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.

US Marines, NATO. Armored vehicles and artillery during military exercises in Norway - YouTube - MIL 3010

US Marines practised in austere cold weather,montane and Arctic conditions with live-fire drills in Norway.Bradley Infantry Fighting Vehicles are manufactured by General Dynamics Land Systems Canada.General Dynamics (GD)

NATO's High North:U.S. Arctic Strategy 2024 - Part 1

According to a prefatory Memorandum by U.S. Secretary of Defense General Lloyd F. Austin III,U.S. Army ret.:The United States is an Arctic nation,and the region is critical to the defense of our Homeland,the protection of U.S. national sovereignty,and our defense treaty commitments...Major geopolitical changes are driving the need for this new strategic approach to the Arctic,including Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine,the accession of Finland and Sweden into the NATO Alliance,increasing collaboration between the People's Republic of China (PRC) and Russia,and the accelerating impact of climate change.This increasingly accessible region is becoming a venue for strategic competition,and the United States must stand ready to meet the challenge alongside Allies and Partners.This new DOD strategy directs the Department to enhance its Arctic capabilities,deepen engagement with Allies and Partners,and exercise our forces to build readiness for operations at high latititudes...This strategy represents prudent and measured efforts to protetct U.S. interests in the face of new challenges and an evolving security environment.*In the body of U.S. Arctic Strategy 2024,it notes:The National Defense Strategy (2022) directs that activities in the Arctic will be calibrated to reflect a "monitor-and-respond" approach that is underpinned by robust intelligence collection capabilities,security cooperation with our regional Allies and Partners,and the deterrent value of the DOD'S ability to deploy the Joint Force at the time and place of our choosing...This strategy will strengthen the ability of the United States to build integrated deterrence and effectively manage risk to U.S. interests in the Arctic Region by enhancing our domain awareness and Arctic capabilities;engaging with Allies,Partners and key stakeholders;and exercising tailored presence...The North American Arctic Region comprises the northern approaches to the homeland and includes sovereign U.S. territiory in Alaska-home to significant U.S. defense infrastructure (Eielson Air Force Base;Fort Greely;Fort Wainwright;Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson;Clear Space Force Station),and the sovereign territory of NATO Allies including Canada and the Kingdom of Denmark's autonomous territory of Greenland.Vital for homeland defense,the North American Arctic Region hosts aerospace warning,aerospace control and maritime warning capabilities for the binational U.S.-Canada North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD).The North American Arctic Region is also integrated to the execution of Indo-Pacific operations,as the Northern Flank for projecting force from the U.S. homeland to that region.*Geographically,the European Arctic Region comprises the Arctic territory of NATO Allies Finland,Iceland,Norway and Sweden,as well as Russia's Kola Penninsula.Collaboration in this region between Unified Combatant Commands (CCMDs-U.S. European Command,U.S. Northern Command and U.S. Indo-Pacific Command) and Arctic Allies is critical to the collective defense of NATO Allies and to U.S. homeland defense.The accession of new NATO Allies and the strengthening of the NATO Alliance opens strategic opportunities and supports critical objectives in the National Strategy for the Arctic Region (NSAR 2022).The Arctic serves as an avenue for power projection between North America and Europe.The Arctic includes multiple strategically significant maritime chokepoints.Reduction in sea ice due to climate change means chokepoints such as the Bering Sea between Alaska and Russia (you can see Russia from Alaska) and Russia and the Barents Sea north of Norway,are becoming more navigable and more economically and miltarily significant.

USMC. F-35B Lightning II fighter jets during winter exercises in Norway,NATO - YouTube

Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 542 (VFMA-542) Tigers deployed to Norway from Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point,North Carolina with their F-35B Lightning IIB Joint Strike Fighters to participate in NATO Exercise Arctic Response.The drills are held every two years to provide military competency in challenging Arctic conditions.They foster interoperability between the USMC and Allied nations.F/A-18 Hornet legacy aircraft were also deployed.

US Marines on snowmobiles during winter exercises in Norway, NATO.

The US Marines have been in Norway for NATO Exercise Arctic Response.It is held every two years to promote military competence in harsh Arctic conditions.It also fosters interoperability with Allied nations.

