Photos from April, 2007

LAGER AULERBACH, Germany — Spanish army Sgt. Ivan Gregorio Serna runs cables April 25 to provide his unit with network capabilities prior to the start of exercise Combined Endeavor 2007. Combined Endeavor 2007, a U.S. European Command-sponsored exercise, brings NATO, Partnership for Peace (PfP) and other nations together to plan and execute interoperability testing of command, control, communications and computer systems from participant nations in preparation for future combined humanitarian, peacekeeping and disaster relief operations. (Department of Defense photo by Air Force Staff Sgt. Nic Raven) Hi-res / Details / Comments ...
LAGER AULERBACH, Germany — Italian Army Chief Warrant Officer Davide Battistelli, 232nd Transmission Regiment, runs fiber optic cable April 25 while preparing communications equipment for Combined Endeavor 2007. Combined Endeavor 2007, a U.S. European Command-sponsored exercise, brings NATO, Partnership for Peace (PfP) and other nations together to plan and execute interoperability testing of command, control, communications and computer systems from participant nations in preparation for future combined humanitarian, peacekeeping and disaster relief operations. (Department of Defense photo by Army Sgt. 1st Class Brenda Benner, Combined Endeavor Public Affairs) Hi-res / Details / Comments ...
BERLIN, Germany — German military members greet U.S. Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates as he arrives here April 25. This was the last leg of a three-day trip to Moscow, Warsaw and Berlin to discuss U.S. plans to base a missile defense network in Europe. The network will protect Europe, the United States and Russia from long-range ballistic missiles. (Department of Defense photo by Cherie A. Thurlby) Hi-res / Details / Comments ...
CAP DRAA, Morocco — Marines from Weapons Company, 2nd Battalion, 23rd Marine Regiment based in Port Hueneme, Calif., fire a tube-launched, optically-tracked, wire guided missile here April 20 during exercise African Lion 07. The exercise is a regularly-scheduled, combined U.S.-Moroccan military exercise designed to promote improved interoperability and mutual understanding of each nation’s tactics, techniques and procedures. (Department of Defense photo by Marine Cpl. Dustin Schalue) Hi-res / Details / Comments ...
CAP DRAA, Morocco — A Marine from Weapons Company, 2nd Battalion, 23rd Marine Regiment based in Port Hueneme, Calif., fires an M-16A2 service rifle, while a Moroccan soldier fires an AK-47 assault rifle here April 20 during exercise African Lion 07. The exercise is a regularly-scheduled, combined U.S. - Moroccan military exercise designed to promote improved interoperability and mutual understanding of each nation’s tactics, techniques and procedures. (Department of Defense photo by Marine Cpl. Dustin T. Schalue) Hi-res / Details / Comments ...
LAGER ALUENBACH, Germany — U.S. Marine Corps Master Sgt. Kenneth Moore, technical controller from the 2nd Marine Expeditionary Force G6, looks over the shoulders of 8th Communications Battalion switch technicians Lance Cpl. Matthew Tiller, Sgt. Elisandro Patino and Lance Cpl. Isaac Holliday as they program the Remote Subscriber Access Module by loading groups of telephone communication channels or trunks April 27 during Combined Endeavor 2007. All are stationed at Camp Lejeune, N.C. Combined Endeavor 2007, a U.S. European Command-sponsored exercise, brings NATO, Partnership for Peace (PfP) and other nations together to plan and execute interoperability testing of command, control, communications and computer systems from participant nations in preparation for future combined humanitarian, peacekeeping and disaster relief operations. (Department of Defense photo by Air Force Tech. Sgt. Denise Johnson) Hi-res / Details / Comments ...
BANGUI, Central African Republic — Maj. Lyrad Riley, U.S. European Command, and Capt. Christie Barton, Ramstein Air Base, Germany, learn about local endemic diseases at the National Reference Laboratory here April 17. A four-person Air Force Medical Traveling Contact Team treated 543 patients — 261 family medicine, 213 optometry and 69 dental — in Bangui from April 15-23 in addition to conducting military-to-military information sharing with their Central African Republic counterparts. The Americans’ information exchange included pandemic influenza, disaster response preparations and dental and optometric emergencies while the hosts provided briefings on their military medical system and the endemic diseases of malaria and amebiasis. The U.S. European Command Humanitarian and Civic Assistance Program provides the medical supplies while the EUCOM Military-to-Military Program provides the funding which allows the military medical teams to serve the local community by of Hi-res / Details / Comments ...
