Honoring Our Deployed Heroes and Their Sacrifices
On this RED FRIDAY, Connecticut Veterans Bulletin (CVB) reminds all of us of the incredible sacrifices made by our U.S. service members deployed around the world. As we wear red in solidarity, we reaffirm our commitment to supporting the men and women who stand on the frontlines, away from their families and homes, ensuring our security and the security of our allies.
Today, we share three stories that highlight some of the critical missions being carried out by our military. From the seas off East Africa to the heart of Europe, these brave service members continue to carry out their duties with professionalism and honor. Their courage and dedication are an inspiration to us all.
1. Cutlass Express 2025: Strengthening Maritime Security in East Africa
In one of the world’s most strategically significant regions, U.S. service members are participating in Cutlass Express 2025, a maritime security operation aimed at enhancing the safety of vital shipping lanes and combating illegal activity. This mission, which involves several allied nations, is a critical effort in promoting stability across East Africa, where maritime threats have a direct impact on global commerce and security.
2. USS O’Kane Returns to San Diego After Seven-Month Deployment
After a challenging seven-month deployment, the USS O’Kane has returned to San Diego. During its deployment, the ship played a key role in strengthening maritime security and ensuring peace in the Indo-Pacific region. The sailors aboard the USS O’Kane exemplified resilience and dedication, fulfilling their mission in the face of demanding conditions and ensuring the safety of their fellow service members and civilians alike.
3. 2nd Mobile Brigade Combat Team Deployment: Strengthening NATO Commitment and U.S. Military Readiness in Europe
In Europe, the 2nd Mobile Brigade Combat Team is on a vital mission to reinforce NATO’s commitment to security and strengthen U.S. military readiness. Operating in key locations across the continent, this unit plays a crucial role in enhancing defense capabilities and maintaining a strong, unified response to emerging threats in the region. Their mission ensures that NATO remains a formidable force in Europe and that U.S. interests and alliances are safeguarded.
As we share these stories, let us reflect on the sacrifices of our deployed heroes and their families. Their courage, commitment, and service are at the heart of the security and freedom we often take for granted. Let us honor their dedication today and every day.
Thank you for wearing red every Friday, and for your continued support of the brave men and women who serve our country. Stay tuned for more stories that highlight their unwavering commitment to peace and security.
USS O’Kane Returns to San Diego After Seven-Month Deployment
San Diego, CA – The Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS O’Kane (DDG 77) has returned to Naval Base San Diego following a seven-month deployment spanning the U.S. 3rd, 5th, and 7th Fleet areas of operation. Departing its homeport on July 17, 2024, O’Kane operated in the Indo-Pacific region before shifting to the U.S. Central Command (USCENTCOM) area to support regional security and maritime stability.
Initially deployed as part of the USS Abraham Lincoln Carrier Strike Group (ABECSG), the destroyer was later tasked with bolstering U.S. military presence in the Middle East. Working alongside allied forces, O’Kane played a key role in deterring regional threats, degrading Houthi capabilities, and defending U.S. forces in contested waters.
Following the departure of USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72) and other strike group vessels in December 2024, O’Kane remained in the region with USS Stockdale (DDG 106) to provide continued maritime security. The destroyers successfully escorted U.S.-flagged merchant vessels through high-risk areas, repelling multiple Iranian-backed Houthi attacks in the Bab el-Mandeb Strait. Engaging and neutralizing various threats—including unmanned aerial systems, anti-ship ballistic missiles, and anti-ship cruise missiles—O’Kane ensured safe passage for vital commercial and military assets. No damage to vessels or personnel injuries were reported.
Beyond combat operations, O’Kane carried out 75 flight quarters, enabling 84 helicopter landings, 26 aerial refueling missions, and nine vertical replenishments. The ship also completed 24 replenishments-at-sea and 22 mooring evolutions. During a port visit to Karachi, Pakistan, the crew engaged in diplomatic efforts and participated in joint maritime exercises to strengthen interoperability with the Pakistan Navy.
Reflecting on the deployment, Cmdr. Rich Ray, O’Kane’s commanding officer, praised his crew’s dedication and resilience. “I am incredibly proud of the exemplary work this team has invested in themselves and their equipment over the past few months. We are proud of the work we accomplished this deployment, and we are looking forward to continuing that success into the next challenge,” he said.
As part of the U.S. Pacific Fleet, Commander, U.S. 3rd Fleet ensures operational readiness across the Indo-Pacific, working alongside allied nations to uphold freedom of navigation and regional security. O’Kane’s return marks the completion of a successful mission that reinforced maritime stability, protected international waterways, and strengthened global partnerships.