Defence Cooperation:US and Denmark Complete Another Link in Nordic Security Chain

According to the Danish Ministry of Defence,the US and Denmark have agreed on a bilateral Defence Cooperation Agreement (DCA) that will enable a more permanent presence of American military personnel at specific military installations in Denmark.Said Danish Minister of Defence Troel Lund Poulsen:The Defence Cooperation Agreement is a historic agreement for Denmark.It will strengthen defence and security cooperation with our most important ally.Strong bilateral ties and close cooperation with the United States in NATO are crucial for security in Europe.This will enable the United States to contribute even more to our collective defence and deterrence in Europe-a core responsibility for NATO.Added Minister for Foreign Affairs Lars Lokke Rasmussen:In a world characterised by insecurity,mistrust and confrontation,it is important for Denmark to have strong relations with the United States.The Defence Cooperation Agreement will benefit Denmark and Danish citizens.The closer cooperation with the United States will strengthen European security,and it shows that Denmark is willing to take more responsibility.This is good for both Europe and cooperation in NATO.*The DCA entails that American personnel and materiel can be stationed at specific Danish military installations for both short-term and long-term.Specifically,the agreement will allow American personnel access to three Danish air bases.The Faroe Islands and Greenland are not covered by the agreement.Greenland has its own arrangement with the US Space Force.According to the DCA document,United States forces,their dependents and US contractors,may be present on the territory of Denmark and that the purpose of such presence is to further the efforts of the Parties to promote peace and security in the areas of mutual interest and benefit,and to take part in common defence efforts.*Under the DCA,U.S. forces,U.S. contractors,Danish contractors,dependents and others as mutually agreed upon are authorised unimpeded access to and use of Agreed Facilities and Areas for visits;training;exercises;manoeuvres;transit;support and related activities;refueling of aircraft;bunkering of vessels;landing and recovery of aircraft;temporary maintenance of vehicles,vessels and aircraft;accomodation of personnel;communications;staging and deploying of personnel and materiel;pre-postioning of equipment,supplies and materiel;security assistance and cooperation activities;humanitarian and disaster relief activities;contingency operations;construction or support of mutually agreed activities;and such other purposes as the Parties or their Executive Agents may agree,including those undertaken in the framework of the North Atlantic Treaty.*The DCA provides for the Danish Executive Agent to make reasonable efforts to facilitate temporary access to and use of private land and facilities (including roads,ports and airfields) and public facilities (including roads,ports and airfields) that are not part of an Agreed Facility and Area.This Agreement shall have an initial term of ten (10) years.After the initial term,it shall continue in force,but may be terminated by either Party by one (1) year's written notice to the other Party through diplomatic channels.*Annex A,Agreed Facilities and Areas:Karup Air Base,Skrydstrup Air Base,Aalborg Air Base.The DCA was signed on 21 December 2023 in the U.S. Department of State Treaty Room in Washington,DC by Secretary of State Antony Blinken and Danish Foreign Minister Lars Rasmussen.A DCA with Norway was signed with Norway in 2021;a DCA with Sweden was signed on 5 December 2023;and a DCA with Finland was signed on 18 December 2023.*Iceland is also a Nordic country,but so far no DCA has been negotiated with it.NATO already provides Air Policing for Iceland.

NATO Secretary General with the 🇺🇸 US Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken,O1 JUN 2023 - Oslo,Norway