LAGER AULENBACH, Germany — Service members of the Russian delegation march in during the opening ceremony of exercise Combined Endeavor 2007 here April 26. Combined Endeavor 2007, a U.S. European Command-sponsored exercise brings NATO, Partnership for Peace and other nations together to plan and execute interoperability testing of command, control, communications and computer systems from participant nations in preparation for future combined humanitarian, peacekeeping and disaster relief operations. (Department of Defense photo by Air Force Senior Airman Dayton Mitchell) Hi-res / Details / Comments ...
SOFIA, Bulgaria — Army Gen William E. "Kip" Ward, U.S. European Command deputy commander, and Gen. Zlatan Stoykov, Bulgarian Chief of the General Staff, depart the office of the Presidency here April 25 following a meeting with Bulgarian President Georgi Parvanov to discuss cooperation on basing and training programs as well as Black Sea regional issues. EUCOM leaders are negotiating a rotational U.S. presence in Bulgaria and Romania to improve military-to-military relations and improve regional security with joint training. The arrangement will enable both countries to host bilateral and multinational training with NATO nations and other regional partners. (Department of Defense photo by Air Force Maj. John L. Dorrian, U.S. European Command Public Affairs) Hi-res / Details / Comments ...
BUCHAREST, Romania — U.S. European Command deputy commander Army Gen. William E. "Kip" Ward, Romanian Minister of Defense Teodor Melescanu and U.S. Ambassador to Romania Nicholas Taubman stand together during the opening of the Black Sea Aerospace and Defense Exhibition here April 24, 2007. During his Bucharest visit, Ward met with senior defense officials, including Melescanu, to discuss the continuing historic partnership and future training between Romanian and U.S. military forces. (Department of Defense photo by Army Maj. Holly Silkman, U.S. European Command Public Affairs) Hi-res / Details / Comments ...
BUCHAREST, Romania — Army Gen William E. "Kip" Ward, U.S. European Command deputy commander, presents Romanian Chief of Defense Admiral Gheorghe Marin with a certificate from the U.S. George C. Marshall Center on April 24, 2007, here. The two leaders met to discuss future bilateral training engagements and the past support Romanian defense forces have given the U.S. and NATO Alliance. (Department of Defense photo by Army Maj. Holly Silkman, U.S. European Command Public Affairs) Hi-res / Details / Comments ...
BAKU, Azerbaijan — The U.S. European Command’s Directorate of Logistics and Security Assistance and the U.S. Office of Defense Cooperation in Baku conducted the first EUCOM-Ministry of Defense of Azerbaijan Bilateral Cooperation and Planning Conference (BCPC) here April 17-19. The BCPC is part of a work plan process EUCOM recently began with the Ministry of Defense of Azerbaijan to define mutual objectives, implementation plans, and assessment tools that serve to more effectively coordinate EUCOM security cooperation efforts with Azerbaijan, and further assist Azerbaijan in achieving its NATO Individual Partnership Action Plan objectives. The BCPC is a follow-up to the Colonels' Working Group and planned activities for FY08 that support the mutually agreed objectives. Hi-res / Details / Comments ...
WARSAW, Poland — U.S. Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates participates in a wreath laying ceremony at the Polish Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in Marshal Jozef Pilsudski Square April 24. Gates visited Poland to meet with government officials to discuss missile defense and Poland's military participation in Iraq and Afghanistan.(Department of Defense photo by Cherie A. Thurlby) Hi-res / Details / Comments ...
WARSAW, Poland — Left to right, U.S. Ambassador to Poland Victor Ashe, Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates, and Polish Minister of Defense Aleksander Szczyglo pay respects during the playing of the national anthem during an honor cordon ceremony here April 24. Gates visited Poland to meet with government officials to discuss missile defense and Poland's military participation in Iraq and Afghanistan.(Department of Defense photo by Cherie A. Thurlby) Hi-res / Details / Comments ...
