Honoring Our Deployed Troops: Reflecting on Independence Day
July 5, 2024
As we reflect on the birth of our nation, which we celebrated just yesterday, our thoughts, prayers, and heartfelt wishes for good health and high spirits extend to our brave men and women in uniform who are currently deployed around the globe. Independence Day reminds us of the sacrifices made by those who serve to protect the freedoms we hold dear.
Despite the challenges faced by our service members, including heightened states of alert at several U.S. military bases across Europe due to potential terrorist threats, our troops continue to uphold their duties with unwavering dedication. The alert level was raised to Force Protection Condition (FPCON) “Charlie,” indicating a likely terrorist action or targeting against personnel or facilities. Bases affected include the U.S. Army garrison in Stuttgart, Germany, and other installations in Germany, Italy, Romania, and Bulgaria.
Our service members remain vigilant, ensuring regional stability and deterring aggression. The recent deployment of the Wasp Amphibious Ready Group (ARG) to the eastern Mediterranean Sea, joined by the IKE Carrier Strike Group (CSG) and the Royal Navy ship HMS Duncan, showcases the strength and interoperability of our allied forces. Rear Adm. Kavon Hakimzadeh, commander of Carrier Strike Group 2, praised the seamless integration between the U.S. Navy and Marine Corps teams and with international partners.
As we reflect on these recent developments, we are reminded of the immense sacrifices made by our service members and their families. Their dedication ensures the safety and security of our nation, allowing us to enjoy the freedoms that define America. This Independence Day, let us honor their commitment and extend our unwavering support.
Our thoughts and prayers are with the service members stationed abroad, particularly those facing heightened threats. We are grateful for their vigilance and resilience in these uncertain times. We also extend our support to their families, who endure long separations and the anxieties of having loved ones in harm’s way.
As we move past the festivities of Independence Day, let us remember the true spirit of this holiday – a celebration of freedom, unity, and the enduring strength of the American spirit. Our deployed troops exemplify these values, and we stand united in our gratitude and support for their service.
May our brave men and women in uniform find strength and solace in knowing that their nation stands behind them, today and always. Happy (belated) Independence Day, and may God bless America and all who defend her.
### Heightened Security Alert Across U.S. Military Bases in Europe
**June 30, 2024**
Several U.S. military bases across Europe are now operating under a heightened state of alert due to potential terrorist threats. The alert level has been raised to Force Protection Condition (FPCON) “Charlie,” the second highest state of alert, which signifies that an incident has occurred or intelligence has been received indicating a likely terrorist action or targeting against personnel or facilities.
The U.S. European Command (EUCOM) confirmed the heightened alert, stating that they are “constantly assessing a variety of factors” related to security and safety. Although specific measures have not been disclosed for operational security reasons, EUCOM emphasized the importance of vigilance among personnel.
Bases affected include the U.S. Army garrison in Stuttgart, Germany, which houses the EUCOM headquarters. Similar alerts have been issued for other bases in Germany, such as the Army’s Rheinland-Pfalz garrison, Ramstein Air Base, and installations in Romania and Bulgaria. Aviano Air Base in Italy and other installations in the country have also implemented enhanced security measures.
A U.S. official stationed at a European base mentioned that this threat level has not been seen “in at least 10 years,” indicating the military likely received an “active-reliable threat.” The heightened alert coincides with increased security concerns surrounding upcoming high-profile events in Europe, including the Paris Olympics and the European football championships in Germany.
The U.S. Army’s FPCON system ranges from Normal, indicating routine security measures, to Delta, the highest state of alert, signifying a specific and immediate threat. FPCON Charlie, now in effect, sets in motion curtailment plans for nonessential personnel and implements stringent security protocols.
EUCOM has advised all personnel in the European theater to remain vigilant, report suspicious activity, monitor Department of State travel advisories, and implement personal risk mitigation measures. This heightened security measure underscores our commitment to ensuring the safety and security of U.S. military personnel and facilities abroad.
Our thoughts and empathy are with the service members and their families who are affected by this increased threat. Their dedication and vigilance in these uncertain times are deeply appreciated, and we stand with them as they navigate these challenging circumstances.
U.S. Naval Forces Bolster Mediterranean Stability with Joint Operations
02 July 2024
The Wasp Amphibious Ready Group (ARG) has recently arrived in the eastern Mediterranean Sea to support regional stability and deter potential aggression. After a port call in Souda Bay, Crete, the IKE Carrier Strike Group (CSG) joined forces with the Wasp ARG and the Royal Navy’s HMS Duncan for joint operations, demonstrating interoperability and cooperation.
