BY: Ian Allis
Brussels: NATO assumed command of USS Bataan amphibious ready group in the eastern Mediterranean Sea.
“Naval Striking Forces will execute a transfer of authority, assuming command of 5,000+ U.S. Sailors & Marines assigned to BAT ARG,” in parallel with Exercise Steadfast Defender.
Individual participating units consist of:
- USS Bataan (LHD 5)
- USS Carter Hall (LSD 50)
- USS Mesa Verde (LPD 19)
- USS Arleigh Burke (DDG 51)
- U.K. RFA Argus (A153)
- Turkish Naval Forces: TCG Gemlik (F492) & TCG Gelibolu (DD-484).
-The Bataan Amphibious Ready Group was “transferred to NATO command in the Eastern Mediterranean in order to conduct a series of short notice vigilance activities with elements of Allied Maritime Command’s Standing NATO Maritime Group 2 & the Turkish Navy.”
“Concerted, collaborative efforts such as the seamless transition of national assets to NATO reinforce the interchangeability of Allied Forces & the agility of Allied command & control structures.
This transfer of authority constitutes a tangible, transparent display of advanced capabilities in the maritime domain and the defensive commitment of the NATO Alliance across Supreme Allied Commander Europe’s (SACEUR) Area of Responsibility.”
“Emphasizing DDA [Deterrence & Defense Activities] as NATO’s foundational pillars, these interactions serve as the perfect stage to display formidable capabilities via agile military forces, all the while testing the ability to conduct a short-notice transfer of authority.
Transferring Allied units to NATO’s control has become a regular function for STRIKFORNATO, a fact that speaks to the organization’s role within the DDA family of plans.”
San Antonio-class amphibious transport dock ship USS Mesa Verde (LPD 19) sails under the NATO flag in the Mediterranean Sea.
