Photos from January, 2007

MONROVIA, Liberia — Air Force Tech. Sgt. Elizabeth Burrell of the 435th Medical Operations Squadron, Ramstein Air Base, Germany, teaches members of the Armed Forces of Liberia how to place injured personnel on a backboard Jan. 25. A team of U.S. Air Forces in Europe medics are conducting a seven-week medical technician course that teaches members of the Armed Forces of Liberia the basics of patient assessment and intervention. The ongoing medical training is an integral part of Liberia’s military restructuring under the Security Sector Reform program being directed by U.S. European Command’s Office of Defense Cooperation, a component of the European Command Logistics and Security Assistance International Division. (Department of Defense photo by Air Force Maj. Kimberly Piestzak) Hi-res / Details / Comments ...
SKOPJE, Macedonia — U.S. Ambassador to Macedonia Gillian Milovanovic (right) presents the Bronze Star to Army of the Republic of Macedonia Major Zvonko Micov at Army Hall here Jan. 24. Milovanovic also presented three Army Commendation Medals and 22 Army Achievement Medals to Macedonian soldiers from the 6th Contingent for their efforts in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. During the awards ceremony, the ambassador thanked the Macedonian soldiers for their service, professionalism, dedication and achievements. "Your willingness to volunteer for dangerous duty in defense of our common values is what makes the Republic of Macedonia a valued ally in the coalition that is working to support a free and democratic Iraq," said Milovanovic. Hi-res / Details / Comments ...
RAMSTEIN AIR BASE, Germany — U.S. Air Forces in Europe Commander Gen. Tom Hobbins (right) welcomes Commander in Chief of the Ukrainian Air Forces Gen.-Col. Anatoliy Yakovich Toropchyn to Ramstein Jan. 23 for a visit focused on bilateral relations. During his four-day visit, Toropchyn visited Ramstein to meet with senior USAFE leadership and receive familiarization of organizational missions, air operations/planning, and enlisted/officer training and development. (Department of Defense photo by Air Force Master Sgt. Chuck Roberts) Hi-res / Details / Comments ...
SOUDA BAY, Crete, Greece — Guided missile frigate USS Underwood (FFG 36) arrives here for a routine port visit Jan. 23. The Oliver Hazard Perry-class frigate with her crew of 200 personnel departed her homeport of Mayport, Fla., earlier this month on a regular six-month deployment. Underwood is part of the Bataan Expeditionary Strike Group deployed in support of maritime security operations in the U.S. European Command area of responsibility. (Department of Defense photo by Mr. Paul Farley) Hi-res / Details / Comments ...
The F-35 Lightning II cruises over North Texas at 20,000 feet on Jan. 8. Turkey signed on for the next phase of the Joint Strike Fighter during a ceremony in Washington, D.C., Jan. 25. The agreement provides a framework for future program efforts in production and beyond and will extend cooperation beyond the current development and demonstration agreement between the United States and the other eight Joint Strike Fighter partner nations — the United Kingdom, Italy, the Netherlands, Turkey, Canada, Denmark, Norway and Australia(Photo courtesy of Lockheed Martin) Hi-res / Details / Comments ...
Mediterranean Sea — A sailor aboard amphibious assault ship USS Bataan (LHD 5), guides a CH-53E Super Stallion helicopter during a Carrier Qualification evolution Jan. 23. Marines and Saliors assigned to the 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit are on board Bataan as part of their current deployment in support of the global war on terrorism. (Department of Defense photo by Marine Sgt. Freddy G. Cantu) Hi-res / Details / Comments ...
MONROVIA, Liberia — Armed Forces of Liberia medical technician students practice patient movement with an improvised litter of bamboo poles and battle dress uniform blouses here Jan. 8. The ongoing medical training is an integral part of Liberia’s military restructuring under the Security Sector Reform program being directed by U.S. European Command’s Office of Defense Cooperation, a component of the European Command Logistics and Security Assistance International Division. (Department of Defense photo by Army Maj. Andrew Olson) Hi-res / Details / Comments ...
