NATO Allies and U.S. Navy Boost Unity and VLS Reload Capabilities in Denmark and France

ROTA, SPAIN – Naval Cargo Handling Battalions 10 and 1 marked a significant achievement under the guidance of Task Force 68. They executed successful vertical launching system (VLS) reloads for two U.S. Navy ships: the USS Gettysburg in Skagen, Denmark, and the USS Stout in Brest, France. This operation underscores the logistical capabilities and interoperability among NATO forces.

This was a groundbreaking event, being the first instance of a reserve Expeditionary Reload Team conducting an exercise with live ordnance on foreign soil. The Gettysburg’s reload in Denmark marked a first for the region, engaging both U.S. and Danish military personnel in a collaborative effort to bolster NATO’s defensive readiness.

Commander John Aeroe Hansen from the Royal Danish Navy highlighted the seamless execution of the operation, praising the cooperative spirit that characterized the joint efforts of the Danish and U.S. teams. This collaboration exemplifies the growing strength and unity between NATO partners.

Lieutenant Aaron Dillon of Task Group 68.5 emphasized the importance of such operations, noting that they ensure combat readiness wherever forces are stationed. The project’s success points to a robust partnership between the U.S. Navy and Denmark, extending tactical capabilities across NATO territories.

The exercise in France further tested the U.S. Navy’s ability to adapt and utilize NATO partner ports in unconventional yet crucial missions. The USS Stout, an Arleigh Burke-class destroyer, was effectively reloaded by NCHB 1, showcasing strategic flexibility.

Lieutenant j.g. Justin Morgan, overseeing NCHB 1, described the reloads as reflections of military professionalism and cooperation. They stand as proof of the operational prowess and comprehensive alliance of the U.S. Navy with its NATO partners.

Versatility was at the heart of these operations, confirming the naval units’ capability to rapidly replenish military assets in diverse settings. Lieutenant Chris Garazatua stressed how these exercises ensure readiness in support of forward-deployed units, crucial for operations in contested zones.

At a higher level, the exercises amounted to a powerful demonstration of NATO’s allied strength. Captain Jeremy Wheat, Commodore of Task Force 68, highlighted the drills as crucial rehearsals for interoperability with NATO’s diverse personnel. It emphasizes how alliance unity and adaptability serve as a formidable deterrent to potential threats.

Task Force 68 falls under the U.S. Sixth Fleet, based in Naples, Italy, and plays a pivotal role in naval operations across Europe and Africa. The fleet’s mission underpins joint operations to foster U.S. security interests across the regions it covers.