Gerald R. Ford Carrier Strike Group Integrates Norwegian Frigate

Before arriving in Oslo,Norway on a scheduled port visit,the Gerald R. Ford Carrier Strike Group (GRFCSG),also called Carrier Strike Group 12 (CSG 12),integrated Norwegian frigate HNoMS Roald Amundsen (F 311) as the GRFCSG Surface Warfare Commander,building collective operational experience at sea and showcasing a powerful display of the US Navy and Royal Norwegian Navy's interoperability,said U.S. Naval Forces Europe and Africa/U.S. Sixth Fleet.On 24 May 2023,USS Gerald R. Ford (CVN 78) arrived and anchored at the head of the Oslo Fjord.A fjord is a long,narrow inlet between high cliffs,typically formed by the submergence of a glaciated valley. Said new CSG 12 Commander Rear Admiral Erik J. Eslich: Norway is a strategic partner in the continued effort to maintain a secure and stable Arctic and North Atlantic region that benefits global order.* The Ford hosted local officials and key leaders for a reception to honour the US-Norway relationship.According to the Ford's Commanding Officer,Captain Rick Burgess: It is an honor,joy and thrill to visit Oslo and show our cherished partner the Navy's newest class of aircraft carriers.* GRFCSG deployed from Naval Base Norfolk,Virginia on 2 May 2023 and,since that time,has been conducting joint and combined training,exercises and operations to help reduce maritime security risk associated with increased activity in the high north.The CSG sailed with Standing NATO Maritime Group One (SNMG1) for several days,refining Tactics,Techniques and Procedures (TTPs) to increase interoperability,such as by conducting a passing exercise (PASSEX).* So CVN 78 represents a generational leap in the USN's capability to project power on a global scale.No fewer than 23 new technologies are introduced on the Ford-class of carriers,advances intended to deliver greater lethality;survivability;and joint interoperability with a 20% smaller crew than the Nimitz-class which preceded it,paving the way forward for naval aviation.The Ford's deployment demonstrates the commitment and power projection capabilities of the Navy's globally deployed force.So the GRFCSG provides an inherently flexible naval force capable of deploying across combatant commands to meet emergency missions,deter potential adversaries,reassure Allies and Partners,enhance security and guarantee the free flow of global commerce.A total of more than 6,000 Sailors across all platforms of CSG 12 are ready to respond globally to combatant commander tasking. CSG 12 consists of:Carrier Air Wing 8 (CAW 8);Destroyer Squadron 2 (DESRON 2),which includes Arleigh Burke-class guided missile destroyers USS McFaul (DDG 74),USS Ramage (DDG 74),and USS Thomas Hudner (DDG 116);and Ticonderoga-class guided missile cruiser USS Normandy (CG 60).An undisclosed nuclear-powered attack submarine typically accompanies a CSG for force protection.The Ford's first-in-class technology includes a new nuclear plant;the ability to generate at least three times the electrical power;innovative advanced arresting gear;and the electromagnetic aircraft launch system (EMALS).EMALS expands the aircraft launch envelope,paving the way for innovation for manned/unmanned aircraft as well as providing the opportunity for other technological advancements in the future.* On 26 May 2023,His Royal Highness Crown Prince Haakon of Norway joined Captain Richard Burgess in a ship tour while the Ford was anchored off the Oslo coast.HRH was attired in his dress blue admiral's uniform.Indeed,a change of command ceremony transferred command of CSG 12 from Rear Admiral Greg Huffman to Rear Admiral Eslich at the same anchorage.After being anchored there for five days,the Ford headed south from Oslo between Norway and Sweden,and out to the North Sea on 29 May,according to a maritime tracking service.

Boeing and CAE to Enhance P-8 Training Solutions - Avionics International

Boeing and CAE to Enhance P-8 Training Solutions - Avionics International: Boeing and CAE signed teaming agreements to expand multi-mission platform collaboration for the P-8 Poseidon program in Canada, Norway, & Germany. Boeing (BA),CAE Inc (CAE)

Ripple effects in the Arctic - American Legion

Ripple effects in the Arctic: In the face of Putin’s aggression, NATO looks to take a more proactive approach to the High North.

