Maryland Air National Guard cyber operators exercise with Romanian counterparts [Image 8 of 10]

BUCHAREST, ROMANIA

06.11.2025

Photo by Staff Sgt. Laura Virtue 

175th Wing, Maryland Air National Guard

Maryland Air National Guard Tech Sgt. Thomas Pham and Staff Sgt. Gabriella Smith, cyber operators assigned to the 275th Cyberspace Operations Squadron, work together as part of the blue team defensive operations during the Saber Guardian 25 cyber exercise as part of DEFENDER 25, June 11, 2025, in Bucharest, Romania. Airmen from the Maryland Air National Guard and NATO counterparts from the Romanian Cyber Command, who participated in blue team cyber operations were responsible for defending training systems and networks from simulated adversarial cyber attacks.

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 to June 24, 2025. DEFENDER 25 increases the lethality of the NATO alliance through large-scale tactical training maneuvers and long-range fires, build 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. Air National Guard photo by Staff Sgt. Laura Virtue)(This photo has been altered for security purposes by blurring out sensitive information.)

• Date Taken: 06.11.2025
• Date Posted: 12.04.2025 15:53
• Photo ID: 9421554
• VIRIN: 250611-Z-US479-1066
• Resolution: 3626x2413
• Size: 3.51 MB
• Location: BUCHAREST, RO