Honoring U.S. Troops Deployed in Africa and the Arctic
February 21, 2025

As we observe Red Friday this week, our thoughts are with the brave men and women of the U.S. military who are deployed across the globe, carrying out critical missions in Africa and the Arctic. From the arid landscapes of East Africa, where U.S. Africa Command’s Justified Accord 2025 exercise is in full swing, to the harsh winter terrain of northern Norway preparing for Exercise Joint Viking 25, our service members are showing unwavering commitment to global security.

Approximately 1,300 U.S. troops, along with forces from NATO allies, are currently engaged in multinational exercises designed to improve readiness, combat effectiveness, and cooperation among partner nations. These exercises are no easy feat. They require immense preparation, from cold-weather training in the Arctic to joint combat drills in East Africa. Whether navigating the treacherous terrain of the Arctic or participating in complex air-ground coordination in Kenya and Tanzania, U.S. service members are proving time and again their resilience and skill.

However, while these service members are diligently serving abroad, the emotional toll of separation is felt most acutely by their families back home. The spouses, parents, children, and loved ones who remain on U.S. soil endure the uncertainty of knowing their heroes are far from home in environments that test their strength and resolve. They bear the weight of this sacrifice with grace, remaining connected through letters, calls, and video chats, all the while supporting their loved ones with unwavering pride.

As we honor our troops today, it’s essential to recognize the immense strength of the families who stand behind them. Their support and resilience are just as critical to the mission as the actions of those deployed. Together, they form a tight-knit network that strengthens the military community as a whole, from training fields to home fronts.

Today, let’s remember those who are serving overseas and the families who are waiting for their safe return. Whether training for Arctic warfare or conducting multinational military exercises, these brave individuals embody the spirit of duty, sacrifice, and resilience. We stand united in appreciation and support, reaffirming our commitment to the service members who ensure our freedom and safety, wherever they may be.

#RedFriday #SupportOurTroops #USMilitary #JustifiedAccord2025 #JointViking25 #MilitaryFamilies

U.S. Navy Participates in Multilateral Naval Exercise Komodo 2025 in Indonesia

The U.S. Navy has joined more than 20 other nations in the Multilateral Naval Exercise Komodo (MNEK) 2025, hosted by the Indonesian Navy in Bali, Indonesia. The exercise, which began on February 16 and runs through February 22, focuses on strengthening maritime partnerships and enhancing international disaster response cooperation.

This year’s iteration of MNEK brings together 38 participating countries and over 30 ships, including 19 foreign warships. Under the theme “Maritime Partnership for Peace and Stability,” the exercise emphasizes coordinated humanitarian assistance and disaster relief (HADR) operations, reinforcing the importance of regional cooperation in addressing security challenges and natural disasters.

The U.S. Navy’s participation includes the Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Dewey (DDG 105) and a P-8A Poseidon maritime patrol aircraft from Commander, Task Force 72. These assets will engage in both harbor and sea phases of the exercise. The harbor phase includes multinational workshops on critical infrastructure repairs and emergency medical response, fostering collaboration between naval forces and civilian agencies. The sea phase will focus on joint maritime maneuvers, search-and-rescue operations, and coordinated response drills designed to enhance interoperability among participating nations.

As one of the largest naval exercises in the Indo-Pacific, MNEK 2025 highlights the U.S. Navy’s commitment to working alongside allies and partners to promote regional stability and maritime security. Through this multilateral engagement, the exercise strengthens international military relationships and prepares naval forces to respond effectively to humanitarian crises and regional challenges.

U.S. Africa Command’s Largest Military Exercise Underway in East Africa

The multinational military exercise Justified Accord 2025 (JA25) is currently in full swing across East Africa, engaging approximately 1,300 personnel from 15 countries. This premier U.S. Africa Command (USAFRICOM) exercise, running from February 10 to 21, 2025, is designed to enhance multinational combat readiness, strengthen crisis response capabilities, and reinforce partnerships among participating nations.

Led by the U.S. Army Southern European Task Force, Africa (SETAF-AF), JA25 is hosted across multiple locations in Kenya, Djibouti, and Tanzania. The exercise encompasses a range of high-intensity training scenarios, including the first-ever night iteration of air-to-ground integration operations. In this groundbreaking event, partner nations coordinate with Kenyan air assets to provide close air support for multinational land forces, thereby improving joint operational effectiveness.

The opening ceremony in Tanzania, held at the Msata Military Training Base on February 11, 2025, marked the official commencement of JA25. U.S. Army soldiers from the East Africa Response Force, assigned to Combined Joint Task Force – Horn of Africa, joined forces with the Tanzania People’s Defense Force and other military leaders to launch the exercise. This collaboration underscores the commitment to regional security and the enhancement of collective defense capabilities.

A notable aspect of JA25 is the involvement of the 818th Mobility Support Advisory Squadron, which facilitated discussions on airspace operations at the Counter Insurgency, Terrorism, and Stability Operations Center in Nanyuki, Kenya. These engagements are crucial for synchronizing efforts among partner nations and ensuring seamless coordination during complex operations.

By integrating diverse military forces and conducting realistic training scenarios, Justified Accord 2025 aims to prepare regional partners for United Nations and African Union mandated missions. The exercise not only builds readiness for the U.S. joint force but also enhances multinational interoperability in support of humanitarian assistance, disaster response, and crisis management.

As JA25 progresses, it continues to serve as a testament to the strength of international military cooperation and the shared commitment to maintaining peace and stability in East Africa.

Norwegian Armed Forces and NATO Allies Prepare for Exercise Joint Viking 25

In March 2025, the Norwegian Armed Forces, alongside the U.S. Marine Corps and other NATO allies, will commence Exercise Joint Viking 25 in northern Norway. This annual winter warfare exercise is designed to enhance interoperability among allied forces and to ensure readiness in Arctic conditions.

Preparations have been underway since January, with units engaging in cold-weather training across various locations in Norway. These preparatory activities include specialized courses such as ice classification and snowmobile operations, led by the Norwegian Army Allied Training Centre in Setermoen. These sessions are crucial for familiarizing troops with the challenging Arctic environment and for building cohesion among multinational forces.

A key component of the exercise is the Health Services Capabilities Exchange, where medical personnel from participating nations collaborate to share best practices and enhance medical support interoperability. This initiative ensures that all forces can provide effective medical care in the harsh conditions expected during Arctic operations.

Exercise Joint Viking 25 will encompass a range of cold-weather combat operations, including small-unit tactics, defensive maneuvers, and logistics management in extreme environments. The exercise aims to demonstrate the rapid deployment capabilities of the U.S. Marine Corps and the collective defense readiness of NATO allies.

By conducting operations in the demanding terrain of northern Norway, Joint Viking 25 serves as a testament to the commitment of NATO forces to maintain security and stability in the Arctic region. The exercise not only hones the skills of individual units but also reinforces the strength of international military partnerships in addressing emerging global challenges.

Preparation for Joint Viking 25