Cold Response 22 : Huge NATO Drills Aim to Defend Norway

On 10 March 2022,NATO Exercise Cold Response 22 (CORE 22) began,the largest cold weather operations drills in 30 years.About 200 aircraft,20 warships and 35,000 troops from 28 countries,including US Air Force B-52H Stratofortress bombers in Europe on a Bomber Task Force mission,will participate.The exercise integrates Land,Sea and Air assets which will execute Air-Land and Air-Sea combat manoeuvres,with Allied fighter aircraft practising bomber escort procedures,highlighting the Alliance's dynamic capabilities.Traversing vast wilderness,Allies and Partners will conduct live-fire drills and leap into freezing lakes,honing arctic warfighting skills to ensure our armed forces can respond to any threat or crisis in the extreme and rugged arctic environment of Norway,which ranges from fjords to seas and mountains.Norway has a 195.7 kilometer/121.6 mile land border,and a 23.2 kilometer/14.4 mile sea border,with Russia. Said US Air Force General Jeff Harrigian,Commander,Allied Air Command: Integrating and training with our Allies and Partners allows us to exercise our combined capabilities while deterring aggression against NATO.* The exercise scenario will show how a unified mutilateral force would defend Norway and Europe's Northern Flank from a modern adversary.Some 900 Royal Marines will spearhead UK involvement from Royal Navy assault ship HMS Albion.UK Merlin and Wildcat helicopters will patrol the skies,supporting commando operations under Brigadier Rich Cantrill alongside a wide range of warplanes from across NATO,including F-35 Lightning II Joint Strike Fighters.The drills,which run through 10 April,will prepare for any contingency while providing the chance to learn how to work together.Besides the UK,other particiapnts include Finland,France,Germany,Italy,the Netherlands,Norway,Sweden and the USA.The flotilla of NATO warships is led by the UK aircraft carrier HMS Prince of Wales and includes a British attack submarine,the name of which is classified.Also in the flotilla is the US Navy Arleigh Burke-class guided missile destroyer USS Roosevelt (DDG 80);Royal Navy frigates HMS Richmond and HMS Northumberland;and Royal Navy destroyer HMS Defender.In the course of the exercise,UK commandos will raid positions along the coast to prepare the beachhead for larger amphibious forces.* The biannual drills were planned eight months before Russia's invasion of Ukraine on 24 February.*

NATO. Attack aircraft AV-8B Harrier II US Marines arrived in Norway - NATO Exercise Cold Response 2022

Naval Strategy:U.S. 2nd Fleet One Year On

On 24 August 2019 the U.S. 2nd Fleet marked the 1st anniversary of its Establishment Ceremony,which took place aboard the aircraft carrier USS George H.W. Bush (CVN 77) at Norfolk,Virginia.The Fleet was given the following Mission:
To develop and employ maritime forces ready to fight across multiple domains in the Atlantic and Arctic in order to ensure access,deter aggression,and defend U.S.,allied and partner interests.*
Writing for the Business Insider website,the commander of U.S. 2nd Fleet and NATO Joint Force Command Norfolk,VADM Andrew Lewis,said that:
The last time 2nd Fleet existed,the world looked very different than it does now:Today maritime superiority,vital to our national security,has been placed at risk by resurgent powers,namely Russia and China,seeking to supplant the US as the partner of choice around the world.The 2nd Fleet of today has redirected its strategic focus from mainly training units to deploy to regional conflicts in the Middle East to operating high-end naval forces and developing tactics to deter potential conflicts,to include near-peer adversaries in the North Atlantic and Arctic.*
We must be present in contested spaces-and virtual presence is not true presence.US 2nd Fleet is focused on the waters from the East Coast to the Arctic,Norway,and approaches of the Baltic and Azores.*
VADM Lewis continued:
Russia considers itself THE great power in the Arctic,and China is certainly interested in the hydrocarbon and fish available in those waters.If we do not get into the Arctic with a measured and deliberate approach,the area is destined for conflict.*
The greatest challenge I have faced is disrupting the sense of normalcy established during years of fighting FROM the sea,rather than fighting UPON the sea.We need to take a close look at the assets we have and ensure we are employing them appropriately and fighting as fleets rather than task groups or units.*
We are building US 2nd Fleet to be the market disrupter that changes the way we fight as a fleet-as a coalition-and in doing so,we will be ready to fight.*

Shop Talk:Read About the Arctic Challenge Exercise 2019

Please read my post on my Wall Street Workbook blog:
Air Wargames:Arctic Challenge Exercise 2019
It covers an important NORDEFCO/NATO exercise coming up soon.http://wallstreetworkbook.blogspot.com
http://wallstreetworkbook.blogspot.com

