North Atlantic Treaty Organization
Allied Command Operations
June 10, 2014
NATO JOINS EXERCISE SABER STRIKE 2014 IN THE BALTICS
NATO Allies are participating in Exercise Saber Strike 2014 which is underway in the Baltics. The U.S. led exercise, which kicked off on Monday, 9 June 2014, at the Adazi training area, Latvia, aims to improve joint operational capability and interoperability with regional Allies and Partners.
The exercise involves a command post exercise; computer assisted exercise as well as a situational training component. It will feature the integration of U.S. close air support with partner nation ground forces and a demonstration of air deployment of forces and equipment.
Brig. Gen. Ainars Ozolins, exercise co-director of the Saber Strike exercise, gives a thumbs up to Maj. Gen. Mark McQueen, the other exercise co-director, during the opening ceremony at Adazi Training Area in Latvia, 9 June 2014. Saber Strike is a multilateral, multifaceted exercise designed to enhance joint and combined interoperability with the U.S. and allied partners. – U.S. Army National Guard photo by Staff Sgt. Brett Miller, 116th Public Affairs Detachment/ Released
A coordination team from Joint Force Command Brunssum will be on hand to enhance NATO’s ability to work together with other NATO allies and key regional partners. This element is intended to support training and exercise events within the command’s area of responsibility.
NATO’s participation in Saber Strike 2014 will also provide the opportunity for the Alliance to train together, strengthening NATO and bilateral ties, promoting interoperability and building confidence and assurance between participating Allies. Participating countries include the Baltic Nations of Latvia, Lithuania and Estonia, as well as Canada, Denmark, Finland, Norway, Poland, the United Kingdom and the United States.
Saber Strike 2014 will take place throughout the Baltic region until 20 June.
Story by SHAPE Public Affairs Office
Source