Roberto Abraham Scaruffi

Friday 21 September 2012


10 New Messages

Digest #4496
4
NATO Warships Complete Visit To Malta by "Rick Rozoff" rwrozoff

Messages

Thu Sep 20, 2012 6:29 am (PDT) . Posted by:

"Rick Rozoff" rwrozoff

http://english.ruvr.ru/2012_09_20/The-killing-of-US-ambassador-to-Libya-who-is-to-blame/

Voice of Russia
September 20, 2012

The killing of US ambassador to Libya: who is to blame?

====

Washington sticks to the stupid policy of using Islamic fundamentalists for its own self-serving agenda. The Islamists who stormed the US embassy in Cairo carried Bin Laden portraits.

The founder of the Al Qaeda terrorist network began his murky career in Afghanistan, where he worked as a CIA agent fighting against the country’s legitimate government and Soviet forces deployed there.

====

America’s image suffered a major blow following the killing of US ambassador to Libya Christopher Stevens in an attack against the American consulate in Benghazi on Tuesday. Throughout time, killing an ambassador has been regarded as a grave insult to the state he represented and has served as a pretext for many wars.

This time, however, there is no one to go into battle against. Ambassador Stevens was killed by those who came to power with American help not long ago. “I keep asking myself," Secretary of State Hillary Clinton said, in confusion, "how could this have happened in a country that the US helped to liberate?” Apart from asking questions, Washington is sending warships to Libya and neighboring countries and is hastily moving SEAL forces to protect US consulates in troubled countries.

However, US marines will hardly be able to do anything about what can well be described as an unprecedented anti-American uprising which has swept all countries of the Middle East and North Africa and had spread to India, Pakistan, Indonesia, Malaysia, countries of Central Europe, and even faraway Australia.

The shallow and poorly made film denigrating prophet Muhammad became but a tiny spark triggering an explosion of a devastating force. It’s clear to any sober-minded individual that the “masterpiece” which was definitely watched by no more than a handful of Internet surfers couldn’t have set off millions of people in countries scattered all over the world.

The current unrest is the result of years-long discontent over the US doggedness in forcing American values on the rest of the world. On top of that, Washington sticks to the stupid policy of using Islamic fundamentalists for its own self-serving agenda. The Islamists who stormed the US embassy in Cairo carried Bin Laden portraits.

The founder of the Al Qaeda terrorist network began his murky career in Afghanistan, where he worked as a CIA agent fighting against the country’s legitimate government and Soviet forces deployed there. Given that the US continued to adhere to this tactic in subsequent years, the current lamenting over the unthankful Libyans in connection with the killing of Ambassador Stevens, who participated in person in the toppling of Muammar Gaddafi and was linked to Islamists, is either hypocrisy, or political short-sightedness.

I once asked 16th World Chess Champion Anatoly Karpov how many moves ahead he saw in chess and he answered that depending on the circumstances he calculated two or three, or sometimes six or seven moves ahead. It looks like the unfortunate “grandmasters” from Washington never see more than one move ahead. After invading Iraq and removing Saddam Hussein, the Bush-Cheney team stopped planning any further. As a result, the country has plunged into chaos and has become a terrorism hub and Al Qaeda base, thus being on the brink of falling apart.

Current developments in Europe, which was a US stronghold until now, have thrown Washington into outright confusion. The same is true regarding countries that have seen the Arab Spring, which hopefully, will not grow into an ‘Arab Winter’.

Intrigue-prone Republican candidate Mitt Romney is trying to cash in on the current state of affairs by lashing out at Barack Obama with accusations. Even though the current mess was started by the Bush-Cheney administration, the incumbent leadership will have to sort it out, no matter who comes to power in January next year.

And it will be years before this mess is sorted out eventually.
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Thu Sep 20, 2012 9:06 am (PDT) . Posted by:

"Rick Rozoff" rwrozoff

http://www.aco.nato.int/mc-northwood-becomes-the-parental-hq-for-all-nato-standing-maritime-groups.aspx

North Atlantic Treaty Organization
Allied Command Operations
September 18, 2012

MC Northwood becomes the parental HQ for all NATO Standing Maritime Groups

As the NATO Command Structure Reform continues to progress, another step has been taken to merge two Maritime Headquarters into one. All four groups of the Standing Naval Forces are under administrative command of the Maritime Command in Northwood (UK) now. The groups include two Standing NATO Maritime Groups (SNMG), consisting of frigates and other major warships and two groups of Standing NATO Mine Counter Measure Groups (SNMCMG).

