POZNAN, Poland—The U.S Ambassador to Poland Paul Jones, conducted a site visit to the Mission Command Element Operation Atlantic Resolve headquarters Aug. 8, 2017.
The MCE-AR serves as the intermediate headquarters for more than 5,000 U.S. service members conducting bilateral training operations and multinational exercises with host nation defense forces in Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland, Slovakia, Hungary, Romania, and Bulgaria.
This was Jones’ first time visiting the MCE-AR headquarters since it’s relocation to Poznan, Poland.
“The MCE is a key command in this rapidly growing US and NATO deployment in support of OAR,” said Jones. “This headquarters supports all of OAR in regard to freedom of movement, exercises and the list goes on, so I’m very glad to finally come out and see it for myself.”
During his short visit, Jones received a current operations brief and tour of the facility.
“I remember when (Lt.) Gen. Hodges said that the MCE would be moving to Poland,” he said. “Visiting today, I know that this is the right place and to see the support the Polish are offering to you all to keep this mission going great.”
After engaging with the staff Jones dined with Hodne and his staff prior to leaving for Powidz to engage other regionally allocated forces in support of the OAR mission.
“Ambassador Jones’ visit to 4ID MCE in Poznan allows us to showcase to our host nation diplomats how USAREUR (U.S. Army Europe) conducts deterrence in Operation Atlantic Resolve,” said Lt. Col. Michael McCarson, chief of staff for Mission Command Element-Atlantic Resolve. “It also provides the MCE with understanding the State Department’s effort in OAR, which strengthens our working relationship.”
Operation Atlantic Resolve is a demonstration of continued U.S. commitment to the collective security of Europe through the deployment of rotational units to provide a persistent presence committed to the enduring peace and stability in the region.