Cutlass Express 2025: Strengthening Maritime Security in East Africa
VICTORIA, Seychelles – The waters of East Africa and the western Indian Ocean are bustling with activity as Exercise Cutlass Express 2025 unfolds from February 10 to 21, 2025. This multinational maritime exercise, sponsored by U.S. Africa Command (AFRICOM) and led by U.S. Naval Forces Europe-Africa/U.S. Sixth Fleet, brings together nations from across the region and beyond to enhance maritime security and cooperation.
A Collaborative Effort for Regional Stability
This year’s exercise focuses on strengthening maritime security capabilities through coordinated training in Mauritius, Seychelles, and Tanzania. Maritime Operation Centers (MOCs) across nine locations facilitate real-time information sharing, linking the exercise to U.S. Naval Forces Central Command’s International Maritime Exercise 2025. This integration aims to improve coordination between different operational theaters, closing regional security gaps and enhancing overall readiness.
Nations participating in Cutlass Express 2025 include Belgium, Comoros, Djibouti, France, Georgia, India, Kenya, Madagascar, Malawi, Mauritius, Morocco, Mozambique, Senegal, Seychelles, Somalia, Tanzania, Tunisia, and the United Kingdom. The broad coalition underscores a shared commitment to ensuring safe and secure waters in the region.
Training for Real-World Security Challenges
Cutlass Express 2025 features a mix of shore-based and at-sea training scenarios, simulating real-world security threats. Participants engage in:
- Maritime interdiction and counter-proliferation operations
- Visit, board, search, and seizure (VBSS) drills
- Counter-illegal, unregulated, and unreported (IUU) fishing measures
- Coordination between Maritime Operation Centers
- Women, Peace, and Security (WPS) initiatives
By honing these skills, partner nations strengthen their ability to combat piracy, illicit trafficking, and other maritime threats.
A Unified Commitment to Security and Prosperity
Vice Adm. J. T. Anderson, commander of U.S. Sixth Fleet, highlighted the strategic importance of Cutlass Express, stating:
“This exercise provides an exceptional opportunity to collaborate with our African partners. By combining our strengths and expertise, we enhance maritime security and economic prosperity, not just within territorial waters, but across the entire region.”
Cutlass Express 2025 also runs in parallel with Exercise Justified Accord 2025, a land-based military exercise in Kenya and Tanzania, further reinforcing regional defense coordination.
As the exercise progresses, participating nations continue to build stronger partnerships, ensuring a more secure and stable maritime environment in East Africa and the western Indian Ocean.
2nd Mobile Brigade Combat Team Deployment: Strengthening NATO Commitment and U.S. Military Readiness in Europe
In early February 2025, the U.S. Army announced the deployment of the 2nd Mobile Brigade Combat Team (BCT) from the 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault) to Europe. This deployment is set to replace the 3rd Brigade Combat Team of the 10th Mountain Division as part of the United States’ ongoing commitment to NATO allies and partners.
The 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault): A Legacy of Excellence
The 101st Airborne Division, known as the “Screaming Eagles,” is renowned for its rapid deployment capabilities and distinguished history. Established during World War II, the division has participated in numerous significant operations, including the D-Day landings and the liberation of France. In recent years, the division has adapted to modern warfare by transforming its brigade combat teams into more lethal, strategically mobile, and multidomain-capable forces.
The 2nd Mobile Brigade Combat Team: Enhancing Combat Readiness
The 2nd Mobile BCT, formerly known as the “Strike” Brigade, has undergone significant transformation to enhance its combat readiness. Leveraging advanced networked communications technologies, the brigade has become a more lethal and strategically mobile force. This transformation enables the brigade to conduct complex operations across multiple domains, including land, air, sea, space, and cyberspace.
Operational Excellence: ‘Transforming in Contact’
A key aspect of the brigade’s evolution is its focus on “transforming in contact,” a concept that emphasizes adaptability and rapid response during combat. The brigade has tested this concept in various training environments, demonstrating its ability to maintain operational effectiveness while undergoing transformation. For instance, during a large-scale, long-range air assault at the Joint Regional Training Center at Fort Johnson, Louisiana, the brigade showcased its capability to execute complex operations under challenging conditions.
Commitment to NATO Allies: Operation Atlantic Resolve
The deployment of the 2nd Mobile BCT to Europe is part of the United States’ broader strategy to support NATO allies and partners. This initiative, known as Operation Atlantic Resolve, involves the rotational deployment of U.S. forces to Eastern Europe to enhance deterrence and defense capabilities against potential adversaries. The presence of the 2nd Mobile BCT in Europe underscores the U.S. commitment to maintaining a robust and ready force in the region.
Conclusion
The deployment of the 2nd Mobile Brigade Combat Team from the 101st Airborne Division to Europe represents a significant enhancement of the U.S. Army’s commitment to NATO allies and partners. Through its transformation into a more lethal and strategically mobile force, the brigade is well-positioned to support multinational training exercises, bolster regional security, and demonstrate the United States’ unwavering dedication to collective defense.