SPANISH SHIP SPS CONTRAMAESTRE CASADO, at sea — A Spanish AB-212 helicopter fast ropes Tunisian Sailors down to the ship to conduct Maritime Interdiction Operations April 19 as part of Phoenix Express 2007. Phoenix Express, a two-week long exercise designed to strengthen regional maritime partnerships, is focused on the development of increased maritime domain awareness, better information sharing practices and the ability to operate jointly. The exercise includes participants from Algeria, France, Greece, Italy, Malta, Morocco, Portugal, Spain, Tunisia, Turkey and the United States. (Department of Defense photo by Navy Mass Communication 1st Class Steven Harbour) Hi-res / Details / Comments ...
MOSCOW — Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates meets with Russian First Deputy Chairman Sergey Ivanov, former defense minister, here April 23. During his visit to Moscow, Gates announced the U.S. and Russia will form a working group of experts to discuss the proposed U.S. plan to base missile defenses in Eastern Europe. (Department of Defense photo by Cherie A. Thurlby) Hi-res / Details / Comments ...
NOUAKCHOTT, Mauritania — U.S. European Command deputy commander Army Gen. William E. "Kip" Ward is welcomed by Mauritanian government officials and U.S. Embassy to Mauritania Charge d'Affaires Steven Koutsis (second from left) at the airport here April 18, 2007. Ward was part of a U.S. delegation to the capital city for the inauguration of the country's new democratically elected president. (U.S. Department of Defense photo by Jaime L. Wood, U.S. European Command Public Affairs) Hi-res / Details / Comments ...
MONROVIA, Liberia — U.S. European Command deputy commander Army Gen. William E. "Kip" Ward, accompanied by U.S. Ambassador to Liberia Donald E. Booth (left), conduct a pass and review of Liberian soldiers upon the general's arrival at the Monrovia airport here April 18, 2006. Ward was in Liberia to sign an Acquistion and Cross-Servicing Agreement (ACSA) with the Liberian Minister of National Defense. The ACSA is a bilateral contract which allows the exchange of logistics, support, supplies and services between the U.S. and Liberia. Worldwide, the Defense Department shares 90 ACSAs with partner nations, including 55 within the EUCOM area of responsibility. (U.S. Department of Defense photo by Jaime L. Wood, U.S. European Command Public Affairs) Hi-res / Details / Comments ...
USNS Patuxent (T-AO 201), at sea — USS Nassau's flight crew participates in medical evacuation casualty drills with its Moroccan counterparts April 17 onboard Nassau during the underway phase of Phoenix Express. Phoenix Express, a two-week long exercise designed to strengthen regional maritime partnerships, is focused on developing increased maritime domain awareness, better information sharing practices and the ability to operate jointly. The exercise includes participants from Algeria, France, Greece, Italy, Malta, Morocco, Portugal, Spain, Tunisia, Turkey and the United States. (Department of Defense photo by Navy Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Sean Stafford) Hi-res / Details / Comments ...
MONROVIA, Liberia — Army Gen. William E. "Kip" Ward, U.S. European Command deputy, and Liberian Minister of National Defense Brownie J. Samukai, Jr., sign an Aquisition and Cross-Servicing Agreement (ACSA) at the Liberian Ministry of Defense here April 18, 2007. The ACSA is a bilateral contract which allows the exchange of logistics, support, supplies and services between the U.S. and Liberia. Worldwide, the Defense Department shares 90 ACSAs with partner nations, including 55 within the EUCOM area of responsibility. (Department of Defense photo by Jaime L. Wood, U.S. European Command Public Affairs) Hi-res / Details / Comments ...
