Test Page

Video by Natalie Weaver

Joint port operation receives first aircraft for Defender 23

21st Theater Sustainment Command

April 6, 2023 | 2:10

U.S. Army 5th Battalion, 159th Regiment, 244th Expeditionary Combat Aviation Brigade offloaded CH-47 Chinooks, UH-60 Blackhawks and equipment for the Defender 23 exercise at Naval Station Rota, Spain on April 6, 2023. Navy logistics members from Navy Supply Systems Command Fleet Logistics Center - Rota assisted in the port operation by securing the site and providing personnel to transport equipment from the port to maintenance area. Communications specialists were on site from 16th Sustainment Brigade, 21st Theater Sustainment Command, to ensure aircraft communications are configured and prepared for flight.

DEFENDER 23 is a U.S. Army Europe and Africa led exercise focused on the strategic deployment of continental United States-based forces, employment of Army Prepositioned Stocks, and interoperability with Allies and partners. Taking place from 22 April to 23 June, DEFENDER 23 demonstrates USAREUR-AF’s ability to aggregate U.S.-based combat power quickly in Eastern Europe,
increase lethality of the NATO Alliance through long-distance fires, build unit readiness in a complex joint, multi-national environment, and leverage host nation capabilities to increase USAREUR-AF’s operational reach.