United States European Command
September 25, 2014
Statement on arrival of 1-1CD for Operation Atlantic Resolve
By U.S. European Command Media Operations Division
Stuttgart, Germany: U.S. European Command spokesman Navy Capt. Greg Hicks, director of Communication and Engagement, provided the following statement:
“Over the coming weeks, as part of the next bilateral Operation Atlantic Resolve (OAR) land force rotation, elements of the U.S. Army’s 1st Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division will begin deploying to Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania and Poland with tanks, mechanized vehicles, and other heavy military equipment.
“The new rotation replaces U.S. Army Europe’s 173rd Airborne Brigade, which has been training with Polish and Baltic forces since April 23, 2014. The units from 1st Cavalry Division are in the Baltics and Poland to continue the U.S. Army’s land force assurance training and to enhance multinational interoperability, strengthen relationships, and demonstrate the United States’ commitment to NATO Allies.
“These OAR rotations are the next phase in the continuous presence that NATO Allies have committed to in Poland and the Baltics as a result of Russia’s aggression in Ukraine. The intent is to reassure Allies and adapt the Alliance’s strategic military posture in response to regional security challenges.
“Operation Atlantic Resolve is a clear demonstration of NATO’s Article 5 commitment to collective defense. As part of that unwavering commitment, the United States remains dedicated to maintaining a persistent rotational presence of air, ground, and naval resources in Poland and the Baltic states.
“U.S. European Command is pleased that other NATO Allies have joined in conducting training and exercise activity in the region; we encourage other Allies to do so as well. Through such cooperative exercises and activities, the U.S., and the Alliance as a whole, will increase the readiness and interoperability of NATO.”
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