The reform of NATO's Command Structure was launched at the Lisbon Summit in November 2010 and the model and geographical footprint were approved by defence ministers in June 2011. Operational responsibilities currently held by both Maritime Command Naples and Maritime Command Northwood will be transferred to one single Maritime Command (MARCOM). The process is well underway and will culminate with the handover of Operation Active Endeavour from Naples to Northwood in March 2013.

MC Naples will continue to play an important role in Operation Active Endeavour, and will execute operational control of NATO maritime forces deployed to the Mediterranean up until their closure on 28 March 2013. Meanwhile the two staffs cooperate closely to transfer knowledge and expertise in regional matters.

Rear Admiral Ort, Chief of Staff at MC Northwood is satisfied with the progress.

"Although this is only one of many steps in the ongoing reform of the NATO Command Structure, the transfer of the remaining SNMG and SNMCMG to Northwood is an important milestone. Organizing NATOs maritime forces under one command enables us to achieve more, through increased coordination of our assets”, concludes the admiral.

About SNMG

Standing NATO Maritime Group (SNMG) is a multinational, integrated maritime force - made up of vessels from various allied nations, training and operating together as a single team - that is permanently available to NATO to perform a wide range of tasks, from participating in exercises to crisis response and real world operational missions.

About SNMCG

The Standing NATO Mine Countermeasures Groups (SNMCMG) are NATO`s specialist Mine Countermeasures (MCM) Groups. They are a permanently established, multinational, sea going force of MCM vessels, on task continuously, to give NATO the ability to respond to a wide range of missions almost anywhere in the world.

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Thu Sep 20, 2012 9:06 am (PDT) . Posted by:

"Rick Rozoff" rwrozoff

http://www.nato.int/cps/en/SID-4FFCDE79-8F68C071/natolive/news_90101.htm

North Atlantic Treaty Organization
September 20, 2012

NATO and the Republic of Korea sign new partnership programme

NATO and the Republic of Korea signed a new partnership programme on 20 September 2012 that sets the framework for cooperation and political dialogue. Deputy Secretary General Alexander Vershbow and the Ambassador of the Republic of Korea Kim Chang-beom signed the first Individual Partnership Cooperation Programme (IPCP) at NATO Headquarters in Brussels.

The new partnership programme will promote political dialogue and practical cooperation in a number of joint priority areas, including response to terrorism, multinational peace support operations and Sience [sic] for Peace and Security.

The Republic of Korea is already a valuable contributor to the Alliance’s stabilisation efforts in Afghanistan, where it leads a Provincial Reconstruction Team in Parwan province. The Republic of Korea has also made a generous contribution of US$ 50 million to the Afghan National Army Trust Fund.

The signature of the Individual Partnership Cooperation Programme follows seven years of progressive engagement from a dialogue that was initiated in 2005.
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Thu Sep 20, 2012 9:06 am (PDT) . Posted by:

"Rick Rozoff" rwrozoff

http://www.manp.nato.int/news_releases/mcnaples/pressreleases12/NR_53_12.html

North Atlantic Treaty Organization
Allied Command Operations
September 20, 2012

SNMG2 in Passex with the Armed Force Malta

Nisida, Naples: Units of the Standing NATO Maritimes Group 2 (SNMG2) recently completed a four-day port visit to La Valletta, Malta.

The visit ended in a Passage Exercise (PASSEX) carried out between the SNMG2 and a special boarding team of the Armed Force of Malta (AFM)....

SNMG2 is a multinational, integrated maritime force - made up of vessels from various allied nations, training and operating together as a single team. The Group is permanently available to NATO to perform a wide range of tasks, from participating in exercises to crisis response and real world operational missions. Usually the Force is employed in the Mediterranean area but, as required, will be available anywhere NATO requires it to deploy to.