These bilateral operations enhance international relationships and showcase the synergy between the U.S. Navy, Marine Corps, and Allied forces. Rear Adm. Kavon Hakimzadeh, commander of Carrier Strike Group 2, emphasized the significance of this collaboration. “Carrier Strike Group 2 accomplished a lot on deployment, but we had yet to operate with our Marine brothers and sisters from an amphibious ready group,” he said. “The Wasp ARG is a testament to how closely our Blue/Green teams integrate, and our operations with the HMS Duncan demonstrate how effectively and expertly we are able to integrate with our partners.”
Combined, the CSG and ARG represent a formidable force of nearly 10,000 Sailors and Marines, providing the fleet commander with a wide array of shore and littoral capabilities to maintain maritime security and stability worldwide.
Capt. Nakia Cooper, Commodore of Amphibious Squadron 4 aboard USS Wasp (LHD 1), highlighted the importance of these operations. “The opportunity for the Wasp ARG-24 MEU (SOC) to integrate with the IKECSG and the HMS Duncan gives us the chance to showcase our interoperability with a CSG and our Allies as we take station in the Mediterranean,” he said.
During these joint operations, the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN 69) (IKE) hosted a family reunion at its Morale, Welfare and Recreation center. Sailors from the USS Wasp were transported via MH-60 Seahawk helicopter to the IKE, allowing them to spend time with their families before returning to the Wasp for the deployment ahead. This reunion provided a much-needed respite for IKE Sailors before they returned home after a nine-month deployment.
The IKECSG units are now heading back to their homeports in Norfolk, Virginia, and Mayport, Florida, after a nine-month deployment to the U.S. 5th and 6th Fleet areas of operations. Their missions included Operations Yukon Lightning and Prosperity Guardian, supporting maritime security and stability in the Middle East.
The IKECSG includes the USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN 69), USS Philippine Sea (CG 58), Carrier Air Wing 3 with its nine squadrons, Destroyer Squadron 22, and the guided-missile destroyers USS Mason (DDG 87) and USS Gravely (DDG 107).
The Wasp Amphibious Ready Group comprises the USS Wasp (LHD 1), USS New York (LPD 21), and USS Oak Hill (LSD 51).
For over 80 years, U.S. Naval Forces Europe-Africa (NAVEUR-NAVAF) has built strategic relationships with allies and partners to maintain security and stability. Headquartered in Naples, Italy, NAVEUR-NAVAF oversees U.S. naval forces in the U.S. European Command (USEUCOM) and U.S. Africa Command (USAFRICOM) areas of responsibility, with the U.S. Sixth Fleet permanently assigned to NAVEUR-NAVAF to conduct joint and naval operations across the region.
Alert Levels Lowered at Key U.S. Military Bases in Europe
July 3, 2024
On Wednesday, several U.S. Army garrisons and Ramstein Air Base in Europe lowered their alert statuses after a period of heightened security. U.S. Army Garrison Rheinland-Pfalz, based in Kaiserslautern, shifted to force protection condition “Bravo-plus,” while Ramstein Air Base returned to condition Bravo. These bases form the largest U.S. military community overseas.
The military employs a system of force protection levels—Normal, Alpha, Bravo, Charlie, and Delta—with Bravo indicating an increased or more predictable threat of terrorist activity. Bravo-plus signifies additional security measures as needed, while Charlie applies when a specific threat or intelligence suggests a likely terrorist action.
The Rheinland-Pfalz alert affects installations in Kaiserslautern, Baumholder, and outlying areas, including Romania and Bulgaria. The Air Force’s 86th Airlift Wing at Ramstein emphasized the importance of vigilance to ensure the safety of service members and their families.
The Army garrison in Stuttgart, home to U.S. European and Africa commands, also lowered its alert level to Bravo, followed by the Wiesbaden garrison, headquarters for U.S. Army Europe and Africa. EUCOM stated that it constantly evaluates factors to adjust security measures and protect personnel and families.
Despite these changes, some bases, including Aviano Air Base and the Navy installation in Naples, Italy, remained at condition Charlie. The heightened alert had led to traffic delays, reduced services, and remote work for some employees. The return to Bravo comes as service members and their families prepare to celebrate U.S. Independence Day on Thursday.