USS NASSAU (LHA 4), at sea — Greek sailors board an MH-60S helicopter attached to Helicopter Combat Support Squadron Two Six (HSC-26) to conduct Maritime Interdiction Operations, as part of exercise Phoenix Express April 18. Phoenix Express, a two-week long exercise designed to strengthen regional maritime partnerships, is focused on developing increased maritime domain awareness, better information sharing practices and the ability to operate jointly. The exercise includes participants from Algeria, France, Greece, Italy, Malta, Morocco, Portugal, Spain, Tunisia, Turkey and the United States. (Department of Defense photo by Navy Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Steven Harbour) Hi-res / Details / Comments ...
STUTTGART, Germany — Army Col. Alpo Portelli, chief of the European Division, U.S. European Command Directorate of Strategy, Policy and Assessments, discusses the EUCOM State Parntership Program during the April 20 Harvard Black Sea Program visit here. The program’s goal is to bring together senior military representatives and civilian security specialists to build a regional security system based on cooperation and integration. (Department of Defense photo by Air Force Tech. Sgt. Devin L. Fisher) Hi-res / Details / Comments ...
HEIDELBERG, Germany - (Left to right) Air Force Gen. William T. Hobbins, commander U.S. Air Forces Europe; Adm. H. G. Ulrich III, commander Naval Forces Europe; Gen. Brantz J.Craddock, commander U.S. European Command; Gen. David D. McKiernan, commander U.S. Army, Europe; and Rear Adm. William H. McRaven, commander Special Operations Command Europe; sign the EUCOM Quality of Life Bill of Rights at a April 20 ceremony at the Keyes Building on Campbell Barracks. Lt. Gen. R.R. Blackman, U.S. Marine Forces Europe, who pre-signed the document, was unavailable to attend the ceremony. Hi-res / Details / Comments ...
USS NASSAU (LHA 4), at sea — Flight operations are conducted with a Turkish AB-212 helicopter, a Greek AB-212 helicopter and a Moroccan AS-565 Panther helicopter April 17 in support of the Phoenix Express naval exercise. Phoenix Express, a two-week long exercise designed to strengthen regional maritime partnerships, is focused on the development of increased maritime domain awareness, better information sharing practices and the ability to operate jointly. The exercise includes participants from Algeria, France, Greece, Italy, Malta, Morocco, Portugal, Spain, Tunisia, Turkey and the United States. (Department of Defense photo by Navy Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Steven Harbour) Hi-res / Details / Comments ...
ROTA, Spain — Tunisian sailors conduct an obstacle course training drill as part of exercise Phoenix Express April 11. Phoenix Express, a two-week long exercise designed to strengthen regional maritime partnerships, is focused on the development of increased maritime domain awareness, better information sharing practices and the ability to operate jointly. The exercise includes participants from Algeria, France, Greece, Italy, Malta, Morocco, Portugal, Spain, Tunisia, Turkey and the United States. (Department of Defense photo by Navy Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Steven Harbour) Hi-res / Details / Comments ...
ACCRA, Ghana — Military communicators from 24 African and European nations gathered at the Kofi Annan International Peacekeeping Training Centre, Accra April 17 for the Africa Endeavor 07 final planning conference. Sponsored by U.S. European Command, AE-07 is the premier information sharing and military communications interoperability workshop conducted among more than 30 African and partner nations, non-governmental organizations, and regional/sub-regional organizations who collectively develop common military communications standards and procedures to ensure operational relevance on the continent of Africa. The largest African information-sharing workshop will take place July 10-19 at Military Base Didholo, South Africa. Hi-res / Details / Comments ...
USNS PATUXENT (T-AO 201), at sea — Moroccan Maritime Interdiction Operation (MIO) team members are debriefed by Visit Board Search and Seizure evaluators after a simulated ‘compliant boarding’ of USNS Patuxent April 16. The MIO teams are currently participating in the multi-national exercise Phoenix Express 2007 in the Sixth Fleet Area of Responsibility. Phoenix Express, a two-week long exercise designed to strengthen regional maritime partnerships, is focused on the development of increased maritime domain awareness, better information sharing practices and the ability to operate jointly. The exercise includes participants from Algeria, France, Greece, Italy, Malta, Morocco, Portugal, Spain, Tunisia, Turkey and the United States. (Department of Defense photo by Navy Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Steven Scott Smith) Hi-res / Details / Comments ...
