Train Steadfast Defender will contain roughly 90,000 forces from 31 Allies and Sweden. The train will validate NATO’s capability to deploy forces quickly from North America and different components of the Alliance to strengthen the protection of Europe, and to showcase NATO’s capability to conduct and maintain advanced multi-domain operations over a number of months, throughout hundreds of miles, and in any circumstances, from the Excessive North to Central and Japanese Europe.
“The Gunston Corridor and her group are trying ahead to constructing on the sturdy strategic relationships we’ve established in NATO,” mentioned Cmdr. Christopher W. Van Loenen, commanding officer, Gunston Corridor. “We’re excited to have our companions and allies launched into our ship all through Steadfast Defender 2024, showcasing interoperability and our ship to shore capabilities.”
That is the primary port name for Gunston Corridor following its departure from Naval Station Norfolk, Jan. 24. Throughout Steadfast Defender, Gunston Corridor will take part in Workout routines Joint Warrior and Nordic Response. The Gunston Corridor arrived within the Sixth Fleet space of operations on Feb. 1.
Gunston Corridor is likely one of the most versatile amphibious platforms within the U.S. Navy. With two giant helicopter touchdown pads, the biggest nicely deck within the fleet and troop berthing amenities, she has the flexibility to embark a various array of navy forces, together with NATO Allies and companions when wanted. The U.S. ship is amongst greater than 50 NATO naval belongings, 80 air platforms, and 1,100 fight automobiles collaborating in Steadfast Defender. This 12 months marks the 75th anniversary of the NATO Alliance, and the train is the biggest NATO train in 36 years.
For over 80 years, U.S. Naval Forces Europe-Africa (NAVEUR-NAVAF) has cast strategic relationships with allies and companions, leveraging a basis of shared values to protect safety and stability.
Headquartered in Naples, Italy, NAVEUR-NAVAF operates U.S. naval forces within the USEUCOM and USAFRICOM areas of duty. U.S. Sixth Fleet is completely assigned to NAVEUR-NAVAF, and employs maritime forces by the total spectrum of joint and naval operations.