The Partnership for Peace is a programme of practical bilateral cooperation between individual Euro-Atlantic partner countries and NATO. It allows partners to build up an individual relationship with NATO, choosing their own priorities for cooperation.
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Thu Sep 20, 2012 9:21 am (PDT) . Posted by:

"Rick Rozoff" rwrozoff

http://usa.chinadaily.com.cn/opinion/2012-09/20/content_15769918.htm

China Daily
September 20, 2012

Rising Japanese militarism
Wang Xiaoxuan*

Protective wing of US has emboldened Japan over the Diaoyu Islands, but it should not test China's patience too far

====

Facing the latest strained and complicated developments following Japan's provocative behaviors on the Diaoyu Islands issue, China should make all possible preparations, including preparations for a possible military conflict and even war.

The resurrection of militarism within Japan is inseparable from the US. To maintain its global hegemonic status since World War II and defeat the erstwhile Soviet Union, the US sought to strengthen and cultivate Japan as an ally.

Washington poses as a neutral, but favors Japan in action, allowing Japanese officials to claim its security treaty with Japan is applicable to the Diaoyu Islands. Such a stance is essentially connivance with Japan's militarism and aggression and could embolden Tokyo to take more provocative action with dire consequences.

====

The Diaoyu Islands dispute continues to ferment following the Japanese government's attempt to "nationalize" the islands and is at risk of spiraling out of control if Tokyo does not chart a new course.

China's fast development since reform and opening-up in 1978 has also benefited the rest of the world. However, the development dividend they have received has not been appreciated by all beneficiaries: certain countries have never stopped proclaiming there is a "China threat", and some countries even covet islands or maritime areas belonging to China while enjoying the huge benefits brought about by China's rapid economic development.

The normal buildup of China's military, including its navy, is for defense and not based on selfish interests or the pursuit of hegemony. And it should be borne in mind that despite the remarkable progress made in recent years, China's navy is still unable to meet the international responsibilities and obligations it is expected to undertake as a big international power.

China is a peace-loving nation and the Chinese people are opposed to the use of war to resolve disputes. But such a disposition does not mean we lack the courage to stand up for ourselves. Facing the latest strained and complicated developments following Japan's provocative behaviors on the Diaoyu Islands issue, China should make all possible preparations, including preparations for a possible military conflict and even war.

With its provocative farce of their so-called purchase of the Diaoyu Islands, the right wing in Japan has exposed its desire to regain "No 1" status for Japan in East Asia and its unease at China's steady and sustainable development. The Chinese government and people should be on high alert and resolutely oppose Japan's militarism.

The Japanese government's stance on the Diaoyu Islands issue has come amid Japan's renewed militarism. Under the domination of militarism Japan caused untold pain to and disasters in many Asian countries. And under the umbrella of the United States' protection, Japan conducts little soul-searching repentance for its past crimes and continuously fanfares right-wing extremism.

The resurrection of militarism within Japan is inseparable from the US. To maintain its global hegemonic status since World War II and defeat the erstwhile Soviet Union, the US sought to strengthen and cultivate Japan as an ally.

Under such strategic consideration, the US signed a security treaty with Japan and privately and illegally handed over the administration of the Diaoyu Islands to Japan, in an attempt to bury the seed for the China-Japan territorial dispute. It is because of this strategic arrangement that the US has turned a blind eye to the rise of Japan's militarism and its continuous attempts to breach the restraints of its pro-peace constitution.

The US, which is largely responsible for the China-Japan Diaoyu Islands entanglement, should have maintained an impartial stance and sought to help resolve the dispute. Instead, Washington poses as a neutral, but favors Japan in action, allowing Japanese officials to claim its security treaty with Japan is applicable to the Diaoyu Islands. Such a stance is essentially connivance with Japan's militarism and aggression and could embolden Tokyo to take more provocative action with dire consequences.

The Japanese government should realize the severity of the dispute and immediately refrain from any more provocations and infringements of China's sovereignty.

From the re-naming of some of the Diaoyu Islands' affiliated islets earlier this year and the attempt to purchase three of the islands by some Japanese rightist forces to the latest "nationalization" move by the Japanese government, the Japanese government and Japan's right-wing forces have tried to make fools of the Chinese people.