STUTTGART ARMY AIRFIELD, Germany — Survivor of seven Nazi concentration and labor camps Benjamin Gelhorn wipes away tears during the April 15 placement of gravestones ceremony for 34 Jewish forced laborers whose remains were found here in September 2005. Gelhorn, 86, made good on a promise he made years ago to fellow prisoners when he gave the closing prayer at the Holocaust mass grave. (Department of Defense photo by Air Force Tech. Sgt. Devin L. Fisher) Hi-res / Details / Comments ...
STUTTGART ARMY AIRFIELD, Germany — Survivor of seven Nazi concentration and labor camps Benjamin Gelhorn, right, makes good on a promise he made years ago to fellow prisoners by giving the Kaddish closing prayer at the Holocaust mass grave here April 15 as State Rabbi Nethanael Wurmser of the Israelite Religious Community of Württemberg, looks on. More then 200 mourners attended the placement of gravestones ceremony for 34 Jewish forced laborers whose remains were found here in September 2005. (Department of Defense photo by Air Force Tech. Sgt. Devin L. Fisher) Hi-res / Details / Comments ...
USNS PATUXENT (T-AO 201) — Algeria and U.S. Marine Maritime Interdiction Operation teams board USNS Patuxent during a Visit, Board, Search, and Seizure training exercise April 11. Phoenix Express, a two-week long exercise designed to strengthen regional maritime partnerships, is focused on developing increased maritime domain awareness and better information sharing practices. (Department of Defense photo by Navy Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Andrew King) Hi-res / Details / Comments ...
STUTTGART, Germany — Boxing promoter Don "Only in America" King signs a pair of boxing gloves for Army Sgt. George W. Curry, from Special Operations Command Europe, at the Patch Gym April 13. Curry will share his experience of meeting King by sending one of the autographed gloves to a friend currently serving downrange. In addition to signing autographs and posing for photos, King provided more than 500 tickets to the April 14 World Boxing Association heavyweight championship bout at the Porsche Arena in Stuttgart. (Department of Defense photo by Air Force Tech. Sgt. Devin L. Fisher) Hi-res / Details / Comments ...
STUTTGART, Germany — Boxing promoter Don "Only in America" King signs autographs at the Patch Gym April 13 with his special guest Air Force Tech. Sgt. Kim Fleming, from Special Operations Command Europe. King requested to the visit the troops in Stuttgart following a chance meeting at the airport with Fleming. In addition to signing autographs and posing for photos, King provided more than 500 tickets to the April 14 World Boxing Association heavyweight championship bout at the Porsche Arena in Stuttgart. (Department of Defense photo by Air Force Tech. Sgt. Devin L. Fisher) Hi-res / Details / Comments ...
Identical twins Army Specialists Jennifer (left) and Julie (right) Kuhn, with the 72nd Signal Battalion, share an embrace before embarking on “separate” Iraq missions in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom in December 2005. The multi-channel transmission systems operator-maintainers, who enlisted in the Army together in the summer of 2005, reenlisted March 22. Jennifer signed up for another three years with the 72nd Signal Battalion, while Julie re-upped for four years and will change her military occupation to an information systems operator-analyst. (Courtesy photo) Hi-res / Details / Comments ...
MARADI, Niger — Army First Sgt. Chris Corazzo of the 404th Civil Affairs Battalion distributes health care supplies to hundreds of Nigerien villagers April 11 during a Humanitarian Medical Outreach Program for Operation Flintlock 2007. The primary focus of Operation Flintlock is to provide an interactive exchange of humanitarian, military, linguistic and intercultural skills for both nations. This event is part of an ongoing and long standing military-to-military relationship that the U.S. enjoys with Niger, and part of the U.S. State Department’s Trans-Sahara Counterterrorism Partnership. (Department of Defense photo by Navy Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Michael Larson) Hi-res / Details / Comments ...
HEIDELBERG, Germany — Camp A.R.M.Y. Challenge provides children of deployed parents a chance to meet other youth who are facing similar challenges. Sponsored by Installation Management Command-Europe Morale, Welfare and Recreation, Camp A.R.M.Y. Challenge is designed specifically for teens and middle-school children. Hi-res / Details / Comments ...
