The photos from the Multinational Special Operations Exercise are impressive “SWIFT RESPONSE 23” which was (also) held in our country from May 7 to 20, with the participation of the Armed Forces, in the context of the wider planning of GEETHA regarding the international cooperation of the army.

SR 23 is part of the Large Scale Global Exercise (LSGE) “DEFENDER EUROPE 23” (DE23) planned and carried out by the United States Army Europe and Africa (USAREUR) AF), to correspond to any threats against NATO and his partners.

GEETHA

The conduct of the “SWIFT RESPONSE 23” in the area of ​​responsibility of the Chief of GEETHA highlighted the strong and timeless relationship of the Armed Forces of Greece – USA, while the use of the Port of Alexandroupolis for the smooth and safe conduct of “DEFENDER EUROPE 23” demonstrates its pivotal role and the importance of the facilities provided by Greece to the US and the Alliance.

GEETHA

SR 23 was held in 3 regions of Europe (Greece, Estonia and Spain). In the Greek territory, it was based on a scenario of the execution of combined interdisciplinary operations for the recapture of Airports in the Country, and in this context a similar operation was carried out in Skyros, as well as in the Antofytos Kilkis area, where the Observation Day of the Exercise took place. The Armed Forces participated in the SR 23 held in our country of Germany, the USA and the Netherlands, while on the Greek side, personnel from the 3 Branches of the Armed Forces, as well as the newly created Special Warfare Command (DEP) of the GEETHA participated, as follows:

GEETHA

  • From the Army, Helicopters (E/P) AH-64A/D, NH-90 and CH-47D.
  • From the Air Force, Transport Aircraft (A/F) C-130 and C-27, as well as F-4, F-16 Block 50 and Block 52+ Advanced fighters.
  • From the Navy, the Tanker IKARIA and 1 Unorthodox Warfare Group (OAP) of the Submarine Disaster Management (SDM) with 2 Unorthodox Warfare-Fast Transport Vessels MARK V (SAP-TM/Mk-V).
  • From the DEP, 1 E/P NH-90 and 2 CH-47 from the Air Special Operations Unit (MAEE), 2 Marine Companies (PZN) of the 32nd TAX PZN, 1 Parachute Company of the 2nd Parachute Squadron (2nd MAL), 1 Unorthodox Warfare Group (OAP) of the Naval Special Operations Department (TNEE), 5 Special Operations Teams (SOEs) of the Special Parachute Division (ETA), as well as 2 Liaison Officers in the Mission Planning Cell at Aviano Air Force Base, Italy.

GEETHA

In the context of SR 23 and on the basis of the implementation of the Updated Mutual Defense Cooperation Agreement between Greece and the USA (Mutual Defense Cooperation Agreement – MDCA), the same period of time was held the “NIKE 23” Exercise which involved relocating US Army Air Force 12th Combat Aviation Brigade (CAB) E/P to 1ST CLASS facilities. During its duration, 1st CLASS joint exercises were conducted with the 12th CAB, culminating in the execution of an A/F AH-64 with HELLFIRE Guided Missile (C/B) at the SHIP Range.

GEETHA

Finally, on Friday 12 and Sunday 14 May in Komotini and Thessaloniki respectively, musical events were held by the USAREUR-AF Band and Chorus with the assistance of the Military Music of the 3rd and 4th Army Corps .

GEETHA

GEETHA

GEETHA