TEMA, Ghana — U.S. Navy Rear Adm. Phil Greene, center, Director, Strategy, & Policy, Resources and Transformation, U.S. Naval Forces Europe, reviews Ghanaian sailors during a welcome ceremony Jan. 24 at the Ghana Navy Eastern Naval Command headquarters here. Greene and a team from U.S. Naval Forces Europe/Sixth Fleet will spend a week in Ghana and Togo discussing maritime safety and security, which will help strengthen emerging partnerships between the U.S. Navy and African nations. (Department of Defense photo by Navy Lt. Christopher Servello) Hi-res / Details / Comments ...
TEMA, Ghana — Rear Admiral Phil Greene, director of Navy Europe-Africa Policy, Resources and Strategy, left, and Commodore M. Quashie, commander of Ghana Eastern Naval Command, sign updated navigation charts at a ceremony held Jan. 24 at the Eastern Naval Command headquarters here. Results of a six-week long U.S. Navy Hydrographic survey of the Tema harbor were delivered to representatives of the Ghana Navy and Ports and Harbors Authority as part of Naval Forces Europe-Africa effort to improve maritime security and safety in the Gulf of Guinea. (Department of Defense photo by Navy Lt. Christopher Servello) Hi-res / Details / Comments ...
ROTA, Spain — Navy Master-at-Arms 3rd Class Justin Solarz, assigned to Naval Station Rota’s Harbor Security Division, observes the Los Angeles-class submarine USS Minneapolis-St. Paul (SSN 708) from his patrol boat as the submarine prepares to get underway Jan. 22 following a port visit. Spain is located within U.S. European Command's 92-country area of responsibility. (Department of Defense photo by Navy Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class James Hills) Hi-res / Details / Comments ...
STUTTGART, Germany — Special Operations Command, Europe leader Navy Rear Adm. William McRaven addresses guests during SOCEUR Establishment Day on Patch Barracks here Jan. 19, 2007. About 200 people attended the annual event which marked the 52nd anniversary for the command. (Department of Defense photo by Jaime L. Wood, U.S. European Command Public Affairs) Hi-res / Details / Comments ...
West Berliners watch as a U.S. cargo plane delivers desperately needed supplies during the Berlin Airlift. Since 1942, command Airmen have maintained a presence in the European theater with the oldest, continuously active Air Force major command. (Department of Defense file photo) Hi-res / Details / Comments ...
STUTTGART, Germany — Army Spec. Phillip G. Wongsing assists Army Col. Fred Jones in cutting an anniversary cake during the Special Operations Command Europe (SOCEUR) Establishment Day ceremony on Patch Barracks here Jan. 19, 2007. The event celebrated the 52nd anniversary for the joint military command which was established in 1955. The command components include SOCEUR Headquarters; 1st Battalion, 10th Special Forces Group (Airborne); the SOCEUR Signal Detachment and Naval Special Warfare Unit Two, all in Stuttgart; and the 352nd Special Operations Group based in Mildenhall, England. The two Soldiers represent the youngest and oldest members currently assigned to the command. (Department of Defense photo by Matthew Thomas, Stuttgart Multimedia) Hi-res / Details / Comments ...
USS BATAAN (LHD 5), at sea — Navy Quartermaster Seaman Jeffrey Gilbertson stands watch taking visual bearings as the multipurpose amphibious assault ship USS Bataan enters Palermo, Sicily. The ship left her homeport of Norfolk, Va. in early January on a regularly-scheduled deployment as the flagship of the Bataan Expeditionary Strike Group and is currently operating in the U.S. European Command area of responsibility contributing to improving maritime security and safety. (Department of Defense photo by Navy Mass Communications Specialist 2nd Class Justin Webster) Hi-res / Details / Comments ...
MEDITERRANEAN SEA — Navy Master Chief Culinary Specialist Scott Montgomery stands watch on the MK-38 25mm machine gun aboard the multi-purpose amphibious assault ship USS Bataan (LHD 5) while transiting through the Mediterranean Sea Jan. 17, 2007. Bataan, the flagship of the Bataan Expeditionary Strike Group, is currently operating in the U.S. European Command area of responsibility contributing to improving maritime security and safety. (Department of Defense photo by Navy Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Justin Webster) Hi-res / Details / Comments ...