MARADI, Niger — A U.S. Army Special Forces Soldier administers an eye exam on a Nigerien soldier, with the help of a translator, during bilateral training here on April 2, 2007. The primary focus of the training, which is part of this year's Operation Flintlock series of exercises, is to provide an interactive exchange of military, linguistic and intercultural skills for both nations. This event is part of an ongoing and long standing military-to-military relationship that the U.S. enjoys with Niger, and part of the U.S. State Department's Trans-Sahara Counterterrorism Partnership. The American Soldier is assigned to the 1st Battalion, 10th Special Forces Group (Airborne), home-based in Stuttgart, Germany, (Department of Defense photo by Navy Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Michael Larson) Hi-res / Details / Comments ...
USCGC LEGARE (WMEC 912), at sea — The Cape Verdian coast guard ship Tainha (P 262), left, and the USCG Legare steam together during a visit, board, search and seizure drill held between the two ships off the coast of Midelo, Cape Verde April 4. Legare is on a four-month deployment to Central and West Africa to assist with maritime familiarization with the African and Portuguese navy and coast guards to help improve maritime security and safety and continue developing partnerships in the region. (Department of Defense photo by Navy Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Michael Campbell) Hi-res / Details / Comments ...
MARADI, Niger — A Nigerien soldier and a U.S. Army Soldier from 1st Battalion, 10th Special Forces Group (Airborne), home-based in Stuttgart, Germany, review weapons clearing procedures here April 2, during the opening day of Operation Flintlock 2007. The primary focus of the operation is to provide an interactive exchange of military, linguistic and intercultural skills for both nations. (Department of Defense photo by Navy Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Michael Larson) Hi-res / Details / Comments ...
GNJILANE, Kosovo — Army Col. David G. Thomas, a dentist with Task Force Medical Falcon XIII, prepares for a tooth extraction during the March 31 Medical Civil Assistance Program, or MEDCAP, at the Protection Zone 6 Compound here. The medical team performed 120 medical, 90 optometry and 19 dental services to 160 patients. A part of the U.S. European Command Security Cooperation Division’s Humanitarian and Civic Assistance Program, MEDCAPs are designed to provide medical and dental outreach to local civilian populations within the command’s 92-nation area of operation. (Department of Defense photo by Army Sgt. Matthew Wahlberg) Hi-res / Details / Comments ...
STUTTGART-VAIHINGEN, Germany — U.S. European Command Inspector General Army Col. Mike Anderson addresses more than 30 IG professionals during the EUCOM IG Conference held here April 3-4. The first EUCOM IG conference in five years focused on establishing a network of knowledge, cooperation and coordination. (Department of Defense photo by Air Force Tech. Sgt. Devin L. Fisher) Hi-res / Details / Comments ...
MARADI, Niger — A Nigerien soldier from the 322nd Parachute Regiment shoots during target practice facilitated by 1st Battalion, 10th Special Forces Group (Airborne) Soldiers here April 3, 2007. The training is part of Operation Flintlock 2007 which includes an interactive exchange of military, linguistic and intercultural skills for Niger and the U.S. The training will also help the host nation to respond to threats within and across their borders to maintain security and stability. The event, which is part of the U.S. State Department's Trans-Sahara Counterterrorism Partnership program, is part of an ongoing and long standing military-to-military relationship between both nations. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Michael Larson) Hi-res / Details / Comments ...
BABOU, Mali, Africa — A Special Operations Command, Europe Air Force medic listens to a baby girl's heartbeat here March 21, 2007. The health exam was part of a medical capabilities exercise sponsored by U.S. European Command. Another MEDCAP was held two days earlier in the neighboring village of Darsalam. EUCOM contributed $100,000 to assist the Africans with the medical efforts including medical supplies such as antibiotics, eyeglasses, children's vitamins and other items. The Airman is home-based with 352nd Special Operations Group in Mildenhall, England. (Department of Defense photo by Jaime L. Wood, U.S. European Command Public Affairs) Hi-res / Details / Comments ...