Stoltenberg greets NATO forces deployed to Estonia

Photo By Timothy Koster | NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg talks with soldiers assigned to Company B, 2nd Battalion, 8th Cavalry Regiment, 1st Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division, from Fort Hood, Texas, during a meet-and-greet event, here, as part of Operation Atlantic Resolve Nov. 20, 2014. The U.S. Army Europe-led Atlantic Resolve, a multinational combined arms exercise involving the 1st Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division, and host nations, takes place across Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, and Poland to enhance multinational interoperability, to strengthen relationships among allied militaries, to contribute to regional stability, and to demonstrate U.S. commitment to NATO.  

AMARI, ESTONIA

11.20.2014

Story by Staff Sgt. Timothy Koster 

U.S. Army Europe and Africa     

ӒMARI, Estonia – Jens Stoltenberg, the secretary general for NATO, visited U.S., Estonian and German troops stationed in Estonia as part of Operation Atlantic Resolve during a meet-and-greet event, here, Nov. 20, 2014.

The event allowed Stoltenberg to express his appreciation for all of the hard work these soldiers are doing here and to reiterate how important the alliance between these NATO countries is during times of crisis.

“During my first weeks in office I have met with NATO troops in places as far apart as Poland, Turkey and Afghanistan, and every time I have been hugely impressed,” said Stoltenberg. “It has been great to meet so many service men and women from so many different NATO allies working together as one to keep us strong and to keep us safe.”

“During my visit to Estonia today, I was determined to come here to Ӓmari Air Force Base and to meet you in person and thank you for your dedication and hard work,” Stoltenberg added.

Stoltenberg was accompanied to the event by Estonian Chief of Defense Maj. Gen. Riho Terras and Estonian Prime Minister Tavvi Rõivas, who also addressed the troops before introducing the secretary general.

“Secretary General, we feel a strong support from our allies,” said Rõivas. “More planes in the air, more ships in the sea, and more troops on the ground is our new goal. We will continue to work with all of you to make sure that the state is providing you all the support that is required while in one of our territories, be it living conditions, training opportunities, or exercise scenarios.”

The U.S. Army Europe-led Atlantic Resolve, a multinational combined arms exercise involving the 1st Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division, and host nations, takes place across Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania and Poland to enhance multinational interoperability, to strengthen relationships among allied militaries, to contribute to regional stability, and to demonstrate U.S. commitment to NATO.

• Date Taken: 11.20.2014
• Date Posted: 12.04.2014 11:01
• Story ID: 149369
• Location: AMARI, EE