BEIGHTLER ARMORY, Ohio — Army Brig. Gen. Matthew Kambic, Ohio’s Assistant Adjutant General for Army, left, talks with a delegation of Serbian military leaders during their Dec. 11, 2006, visit as part of the State Partnership Program between the Ohio National Guard and the Republic of Serbia. One of 26 partnerships in the U.S. European Command's area of responsibility, the State Partnership Program links National Guard states with partner countries to foster mutual interests and long-term relationships across all levels of society. (Photo by Army Staff Sgt. Kimberly Snow) Hi-res / Details / Comments ...
SPRINGFIELD-BECKLEY MUNICIPAL AIRPORT, Ohio — Air Force Maj. Bryan Davis, 178th Fighter Wing flight officer, right, assists Col. Jovica Draganic, Serbian Air Force Chief of Operations, with putting on night vision goggles in a flight simulator here Dec. 6, 2006 as part of the State Partnership Program between the Ohio National Guard and the Republic of Serbia. One of 26 partnerships in the U.S. European Command's area of responsibility, the State Partnership Program links National Guard states with partner countries to foster mutual interests and long-term relationships across all levels of society. (Department of Defense Photo by Army Staff Sgt. Douglas Nicodemus) Hi-res / Details / Comments ...
SIGONELLA, Sicily — Navy Aviation Electronics Mate 3rd Class Kevonte Daniels, assigned to the "Mad Foxes" of Patrol Squadron Five (VP-5), repairs propeller balance cables that gauge the exhaust inlet temperature on a P-3C Orion aircraft Jan. 11, 2007. VP-5, homeported in Jacksonville, Fla., is forward deployed in support of Maritime Security Operations and the global war on terrorism. (Department of Defense photo by Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Harry J. Rucker III) Hi-res / Details / Comments ...
USS BATTAN (LHD 5), At sea — Navy Hull Technician Fireman Jordan Dirickson begins welding a frame together aboard the USS Bataan Jan. 13, 2007. The ship left her homeport of Norfolk, Va., Jan. 4 on a regularly-scheduled deployment as the flagship of the Bataan Expeditionary Strike Group (ESG) and is currently operating in the U.S. European Command area of responsibility contributing to improving maritime security and safety. (Department of Defense photo by Navy Mass Communications Specialist Second Class Justin Webster) Hi-res / Details / Comments ...
NDIAGANIAO, Senegal — Representatives from a delegation of U.S.European Command and U.S. Africa Command staff stand with local political, religous and economic leaders in front of a plaque dedicating a clinic provided by U.S. Funding. The new center here was inaugurated Jan. 8 and will provide health care to the local population as well as a shelter for teenage girls. The inscription reads, "This structure was a result of a collaborative effort of this Senegalese community and the people of the United States of America". Pictured from left to right: Papa Diouf, construction contractor; Soeur Beatrice, sister in charge of the center; Mr. Moore, Deputy Director of Logistics and Security Assistance Directorate, USEUCOM; Mr. Chambas, Sous-Prefet of the district of Fissel; and BrigGen Martin, Deputy Director of Operations and Logistics, USAFRICOM. (Department of Defense photo) Hi-res / Details / Comments ...
ABOARD USS BATAAN, At Sea — Sailors from USS Bataan (LHD-5) steady pallets as Bataan conducts a connected replenishment with the USNS Laramie (T-AO 203) in the Mediterranean Sea Jan. 11, 2007. Bataan left her homeport of Norfolk, Va., Jan. 4, on a regularly-scheduled deployment in support of U.S. European Command's initiative to strengthen emerging and enduring partnerships. The Bataan is the flagship of the Bataan Expeditionary Strike Group, which includes Amphibious Squadron Two, Bataan, USS Shreveport (LPD 12), USS Oak Hill (LSD 51), USS Vella Gulf (CG 72), USS Nitze (DDG 94), USS Underwood (FFG 36), USS Scranton (SSN 756) and the 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit, based out of Camp Lejeune, N.C. (Department of Defense photo by Navy Mass Communications Specialist 2nd Class Justin Webster) Hi-res / Details / Comments ...