But while not offending others if we are not offended is the long-cherished principle of China's dealings with other countries, Japan should not mistake China's patience and tolerance as an opportunity for pressing for more "concessions". It should not underrate Chinese people's courage and resolve to resist foreign aggression. China will not back down an inch on issues related to its sovereignty.

*The author is director of the Naval Research Institute of the People's Liberation Army.
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Thu Sep 20, 2012 3:42 pm (PDT) . Posted by:

"Rick Rozoff" rwrozoff

http://www.panarmenian.net/eng/news/123902/Armenian_peacekeepers_participate_in_NATOstandard_based_military_drills

PanArmenian.net
September 20, 2012

Armenian peacekeepers participate in NATO-standard based military drills

On September 17-20, an Armenian peacekeeping brigade’s infantry battalion participated in three day military drills based on NATO standards.

The testing was conducted by NATO accredited RA officers, with a team of consultants from NATO member countries assisting.

The maneuvers brought together 600 peacekeepers, with Armenian armed forces helicopters employed.

The consultants highly assessed RA peacekeeping brigade’s training, hailing their military discipline.
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Thu Sep 20, 2012 3:42 pm (PDT) . Posted by:

"Rick Rozoff" rwrozoff

http://www.eucom.mil/article/24272/berlin-conference-joins-nine-nato-nations-in-ballistic-missile-defense-upgrade-di

United States European Command
September 20, 2012

Berlin conference joins nine NATO nations in Ballistic Missile Defense
Army Staff Sgt. Rick Scavetta, U.S. European Command

====

Representatives from Denmark, France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Norway, Spain and the United Kingdom – nations possessing advanced air defense systems that could be upgraded for missile defense – offered a look at their ways forward. While land-based, space-based and airborne systems were considered, the conference was primarily focused on maritime assets.

====

STUTTGART, Germany: U.S. and European military and civilian leaders met in Berlin recently to discuss upgrades to ballistic missile defense (BMD) capabilities in order to increase the capacity of NATO’s missile defense architecture in Europe.

More than 100 senior military and civilian government officials from nine Allied nations took part in the conference Sept. 13-14 at Julius Leber Kaserne in Berlin. Co-hosted by U.S. European Command and the German Federal Ministry of Defense, the event offered a forum for Allied leaders to present their policy views, study efforts and plans on upgrading their existing air defense systems to potentially provide additional voluntary National contributions to NATO’s BMD mission in Europe, said Rear Admiral Mark Montgomery, EUCOM’s Deputy Director of Plans, Policy and Strategy.

“The goal was to get a group of Allies together to discuss what future capabilities might be offered in an integrated European missile defense environment,” Montgomery said. “We discussed current U.S. commitments. Other countries briefed on the capabilities they have or are considering acquiring over the next few years.”

Representatives from Denmark, France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Norway, Spain and the United Kingdom – nations possessing advanced air defense systems that could be upgraded for missile defense – offered a look at their ways forward. While land-based, space-based and airborne systems were considered, the conference was primarily focused on maritime assets.

“It was clear that all nine countries were coming to the table with some level of existing or future missile defense commitments,” Montgomery said. “We then went on to discuss what further aspirations and opportunities might exist over the next seven to 10 years.”

In 2009, President Obama announced plans for a Phased Adaptive Approach (PAA) to ballistic missile defense in Europe. Using a network of sensors, interceptors, and command and control structures, the plan is designed to offer the alliance a regional capability to defend NATO’s European population, territory and forces. Under the European PAA (EPAA), EUCOM works closely with Allies in Europe to determine how NATO member nations could share the burden.

At the 2010 Lisbon summit, NATO leaders agreed to invest in missile defense. At the Chicago Summit in May 2012, NATO declared an interim operational capability for missile defense, and called upon members to provide voluntary National contributions to missile defense.

The EPAA has four phases. The first phase, now complete, includes a land-based early warning system in Turkey, guided missile ships in the Mediterranean Sea and a NATO-led command and control center at Ramstein Air Base, Germany.