NATO's Trident Juncture 2018 at Full Force

The largest NATO exercise in recent memory is now fully engaged in overcoming wintry challenges in Northern and Central Norway.Trident Juncture 18 got underway with the US Marines doing preliminary training in Iceland in mid-October.This was followed by the Live Field Exercise beginning on 25 October and extending to 7 November.
The Marines have provided the biggest contingent from the US military at the drills.Landing in Iceland via the MV-22 Osprey tiltrotor aircraft and the CH-53E Super Stallion helicopter from the USS Iwo Jima (LHD 7) amphibious assault ship,dozens of Marines secured Keflavik Air Base on 17 October and set up a communications relay point before turning the base over to Icelandic National Police armed with automatic weapons.On 19 October,the Marines marched inland to a cold weather training site attired in watch caps,gaiters and snow/mud boots.
Altogether,more than 14,000 US troops from the Army,Navy,Marines and Air Force are participating in TJ 18.
On 29 October,the Marines from the 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit went on to conduct an amphibious assault in the Landing Craft Air-Cushioned at Alvund,Norway.*
Operationally,the focus of the drills is qualifying the Very High Readiness Joint Task Force (VJTF) 2019 and testing the Alliance's follow-on forces.Norway is learning how to host these reinforcing Allied troops.
The importance of the Bundeswehr to NATO is being emphasised at the exercise.A brigade of German troops initiated TJ 18,and Germany is leading the VJTF 2019 with its 9th Armoured Demonstration Brigade,Munster (tanks).In all,some 8,000 German personnel will field 200 armoured vehicles and 20 Leopard 2 Combat Tanks in the drills.*
The 65 warships in TJ 18 are interacting with the aircraft carrier USS Harry 
S Truman (CVN 75).*
All 29 NATO Allies are involved in the drills,as are partner nations Sweden and Finland,whose airspace is being utilised.The scenario involves a NATO Ally invoking the Article V collective defence clause when an enemy attacks.The VJTF responds first and is then reinforced.NATO's land forces in Norway are being led by Canadian Forces LTGEN Christian Juneau.
NATO is testing its total defence concept at freezing point,conducting collective defence with all-domain warfighting just below the Arctic Circle,while dealing with such conditions as ice,mud,rain and snow.

Strategic Thinking:US Marines Increasing Presence in Norway

One of the main events for US Marine Forces Europe and Africa this summer was the augmentation of its rotational presence in Norway,at the request of the Norwegian government as stated in a bilateral document.This provides for:
1.More than doubling the number of Marines from about 330 to 700;
2.Establishing a second rotation of Marines in Trom County,Northern Norway,around 250 miles from the Russian border;and
3.Extending the programme for another five years.
The programme began in 2017 with a rotation in Central Norway's Trondheim area,some 900 miles from the Russian border.In a crisis,these troops could be rapidly shifted to Sweden as a Baltic reinforcement.
Besides troop rotations,the Marines have been prepositioning military equipment in the Trondelg area under the Marine Corps Prepositioning Program-Norway (MCPP-N).The MCPP-N is intended to supply a full Marine Air-Ground Task Force (MAGTF) or Marine Expeditionary Brigade (MEB) for 30 days if bolstered with additional supplies.There are 6 caves and 2 storage facilities near air bases in this Central Norway location for Marine Corps vehicles and other gear.The exact locations are classified;but the stated purpose of the caches is to support global operations.
The Marines also utilise the Maritime Prepositioning Force (MPF),storing their gear on ships.The gear is used for exercises in Northern Europe and Theater Security Cooperation Events,as well as being on hand for crisis response.*
Most of the Marines are based near Trondheim;under the new agreement,an undisclosed number will rotate to the Arctic Trom region.Indeed,even those in Central Norway have concentrated on acquiring Arctic warfighting skills.Norway is very concerned about Russia's Arctic activities,since Norway's land border with Russia is in the Far North;as well,Russia's Northern Fleet transits the Barents Sea,including ballistic missile submarines armed with ICBMs.*
In strategic circles,it is commonly believed Russia might launch a surprise ground attack on the Baltic States,fortified with its anti-access/area denial advantage from its ballistic missile,air power and surface-to-air defence assets in the Russian enclave of Kaliningrad,which is located between Poland and Lithuania on the Baltic Sea.
This scenario could also entail a quick strike on Sweden's Gotland Island to establish a second Baltic A2AD chokehold,so the Marines have done some training on Gotland,during the Aurora 17 drills.

