Steppe Eagle fosters relationships, increases interoperability

Photo By Staff Sgt. Beth Lake | Gen. Maj. Adilbek Aldaberpenov, Kazakhstan Air Mobile Forces Commander, greets Lt. Gen. William G. Webster, Third Army/U.S. Army Central commanding general, as he arrives at the KAZBAT 1st Battalion Headquarters near Camp Illisky, Kazakhstan, Sept. 24. Webster toured the KAZBAT headquarters before participating in the closing ceremony for the multinational exercise Steppe Eagle which is fostering relationships amongst Soldiers from Britain, Kazakhstan, and the U.S.  

ALMATY, KAZAKHSTAN

09.25.2009

Story by Sgt. Beth Lake 

U.S. Army Central   

ALMATY, Kazakhstan - A closing ceremony and wreath laying at a Kazakhstan war memorial in Almaty marked the culmination of the multinational information exchange, Steppe Eagle 2009, Sept. 25.

Steppe Eagle is held annually and brings together Soldiers from the British, Kazakhstan and U.S. Army to improve staff functions, the military orders process, and battle tracking. It also teaches Soldiers how to work together in a coalition environment.

This year's Steppe Eagle is one of more than 200 theatre security events that Third Army has held over the past two years that are designed to increase interoperability between partner nations. These TSC events shape the future for full-spectrum operations in U.S. Central Command's area of operations, while supporting the National Security Strategy of the U.S.

During the closing ceremony, Lt. Gen. William G. Webster, spoke about the success of this exchange and also the important role participants have played in current operations.

"We are proud to be friends and partners, improving our ability to work together as a team," Webster said. "Kazakhstan's contribution to the wars against terror has been vital. You have made the nations of Iraq and Afghanistan safer for all. Seven Rifles' contribution in Afghanistan has done a tremendous job in helping stabilize the country. The 9th Brigade from the Puerto Rico National Guard's contributions to this exercise and to peace around the world are famous."

One of the goals of Steppe Eagle is to assist the KAZBRIG in its preparation for NATO certification, Lt. Col. Dave Horn, Third Army/USARCENT Central and South Asia Team Chief and Deputy Exercise Director for Steppe Eagle explained. KAZBAT First Battalion went through a NATO exercise last year and will be doing a follow-on exercise next year. This year's Steppe Eagle worked with KAZBAT First and Second Battalion and the brigade headquarters, KAZBRIG. A Third Battalion will stand up in the future.

The commander of the Kazakhstan Air Mobile Forces, Gen. Maj. Adilbek Aldaberpenov touched on this during the closing ceremony.

"Due to the support of our partners, KAZBAT [1st battalion] became the first battalion in post-Soviet Union territory to pass the NATO evaluation process," Aldaberpenov said. "Due to this experience, our units will continue to incorporate what they have learned here during their training."

Webster also cited the success of the exercise and the importance of the relationship between the U.S. and Kazakhstan.

"Kazakhstan is a key strategic and regional partner and we have shared the hardships of war and spilled blood together," Webster said. "We must continue to train together so we will be successful in the future."

Aldaberpenov agreed, highlighting the impact the exchange had and his hope for the future.

"Today we are finishing our exercise and this exercise we can consider a success," Aldaberpenov said. "I believe in the future, the size of this exercise will continue to increase. Steppe Eagle 2009 has become a symbol of our unique peace and friendship."

• Date Taken: 09.25.2009
• Date Posted: 09.25.2009 14:37
• Story ID: 39260
• Location: ALMATY, KZ