The second phase includes a land-based defense system in Romania by 2015, followed by an additional land-based system in Poland during phase three, starting 2018. In the plan’s final phase, expected by 2020, NATO should be capable of defeating medium and intermediate range missiles plus potential intercontinental ballistic missile threats.

At the conference, Allies discussed their policies, plans and studies to develop their potential capabilities to detect and intercept possible threats. These discussions frame NATO’s upcoming senior leader forum, set for late September at Ramstein, where Alliance leaders will focus on current missile defense operational requirements. According to RDML Montgomery, the dialogue that began in Berlin has laid the groundwork for Allied nations to work together to provide sufficient missile defense capacity, interoperable and complementary to the US EPAA, that can defend Europe in the years ahead.

“In 10 years, when the NATO command is looking at its capabilities, they should have a lot more to choose from,” Montgomery said. “This was a first step toward that happening.”
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Thu Sep 20, 2012 7:20 pm (PDT) . Posted by:

"Rick Rozoff" rwrozoff

http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/world/2012-09/21/c_131863584.htm

Xinhua News Agency
September 21, 2012

Second batch of U.S. Marines arrives in southern Yemen

====

Earlier this week, the Yemeni parliament unanimously rejected the presence of any foreign military forces on its soil for any reasons, demanding an immediate departure of the U.S. Marines forces.

====

              
ADEN, Yemen: The second detachment of 30 U.S. Marines has arrived Thursday on the ground in Yemen's southern province of Lahj to back security forces and deal with counter-terrorism issues in the country's south, a senior government official told Xinhua.

Around 30 special Marines forces arrived at the al-Anad military air base, situated in the south of the country, to conduct a joint training operation with the counter-terrorism forces of Yemen, a local government official said on condition of anonymity.

"The Marine unit arrived in addition to an earlier contingent dispatched to assist security and protect the U.S. embassy in the capital Sanaa along with its staff there," the government official said.

"The arrival of these aircraft comes within the outline of U.S. reinforcements in the fight against the Yemen-based al-Qaida offshoot," he added.

The U.S. Marines will conduct small-unit training and full company size training with Yemen's anti-terrorism troops, according to the official.

The Pentagon said on Friday that a platoon of Marines had arrived in Yemen to bolster security at the U.S. embassy in Sanaa, a day after hundreds of Yemenis enraged by a U.S.-made film ridiculing Islam stormed the embassy's ground. No embassy staff were hurt, but four demonstrators were killed in the attack.

Earlier this week, the Yemeni parliament unanimously rejected the presence of any foreign military forces on its soil for any reasons, demanding an immediate departure of the U.S. Marines forces.

The announcement of the Marines' arrival has provoked an angry response from many conservative Yemenis, including clerics and political activists, who view it as a clear breach to the Yemeni Constitution and the Islamic rules and vow to stage more protests.

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http://www.marines.mil/unit/hqmc/Pages/Warrior-competition-pits-US-Marines-against-each-other-in-mountains-of-Djibouti.aspx#.UFvFgY2PVzY

U.S. Marine Corps
September 20, 2012

Warrior competition pits U.S. Marines against each other in mountains of Djibouti
By Staff Sgt. Robert Fisher, 24th MEU

DJIBOUTI: Marines with the 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit concluded a three-week training package in Djibouti Sept. 16, 2012, with a five-day competition designed to test everything they learned while ashore.

The extensive training and competition, based in the coastal mountains off the Gulf of Toujours, focused on mountain-based infantry skills intended to lend tactical superiority in rugged environments. A platoon of Marines from Bravo Company, Battalion Landing Team 1st Battalion, 2nd Marine Regiment, based from the USS Iwo Jima, participated in the training.

“The Marines started off the training with some classes like the mountain course and high-angle shooting...so they learned how to operate here. Then they moved into force-on-force training events where they were forced to think ahead of an enemy and react quickly. Finally they did this competition where they had to employ everything they’ve learned out here. Everything culminated in this event,” said Capt. Juan Ramos, officer-in-charge of the training force package.

The Marines said they were “wore out” after the grueling days spent navigating the mountains with conditioning hikes and high-angle shooting ranges...

