They include the combat credible units,the Brigade Combat Teams;aviation units;Intelligence,Surveillance and Reconnaisance;logistics,transportation,medical and engineering personnel. The US troops,a comprehensive package,are also available if other contingencies develop or the European security situation deteriorates.We have about 60,000 troops already in Europe.The call-up would primarily be to reinforce NATO'S Eastern Flank.Policy makers are working their way through the NRF activation criteria.Said Mr.Kirby: I can't rule out that there may be some deployment before an invasion.We've seen Vladimir Putin add to his military capability.We don't believe he's made that decision.He is increasing the military options available to him.* At the same time,Denmark has sent a frigate to the Baltic Sea Region and is also bulking up the NATO Air Policing Mission in Lithuania by providing four of its F-16 Fighting Falcons.* House Speaker Nancy Pelosi has requested a bi-partisan briefing on the alert for Congressional leaders.*

As NATO Foreign Ministers Meet,Battle Group Develops Tactical Skills Nearby

The NATO Foreign Ministerial is underway in Riga,Latvia .The foreign ministers will discuss current challenges to the security of NATO and the Euro-atlantic Area caused by the activity of Russian forces at the border with Ukraine,and the migrant crisis at the Polish-Belarus border,the Polish Foreign Ministry said.They will also discuss preparations for the 2022 NATO Summit in Madrid,and consult with the foreign ministers of NATO Partners Georgia and Ukraine. With regard to the Russian buildup,on 26 November the US Assistant Secretary of State for European and Eurasian Affairs,Karen Donfried,briefed reporters by phone,saying: As you can appreciate,all options are on the table and there's a toolkit that contains a whole range of options.It's now for NATO to decide what are the next moves that NATO wants to take...we will talk about our assessment of what's happening on Russia's border with Ukraine and we will begin the conversation of what are the options on the table,and what it is that NATO would like to do together.* NATO Seceretary General Jens Stoltenberg added that: If Russia uses force against Ukraine,that will have costs,that would have consequences...This military buildup is unprovoked and unexplained.It raises tensions and it risks miscalculations...this is a miltary buildup by a country that has invaded Ukraine before.* Latvia's Foreign Minister Artis Pabrik called for a US military deployment on Monday before the Foreign Ministerial began: We need additional international assistance.We would like to have a permanent United States presence in our country.And sea and air defence means basically going down to such systems as Patriot (missiles)...We have revsionism at this moment going on in Russia (the desire to reconstitute the Soviet Union having been expressed by Russian President Vladimir Putin)...from that perspective,we cannot be late here.* Meanwhile,NATO enhanced Forward Presence Battle Group Latvia,led by Canada,was practising the defence of the Latvian capital,Riga,in a snowy Latvian forest at the Adazi Training Ground,simulating the disruption of an enemy advance from north of Riga.Exercise Winter Shield 2021 runs from 22 November to 4 December,developing the cooperation and cohesion needed to protect the Baltic Sea Region.A mechanised brigade of Latvia's Home Guard;Lithuanian Armed Forces;and US Army Europe troops are participating in the drills with the eFP Battle Group,which consists of Soldiers from Albania;Canada;Czech Republic;Italy;Iceland;Montenegro;Poland;Slovakia;Slovenia;and Spain.

B-1Bs Arrive in Europe,Testing Agile Combat Deployment

On 6 October 2021,the first two of four US Air Force B-1B Lancer strategic bombers,together with their support equipment and some 200 personnelfrom the 9th Expeditionary Bomb Wing out of Dyess AFB,Texas arrived at RAF Fairford,England for a Bomber Task Force mission.The bombers were escorted by Royal Air Force fighter jets as they entered the theatre.The rotational mission will allow the bomber crews to deploy to unfamiliar airfields for integration with coalition Allies and Partners to enhance readiness.According to U.S. Air Forces Europe-Air Forces Africa Commander,General Jeff Harrigian: BTF missions amplify our coalition reach and project our collective airpower across theaters.By training and integrating with our Allies and Partners,we are expanding our ability to adapt to challenges and counter adversaries in the global security environment.* The bomber crews will fly the warplanes to strategic areas including the Arctic,Baltic Sea and Black Sea Regions,developing their skills to integrate and use the weapon systems to their maximum capacity.This is in the context of Russia's having made the Arctic a more contested region and strengthened its Anti-Access/Area-Denial capabilities in the Russian enclave of Kaliningrad;the Baltics;occupied Crimea;and on the Black Sea,posing a heightened threat to NATO's Eastern Flank. The Lancers are being deployed according to the Air Force's agile combat deployment concept.They will use ranges and conduct simulations from the high Arctic to the Horn of Africa,reducing reliance on traditional bases and shifting to dispersed forward operating locations,in accordance with the concept. Our NATO Allies and Partners seek engagement with the B-1Bs to ensure they can counter any adversarial threat within the region.Strategic bomber missions within USAFE-AFAFRICA theatres demonstrate the ability to rapidly deploy with NATO Allies and coalition Partners,providing necessary training to the joint force,U.S. European Command noted.

NATO Goes Big and Bold for the Baltic Sea Region

BALTOPS 2020, one of the largest military exercises in Northern Europe,got underway on 7 June 2020 and runs till 16 June.Warships from 17 NATO Allies and 2 Partners will be enhancing flexibility and interoperability in order to elevate preparedness for an international crisis.It is the 49th iteration of the expansive drills.*
On 8 June, the US Navy's Command and Control ship USS Mount Whitney (LCC 20) served as a platform for an MH-60 Sea Hawk helicopter from Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron 28 (HSC-28), while the Royal Norwegian Navy frigate HNoMS Otto Sverdrup (F 312) transited the Baltic Sea,as did the guided-missile destroyer USS Donald Cook (DDG 75) and the German Navy replenishment oiler FGS Rhoen (A 1443). Indeed,a German Navy Mk88 H Super Lynx helicopter flew over the Mount Whitney the same day.The multi-role chopper ranges from anti-submarine and anti-surface warfare to search and rescue and utility missions.*
About 3,000 troops,28 naval vessels and 28 aircraft are participating from 17 NATO Allies and 2 Partners from the following nations:
Canada, Denmark, Estonia,Finland, Germany, Greece,Italy,Latvia, Lithuania, the Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal,Spain, Sweden, Turkey, the UK and the US.*
HQ for the drills is Naval Striking and Support Forces NATO (STRIKFORNATO) in Lisbon, Portugal-an historic first for the exercise.NATO'S own AWACS planes will coordinate some of the air manoeuvres, the Alliance said.*
According to the Royal Navy, the drills will concentrate on core naval warfare tasks such as air defence;ASW; and mine-hunting.Frigate HMS Kent and minehunter HMS Ramsey are spearheading the RN contribution to BALTOPS.Ramsey's CO LTCR Joel Roberts explained that:
In these uncertain times, continuing to deliver on operations is essential in protecting collective NATO and UK interests, and BALTOPS demonstrates our enduring commitment to strengthen our combined understanding, diverse range of capability, and ability to respond to emerging threats.*
HMS Kent had recently conducted joint drills with the US Navy in the Barents Sea off Russia.Adept at ASW, the Kent combines passive underwater sensors and presently a Merlin helicopter from 814 Naval Air Squadron to hunt and,if need be, eliminate submarine threats.In this exercise,HMS Kent will be ready to deal with multiple threats from aircraft, boats
 and submarines with her cutting edge suite of sensors and weapon systems for detection and engagement.
Said CO CDR Matt Sykes:
In these turbulent times,it is also vitally important that we demonstrate our commitment to the Region and to upholding the principles of freedom of access to the Baltic Sea.*