US, Romanian Soldiers stand shoulder to shoulder

Photo By Staff Sgt. Steven Colvin | U.S. Army and Romanian Army leaders salute each other during the opening ceremony of Dragoon Crossing – Romania, which was held at the Romanian Army base near Arad, Romania, Oct. 24, 2015. Exercise Dragoon Crossing – Romania is part of Operation Atlantic Resolve and is a strengthening of NATO’s persistent presence in the region. (U.S. Army photo by Staff Sgt. Steven M. Colvin/10th Press Camp Headquarters)  

UNITED STATES

10.24.2015

Story by Staff Sgt. Steven Colvin 

10th Press Camp Headquarters

ARAD, Romania -- Under the clear blue Romanian skies, hundreds of U.S. and Romanian Soldiers stood in their perspective formations in front of a full line of U.S. Army Infantry Carrier Variants (Strykers) as U.S. Army Lt. Col. Jonathan Due, squadron commander of 4th Squadron, 2nd Cavalry Regiment, Vilsek, Germany, and Romanian Col. Julian Daniliuc, commander of the 18th Infantry Brigade, Timisoara, Romania, say a few words about the amazing opportunity the two armies have to work together in support of Operation Atlantic Resolve.

“This is a very interesting exercise,” said Col. Daniliuc. “It is not a usual exercise because it only happens once per year. It will take much cooperation and coordination by all units, U.S. and Romanian, to work together as one.”

The purpose of Dragoon Crossing – Romania is to enhance NATO interoperability, build good will and camaraderie with the local population of Romania and demonstrate the alliance’s operational freedom of movement for a strong Europe.

“We are very excited about working with our Allies, 4/2 CR, and the U.S. Soldiers,” said Col. Daniliuc. “I am happy to be a part of this exercise because we don’t get to do it often.”

Today was just the beginning of the combined training exercise of Dragoon Crossing – Romania. The exercise will continue tomorrow with the Romanian Armed Forces Day. Key U.S. Army Europe leaders will also participate in ceremonies in and around Arad for the Romanian National Holiday. The day will begin with a parade, and static displays and music played by the U.S. Army Europe Band will continue until evening.

• Date Taken: 10.24.2015
• Date Posted: 10.25.2015 03:11
• Story ID: 179846
• Location: US