NAPLES, Italy — The Bataan Expeditionary Strike Group entered U.S. European Command's area of responsibility Jan. 11, 2007, supporting EUCOM's initiative to strengthen emerging and enduring partnerships. USS Bataan (LHD 5) left her homeport of Norfolk, Va., Jan. 4 on a regularly-scheduled deployment as the flagship of the Bataan Expeditionary Strike Group. The strike group includes Amphibious Squadron Two, Bataan, USS Shreveport (LPD 12), USS Oak Hill (LSD 51), USS Vella Gulf (CG 72), USS Nitze (DDG 94), USS Underwood (FFG 36), USS Scranton (SSN 756) and the 26th 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit, based out of Camp Lejeune, N.C. (Department of Defense photo by Nayy Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Lolita Lewis) Hi-res / Details / Comments ...
BURNUNDI, Africa — Members from the 86th Contingency Response Group train Burundi troops in deployment planning, personnel and cargo preparation and processing for its first-ever deployment outside Burundi's border. (Department of Defense photo) Hi-res / Details / Comments ...
SIGONELLA, Sicily — Aviation Ordnanceman 3rd Class Jenny Dimanche signals to the crew of a P-3C Orion that the number three propeller is turning during pre-flight checks here Jan. 3, 2007. Patrol Squadron Five (VP-5), homeported in Jacksonville Fla., is forward deployed in support of maritime patrol operations and the global war on terrorism. (Department of Defense photo by Navy Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Harry J. Rucker III) Hi-res / Details / Comments ...
ROTA, Spain — A Sailor from the submarine USS Minneapolis-St. Paul (SSN-708) bows his head in prayer at a memorial service held here Jan. 3, 2007, for Senior Chief Electronics Technician Thomas Higgins and Sonar Technician 2nd Class Michael Holtz. Both Sailors died after falling overboard Dec. 29, 2006, while the submarine was exiting Devonport Naval Base in Plymouth, England. (Department of Defense photo by Navy Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Kristine DeHoux) Hi-res / Details / Comments ...
GABORONE, Botswana — Air Force Capt. Christie Barton, from Ramstein Air Base, Germany, fits a three year-old Botswanan boy with donated eye glasses during a U.S. European Command Medical Civil Assistance Program event at the Sir Seretse Khama Barracks Dec. 15, 2006. MEDCAPs are designed to provide medical and dental outreach to local civilian populations within the command’s 92-nation area of operation. By interacting with foreign military forces and exposing local civilian populations to positive contacts with U.S. military personnel, the United States hopes to strengthen counter-terrorism capabilities. (Department of Defense photo by Air Force Maj. Monica Selent) Hi-res / Details / Comments ...
GABORONE, Botswana — Air Force Maj. Carl Labella and SrA. Ashley Stallworth, from Aviano Air Base, Italy, provide dental care to a patient Dec. 15, 2006, during a U.S. European Command Medical Civil Assistance Program event at the Sir Seretse Khama Barracks. MEDCAPs are designed to provide medical and dental outreach to local civilian populations within the command’s 92-nation area of operation. By interacting with foreign military forces and exposing local civilian populations to positive contacts with U.S. military personnel, the United States hopes to strengthen counter-terrorism capabilities. (Department of Defense photo by Air Force Maj. Monica Selent) Hi-res / Details / Comments ...
LUKOLE CAMP, NGARA, Rwanda — Air Force Capt. Christie Barton, from Ramstein Air Base, Germany, measures the eye pressure of a Rwandan patient inside a tent at the returnee camp here Dec. 8, 2006, during a U.S. European Command Medical Civil Assistance Program event at the Sir Seretse Khama Barracks. MEDCAPs are designed to provide medical and dental outreach to local civilian populations within the command’s 92-nation area of operation. By interacting with foreign military forces and exposing local civilian populations to positive contacts with U.S. military personnel, the United States hopes to strengthen counter-terrorism capabilities. (Department of Defense photo by Air Force Maj. Monica Selent) Hi-res / Details / Comments ...