The Department of Defense announced today the consolidation of some U.S. infrastructure in Europe, including the return of 15 sites to their host nations. These actions, taken as part of the European Infrastructure Consolidation (EIC) process, will save the U.S. government approximately $500 million annually. The DoD also announced the first F-35 basing in Europe at RAF Lakenheath, UK, which will bring new opportunities for collaboration between the U.S. and UK air forces.

Several military exercises are scheduled to begin this month in the United States European Command area of responsibility

The World Wars undoubtedly exemplified how joint operations were not only helpful, but essential. And D-Day was no exception. One of the notable examples of joint operations was among the Army Engineers and Navy Construction Battalions, or Seabees.

Twenty-nine nations and three international organizations participated in the Combined Endeavor Main Planning Conference. The conference deliverables assisted in designing a mission network that utilized an interoperable “bring your own devices model” and ensured the international coalition audience was able to participate. Ultimately, the mission network contributed toward constructing an exercise operational scenario across land, air and cyberspace domains.

The Director of U.S. European Command Directorate of Logistics is the newly-elected Chairman of the Board for the Multinational Logistics Coordination Centre and in this blog he talks about his visit to the centre and the benefits it brings to the members and USEUCOM.

SOCEUR continues to focus on expanding theater-wide SOF capabilities in a manner that "thickens our lines” by training, developing, and enabling European SOF Allies and partners to deploy to Afghanistan as part of Combined Special Operations Task Force 10 (CSOTF-10), which serves under the NATO-led International Security Assistance Force.

June 22 in Kiel, Germany: In Kiel, BALTOPS' events include a post exercise discussion; ship tours of the BALTOPS Maritime Force by local government officials, military members and the public; a reception aboard USS Mount Whitney (LCC 20); as well as participation in Kiel Week.

Three service members and three civilians were honored as the U.S. European Command’s top service members and civilians of the year during a ceremony Feb. 8 here.

Aircraft and military professionals from the U.S., Portugal, Netherlands, the U.K. and NATO are continuing to develop their ability to work together during REAL THAW 13, Feb. 11-22.

Five Airmen from the 501st Combat Support Wing briefed the Duke of Cambridge about a mentoring program established at The Manor School in Cambridge here Nov. 28.

Ted Penn, a quartermaster in the 685th Air Materiel Squadron, who returned to RAF Alconbury Nov. 13 - the first time in 67 years - to discover the installation in a far different state than when he left it in October of 1945

Her Royal Highness, Princess Anne, The Princess Royal officially dedicated three memorial stones for U.S. Visiting Forces at the Greenham Business Park in Greenham Common, United Kingdom, Sept. 21.

Operation Rhino Serpent, a multi-national medical field training exercise comprised of more than 550 U.S. Army Europe, German Armed Forces and British Armed Forces active duty Reservists and volunteers

EDINBURGH, Scotland – U.S. Naval Forces Europe Band musicians performed in the first public showing of the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo during the night of Aug. 3 outside Edinburgh castle.

Soldiers, family members, civilian employees and other military community members volunteered, rode, cheered and supported approximately 50 wounded warriors from the U.S., Germany, Romania, Norway, Poland, the U.K., Estonia and Latvia during Soldier Ride Germany community ride at Bostalsee, Germany Aug. 4.

EDINBURGH, Scotland – Sailors from the Commander, U.S. Naval Forces Europe Band are among about 1,000 international military and civilian musicians and dancers preparing to perform in the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo outside Edinburgh castle Aug. 3-25.

The CNE band is in Edinburgh to perform in the Royal Military Tattoo, an event that brings musicians, dancers and bagpipers from around the world and this year marks the first time since 1950 that a Navy band has performed in the military tattoo.

During his childhood, Clive Stevens would gaze up in awe at a small B-17 Flying Fortress model that sat on top of a bookcase in his home.

One of the most iconic and longest running air shows across the globe kicked off here, July 9, and U.S. service members are among 1,500 exhibitors from around the world showcasing the latest in aerospace equipment and technology.

The multinational training exercise FRUKUS 2012 came to an end with a closing ceremony in St. Petersburg, Russia, July 1.

The multinational training exercise FRUKUS 2012 continued its training with at-sea force protection exercises, June 28.

The United Kingdom is one of the United States' closest allies, and British foreign policy emphasizes close coordination with the United States. Bilateral cooperation reflects the common language, ideals, and democratic practices of the two nations.