The Marines began training in Djibouti in late August with courses comprised of classroom instruction in mission essential communication skills, indirect fire coordination and targeting methods, and survival skills such as building fires and finding water. They also conducted classes on mountaineering along with a water obstacle course on an adjacent French military outpost.

...

The second week of the training package began Sept. 3 when the Bravo Company platoon returned to the field for a “force-on-force” exercise, in which the platoon divided into separate elements and played out a loosely-scripted scenario in a simulated battlefield within the Djiboutian mountain terrain.

...

The 24th MEU is deployed with the Iwo Jima Amphibious Ready Group as a theater reserve and crisis response force throughout the U.S. Central Command in the U.S. Navy’s 5th Fleet area of responsibility. A small contingent of Marines is ashore in Djibouti managing various unilateral, bilateral and joint exercises with other U.S. service members and French forces stationed in Djibouti.
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Thu Sep 20, 2012 7:31 pm (PDT) . Posted by:

"Rick Rozoff" rwrozoff

http://www.novinite.com/view_news.php?id=143401

Sofia News Agency
September 20, 2012

Croatian Army Rescues Balkan Soldiers from Afghanistan

A helicopter unit of the Croatian army has rescued 38 beseiged soldiers from different Balkan countries in Afghanistan, writes the Croatian paper Jutarnji List Thursday.

The drama unfolded on Tuesday amidst boiling tensions around the "Innocence of Muslims" film that provoked the ire of Muslims in various countries, who saw it as insulting to the Prophet Mohammed.

The 38 soldiers from Croatia, Macedonia, Montenegro, Bosnia and Herzegovina, and Albania had to be transported from a base in Kabul to Bagram Air Base.

The sericemen were blocked by rioting protesters in their base and the Croatian unit was the only one that was ready to respond, after helicopters from the US and elsewhere were banned from flying in.

...
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Thu Sep 20, 2012 7:47 pm (PDT) . Posted by:

"Rick Rozoff" rwrozoff

http://www.navy.mil/submit/display.asp?story_id=69711

U.S. Navy
September 20, 2012

U.S. Navy Ships Depart For Joint Warrior Exercise 12-2
By Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class (SW/AW) Foster Bamford, Navy Public Affairs Support Element West

USS GETTYSBURG, At Sea: Two U.S. Navy ships, led by Commander, Destroyer Squadron (COMDESRON) 26, departed from the U.S. for Scotland, Sept. 17.

The ships will take part in the Joint Warrior 12-2 exercise with allied navies. Joint Warrior is a coalition exercise designed and led by the Joint Tactical Exercise Planning Staff (JTEPS) in the United Kingdom.

Sailors from guided-missile destroyer USS Mitscher (DDG 57), guided-missile cruiser USS Gettysburg (CG 64), Helicopter Maritime Strike (HSM) 46 Detachment 2 and U.S. maritime support reconnaissance patrol aircraft from Experimental Evaluation Test Squadron (VX) 1, Patrol Squadron (VP) 9 and VP 10 and fleet replenishment oiler USNS Leroy Grumman (TAO 195) will play a role in the exercise, which is intended to improve interoperability between allied navies and prepare them for possible joint exercises in the real world.

"Allied and coalition operations are the standard when units deploy," said Capt. Nelson Castro, commander of COMDESRON 26. "This exercise provides a venue for our Sailors to practice and learn NATO operating procedures."

Joint Warrior is the United Kingdom's advanced naval certification course and is on par with a U.S. Joint Task Force Exercise. The exercise is a multi-national training event for allies in a maritime environment. It aims to improve interoperability and prepare forces for combined exercises. There are 12 countries participating in Joint Warrior including the U.S. and the United Kingdom. Those countries are Denmark, Netherlands, Estonia, France, Spain, Norway, Brazil, Germany, Canada, Sweden, and Belgium.

"Many of the allied units involved in Joint Warrior exercises will be the same units our ships will see on deployment," said Castro. "This familiarity allows for the development of trust. All nations benefit from open commerce in the maritime common. Our Navy deployed forward supports the movement of goods worldwide, which affects everyone."

Joint Warrior is a two-week exercise that begins in early October. It involves sea, ground and air assets from participating allied and NATO forces and aims to foster a spirit of teamwork between allied nations.