NATO's Trident Juncture 18:Testing the Alliance in the Northern Reaches

Norway has issued a news release on the upcoming NATO Exercise Trident Juncture 18.It describes TJ 18 as one of the largest drills ever held in Norway,with more than 40,000 NATO and partner personnel taking part.They will be supported by about 130 aircraft;70 vessels;and 10,000 vehicles.*
TJ 18's tactical drills will run from 25 October to 7 November 2018;while the command post exercise (CPX) will run from 14-23 November 2018.The exercise will test the full spectrum of warfighting through its air,land,maritime,Special Operations Forces and amphibious scenarios,challenging both the NATO Response Force and other Allied and partner units with a view to seamless integration.*
Leading the drills will be Admiral James G. Foggo III,US Navy,Commander,NATO Joint Force Command,Naples.*
The exercise will be staged in Central and Eastern Norway and the adjacent waters of the North Atlantic Ocean and the Baltic Sea,and extending into Finnish and Swedish airspace in the bargain.The potential for adverse Nordic weather conditions may lend realism through additional hazards that need to be overcome by the Allied and partner forces.

Groundwork for War:NATO Partner Sweden Prints Leaflets as Alliance Readies Massive Exercise

Sweden,appalled by Russia's illegal and unprincipled acts of recent years,such as the invasion and annexation of Crimea in 2014,has recently printed and mailed 4.7 million leaflets to all its households entitled "If Crisis or War Comes." The leaflet advises:
Think about how you and people around you will be able to cope with a major strain.*
The publication recommends steps such as the following:
Stock up on non-perishable food such as canned sardines and energy bars.
To combat the cold,darkness and communications blackout during a power failure,obtain woolen clothing,sleeping bags,as well as candles and lanterns,battery-powered radios and a mobile phone charger adaptable to automobiles.*
It also covers where to find clean water and bomb shelters in Sweden.Besides conventional war,the leaflet covers cyber and terrorist attacks,natural disasters and major accidents.*
According to a 4 April 2018 article in NATO Review magazine by Dr.Bjorn van Sydow,Swedish Defence Commissioner and Head of Sweden's delegation to NATO's Parliamentary Assembly:
There is now a growing realisation among NATO members and partners that challenges to European security and the rules-based international order must be met by rapidly transforming our defence postures and preparing our societies for the harshness of armed conflict.Deterrence and reassurance built on increased cooperation and joint action are necessary steps,but,on the national level,every country must also improve their societal preparedness to meet this new security environment.Consequently,the key printing of the present Swedish Defence Bill,passed in 2015,is to enhance the warfighting capability of the Armed Forces.This includes the development of a Total Defence concept encompassing both military and civilian defence in a whole-of-society approach to security.*
For its part,NATO Joint Forces Command Naples is already preparing Exercise Trident Juncture 2018,the largest NATO drill,which is held every three years.The live portion of the drills is sited in Northern and Central Norway in October 2018,while JFC Naples and designated subordinate commands will be seeking certification as NRF 2019 during the command post exercise in November.More than 30 countries will take part in TJ 18.The scenarios will train the Very High Readiness Joint Task Force,or VJTF,and its parent,the NATO Response Force 2019.
Admiral James Foggo,US Navy,Commander US Naval Forces Europe,US Naval Forces Africa and JFC Naples,explained:
We are not an offensive Alliance;we don't go looking for a fight;but we will defend our territory and we will deter any adversary who takes action against us.So we're going to prove that here in October when we do Trident Juncture 18.*
Consequently,JFC Naples has deployed its Operational Liaison and Reconnaissance Team to Bodo,Norway.This small unit will liaise with Norwegian authorities along with military and civilian counterparts as the environment surrounding the exercise scenario develops.*
TJ 18 will involve nearly 40,000 troops;70 ships;and 130 aircraft.

