Photo By Senior Airman Nick Emerick | Estonian forces participated in the Centennial of Estonian Independence Day parade in...... read more read more
Estonian, U.S., and other Baltic forces as well as forces from Ukraine, Britain, Denmark, and other countries participated in the day’s events, which ended with a parade featuring U.S. Army Soldiers deployed in country as part of Operation Atlantic Resolve; the U.S. Army Europe Band; a U.S. Patriot Advanced Capability-3 launcher; and a flyover of eight F-16 aircraft – also currently deployed in Estonia. Lt. Gen. Timothy Ray, U.S. European Command Deputy Commander, attended the parade and took the occasion to stress the importance of participating in events like Estonia Independence Day as well as other events and exercises with Baltic allies.
“We have a fantastic relationship with all of our Baltic allies, including Estonia. I know through our exercises and engagements our international partnership is very strong,” the general said. “Events like today show a great team effort on how we come together to support an ally.”
According to the deputy commander, U.S. participation in the parade reinforced U.S. European Command’s support of Estonia as a North Atlantic Treaty Organization ally and was a chance to demonstrate U.S. commitment to the Baltics.
“We are excited to be here. It is an excellent opportunity to attend a once-in-a-lifetime event and support our Estonian allies on the 100th anniversary of their independence,” said U.S. Army Capt. Tom Harris, Charlie Battery Commander. “We are all honored to be here.”
The crowds of Estonians were also able to see a static display of the Patriot missile system and direct questions to Soldiers from Charlie Battery. According to Harris, they are the only U.S. Patriot battalion in USEUCOM.
“They have spent a lot of time with their Estonian counterparts learning about the Estonians’ weapons systems” Harris said. “It has been an excellent opportunity to celebrate such an important day with our allies.”
| Date Taken: | 02.24.2018 |
| Date Posted: | 03.01.2018 09:15 |
| Story ID: | 267692 |
| Location: | TALLINN, EE |
| Web Views: | 50 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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