Steadfast Javelin II proves NATO strong, ready

Photo By Staff Sgt. Michael Crawford | Paratroopers of 1st Battalion, 503rd Infantry Regiment, 173rd Airborne Brigade depart Lielvarde Airbase, Latvia, Sept. 8, 2014, at the conclusion of NATO Exercise Steadfast Javelin II. NATO paratroopers occupied the airbase for several days to launch follow-on operations after seizing it the night of Sept. 5. Steadfast Javelin II is a NATO exercise involving over 2,000 troops from 10 nations, and takes place across Estonia, Germany, Latvia, Lithuania and Poland. The exercise focuses on increasing interoperability and synchronizing complex operations between allied air and ground forces through airborne and air assault missions. (U.S. Army photo by Sgt. Michael T. Crawford/Released)  

LIELVARDE, LATVIA

09.09.2014

Story by Sgt. Michael Crawford 

U.S. Army Europe and Africa     

LIELVARDE, Latvia - Following the Wales Declaration on the Transatlantic Bond Sept. 5, NATO air and ground forces conducted Steadfast Javelin II from Sept. 3-8, translating policy into action.

"After two decades of intensive operations, Allies now have the most experienced, capable and interoperable forces in NATO’s history," the Declaration reads. "We will continue to invest in modern and deployable armed forces that can operate effectively together and at a high level of readiness to fulfill NATO’s tasks."

Steadfast Javelin II involved over 2,000 troops from 10 nations and took place across Estonia, Germany, Latvia, Lithuania and Poland. The exercise focused on increasing interoperability and synchronizing complex operations between allied air and ground forces through airborne and air assault missions.

In late August, air and ground forces gathered at Ramstein Airbase in Germany to begin planning, rehearsals and the loading of equipment and paratroopers necessary to complete the mission. Air-assault raids took place across Poland, Latvia, Lithuania and Estonia showcasing a combined effort by NATO air and ground troops.

The tactical portion of the exercise began Sept. 3. Paratroopers from the 173rd Airborne Brigade and British Soldiers from the Duke of Lancaster’s Regiment conducted a night operation to radar sites in western Poland. Along with follow-on raids in Latvia and Lithuania, combined forces obtained intelligence an destroyed infrastructure critical to setting the stage for the airfield seizures.

On Sept. 5, the main thrust of the exercise commenced. At the same time, approximately 500 NATO paratroopers from the 173rd Airborne Brigade, the Royal Canadian Regiment and the Italian Folgore Brigade loaded U.S. Air Force C-130 aircraft from Ramstein and conducted a parachute assault onto Lielvarde Airbase, quickly consolidating and clearing the airfield of enemy air defense and forces before additional C-17 aircraft brought in Stryker armored vehicles from the U.S. 2nd Cavalry Regiment.

Simultaneously, approximately 160 paratroopers from the allied force conducted a similar airborne operation, dropping paratroopers and heavy equipment such as 105mm Howitzer artillery to seize secondary objectives in Lithuania.

"This exercise is so important to maintain the high standard of interoperability," said German Gen. Hans-Lothar Domroese, commander of NATO Joint Force Command Brunssum. "I'm convinced, as a NATO officer, together we can achieve great things; NATO is an alliance of 28 nations, and they guarantee the protection and integrity of the territory. Steadfast Javelin II shows we have the capability to train and exercise and also ensure the alliance is prepared to defend its territory and their people. That's a strong signal; you can rely on NATO."

As NATO draws down the International Security Assistance Force in Afghanistan, exercises like Steadfast Javelin II will become even more critical to the success of future NATO operations.

"The mission in Afghanistan is complete, and now we're changing to Resolute Support, a training mission," said Raimonds Vejonis, Latvian minister of defense. "For NATO forces, it's necessary to train troops and interoperability. If Article 5 will be used, it is necessary that all participants from NATO countries already know each other, so it's easy to start operations where it is necessary."

NATO has agreed to a Readiness Action Plan to enhance NATO’s preparedness, responsiveness, and posture, according to the Wales Declaration. "The Alliance poses no threat to any country. But should the security of any Ally be threatened we will act together and decisively."

In addition to participating in Steadfast Javelin II, approximately 600 paratroopers from the 173rd Airborne Brigade, based in Vicenza, Italy, are spread throughout Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania and Poland for Operation Atlantic Resolve to demonstrate commitment to NATO obligations and sustain interoperability with allied forces.

"We don't know where we're going to go to next - what operation, what mission or what crisis is going to pop up around the world," said Maj. Gen. Walter Piatt, deputy commanding general of U.S. Army Europe, a native of Somerset, Pennsylvania. "We do know that we're not going to deploy there alone; we're going to deploy with our allies, and if we're going to deploy together then we've got to train together. We train very hard, because when we're needed, our nations aren't going to ask us if we're ready; they're going to expect it. We're ready."

• Date Taken: 09.09.2014
• Date Posted: 09.09.2014 06:54
• Story ID: 141514
• Location: LIELVARDE, LV
• Hometown: SOMERSET, PA, US