US,UK and Norway Ink Pact - North Atlantic security needs addressed

On 29 June 2017,the US,UK and Norway drew even closer as they signed a memorandum of intent to outline principles of cooperation for North Atlantic security.The new pact by the three NATO Allies comprises a framework for future cooperation based on the fact that all three will be heavily relying on the P-8A Poseidon maritime patrol and surveillance aircraft by 2023,if not before.The US has already put the P-8A in service;while the UK and Norway are preparing for stationing and maintaining the Poseidon.*
The Poseidon is a modified Boeing 737-800 ERX airliner that has both surveillance and maritime strike capability for both anti-submarine and anti-surface warfare.It is armed with five internal and six external struts for the AGM-84H/K SLAM-ER and AGN-84 Harpoon missiles;the Mark 54 torpedo;and the High-Altitude Anti-Submarine Warfare Weapon Capability (HAAWC).*
The memorandum was signed by Defence Ministers Michael Fallon of the UK;Jim Mattis of the US;and Ine Eriksen Soreide of Norway on the sidelines of the recent NATO Defence Ministerial in Brussels.The ministers described the pact as being:
a statement of intent to lay out guiding principles for a trilateral partnership with P-8A aircraft to address the changing security environment in the North Atlantic.As the United States,the United Kingdom,and Norway continue to work to advance trilateral maritime security cooperation,this agreement establishes a framework for further cooperation in areas such as readiness,enhancing defence capability,and interoperability.*
The agreement is a foundation for such capabilities as coordination of operations in the North Atlantic and other regions as necessary,exchange of information,and exploring opportunities to co-locate maintenance and training assets,a defence official told USNI News.For example,the US and UK have already signed an agreement to base US Navy P-8As at RAF Lossiemouth,Scotland.*
Vice-Admiral James G. Foggo III,former commander of the US Navy's 6th Fleet and nominee to command US Naval Forces Europe and Africa,told Proceedings magazine:
Not only have Russia's actions and capabilities increased in alarming and confrontational ways,its national security policy is aimed at challenging the United States and its NATO Allies and partners.*
There is agreement in NATO and defence analytical circles that Russian naval activity has grown more aggressive since it annexed Crimea and instigated unrest in Eastern Ukraine in 2014.In 2015,the Nordic Defence Cooperation countries of Norway,Sweden,Denmark,Finland and Iceland said:
Russia's conduct represents the biggest challenge to European Security.As a consequence,the security situation around the Nordic countries has significantly weakened during the past year.We must be prepared to respond to face possible crises or incidents.The Russian military is acting provocatively along our borders,and there have been several border violations around the Baltic Sea.Closer cooperation in Northern Europe and solidarity with the Baltic states will contribute to stronger security in our region and raise the threshold for possible military incidents.*
The UK is currently preparing facilities for the P-8A at RAF Lossiemouth,Scotland.Both Royal Air Force and Royal Navy personnel will crew the nine aircraft the UK is purchasing.Their initial training is taking place in the US,as will depot level maintenance of UK P-8As.*
Boeing (BA)

Bulletin:Norway Approves Basing of US Marines - accepts Pentagon plan

Norway announced yesterday it has accepted the Pentagon's proposal to base 330 US Marines on its territory,reversing a longstanding policy of not allowing foreign troops to be based in Norway.The rotational basing at Vaernes Air Station near Trondheim in Central Norway some 100 kilometers from the Russian border will be for a trial period in 2017.
Last week,there was concern when a number of Russian warships sailed down from Severomorsk and along the Norwegian coastline as they made their way to Syria.*
The US initiative is welcome and also fits well within ongoing processes in NATO to increase exercises,training and interoperability within the Alliance,said Norwegian Defence Minister Ine Erikson Soreide.The defence of Norway is dependent on allied reinforcements,and it is crucial for Norwegian security that our Allies come here to gain knowledge of how to operate in Norway with Norwegian forces.*
A Marine Corps presence in Norway will increase NATO's ability to rapidly aggregate and employ forces in Northern Europe,said Major General Niel E. Nelson,commander,US Marine Forces Europe.*
Norway currently stores a large amount of NATO equipment in caves,restoring its Cold War practice.It is said that the equipment,including tanks,is enough for 15,000 Marines.*
The Marines already have a rotational presence in NATO with their Black Sea Rotational Force being based at Mihail Kogalniceanu Air Base,Romania.