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U.S. Joins 30 Other Nations for Largest NATO Exercise Since Cold War

Nov. 8, 2018 | By Air Force Staff Sgt. Megan Friedl
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Navy Adm. James G. Foggo III, commander of Allied Joint Force Command Naples, U.S. Naval Forces Europe and U.S. Naval Forces Africa, talked with NATO troops in Norway yesterday as the Trident Juncture exercise began its wrap-up phase.

Soldiers participate in a NATO exercise.
Soldiers participate in a NATO exercise.
Trident Juncture
Dutch troops practice movement operations during NATO’s Exercise Trident Juncture 2018 on Nov. 4, 2018. Trident Juncture 2018 is NATO’s largest exercise in many years, bringing together around 50,000 personnel from all 29 allies, plus partners Finland and Sweden. Around 65 vessels, 250 aircraft and 10,000 vehicles participated.
Download: Full Size (3.51 MB)
Credit: Netherlands Defense Ministry photo by Hille Hillinga
VIRIN: 181104-F-ZZ999-014

Foggo, who served as the exercise commander, applauded the efforts made by NATO forces in Norway, Sweden, Finland and Iceland during the exercise.

German soldiers board an Osprey.
German soldiers board an Osprey.
Loading Up
German infantrymen board a MV-22B Osprey tiltrotor aircraft during Exercise Trident Juncture 18 at Vaernes Air Base, Norway, Nov. 1, 2018. The exercise enhances the alliance’s and partners’ abilities to work together collectively to conduct military operations under challenging conditions. The MV-22B Osprey is with Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 365, 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing.
Download: Full Size (1.53 MB)
Credit: Lance Cpl. Cody Ohira
VIRIN: 181101-M-HR246-1203

“The strength of the alliance is our ability to come together as an alliance at least once a year for a summit, but all the time as military members and conduct self-assessments and improvements,” the admiral said.

  • Trident Juncture was the largest NATO exercise since the Cold War.
  • About 70 ships, 250 aircraft and 2,100 containers from about 250 cargo ships were offloaded in Norway, as well as about 10,000 vehicles, tanks, heavy equipment transporters and portable bridges.
  • Severe weather tested the multinational force, which included more than 50,000 participants from 31 nations.

Northern lights over the North Atlantic.
Northern lights over the North Atlantic.
Northern Lights
The Northern Lights over the North Atlantic as observed from Standing NATO Maritime Group One flagship HDMS Esbern Snare during exercise Trident Juncture, Nov. 4, 2018.
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Credit: NATO photo
VIRIN: 181104-F-ZZ999-696

NATO alliances Trident Juncture

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