US and NATO allies conduct river crossing exercise [Image 2 of 4]

XANTHI, GREECE

05.30.2025

Photo by Sgt. Savahanna Zandstra 

U.S. Army Europe and Africa     

Greek soldiers deploy a Leopard Armoured Vehicle-Launched Bridge (AVLB) during a wet gap crossing to position the first half of a tactical bridge during exercise Immediate Response 25 along the Nestos River, Greece, May 30, 2025. The Greek Army uses two AVLBs, referred to as a “tandem bridge,” laid end-to-end to span shallow rivers less than 42 meters wide.
Demonstrating global deterrence and the U.S. Army’s ability to rapidly deploy U.S.-based combat power in Europe and the Arctic region alongside Allies and partners, DEFENDER 25 brings U.S. troops together with forces from 29 Allied and partner nations to build readiness through large-scale combat training from May 11-June 24, 2025. DEFENDER 25 increases the lethality of the NATO alliance through large-scale tactical training maneuvers and long-range fires, builds unit readiness in a complex joint, multinational environment and leverages host nation capabilities to increase the U.S. Army’s operational reach. During three large-scale combat training exercises—Swift Response, Immediate Response, and Saber Guardian—Ally and partner forces integrate and expand multi-domain operations capability, demonstrating combined command and control structures and readiness to respond to crisis and conflict. (U.S. Army photo by Sgt Savahanna Zandstra)

• Date Taken: 05.30.2025
• Date Posted: 05.30.2025 14:55
• Photo ID: 9073714
• VIRIN: 250530-Z-CW072-1003
• Resolution: 6720x4480
• Size: 6.05 MB
• Location: XANTHI, GR