ADRIATIC STRIKE 21 kicks off in Slovenia

Photo By Staff Sgt. Austin Harvill | U.S. Air Force 1st Lt. Dana Druzbik, Colorado Air National Guard, 140th Medical Group provider, practices with a mobile ultrasound device during exercise ADRIATIC STRIKE 21 in Ljubljana, Slovenia, May 17, 2021. ADRIATIC STRIKE 21 is part of DEFENDER-EUROPE 21, which will exercise the command’s ability to integrate approximately 30,000 U.S., allied, and partner forces from 26 nations to conduct nearly-simultaneous operations across more than 30 training areas in more than a dozen nations from the Baltics, to Africa, and to the Black Sea and Balkan regions. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by Staff. Sgt. Austin Harvill)  

LJUBLJANA, SLOVENIA

05.20.2021

Courtesy Story

140th Wing

The Colorado Air National Guard's 140th Medical Group has arrived in Ljubljana, Slovenia, to take part in operation ADRIATIC STRIKE 21. The exercise focuses on processing patients in a field set environment while allowing 140th medical experts to train alongside our NATO allies.

ADRIATIC STRIKE 21 strengthens U.S. European Command's and our NATO partners' and allies' relationship. It improves upon readiness and responsiveness, preparing us to deter and defend during times of crisis.

Lt. Col Jason Patten, Colorado Air National Guard, 140th Medical Group mission lead said this is a prime opportunity for the region and Colorado.

“To improve international relations and to work with not just Slovenia, but working within the European theater and within the African theater is so rewarding," he said. "I hope Colorado remains a part of this exercise in the years to come to solidify our personal relationships in the Role 2 hospital environment."

The 140th Medical Group is participating in the exercise for two weeks. They’ll working together with the Slovenian Armed Forces to learn and practice medical procedures. This will better equip both militaries to handle future endeavors on and off the field.

Staff Sgt. Candice Moncayo, 140th Medical Group CERFP Search and extraction medic, believes this is a great chance to expand her knowledge on medicine.

“Medicine is a universal language," she said. "It’s really great to experience how they practice medical care and take that and apply it to how we practice.”

Being able to build strong relations as well as widening our skillset is the foundation for a stronger and more lethal Air Force. This ongoing pursuit will allow us face challenges head on with our NATO partners and allies for future endeavors.

ADRIATIC STRIKE 21 is part of DEFENDER-EUROPE 21, which will exercise the command’s ability to integrate approximately 30,000 U.S., allied, and partner forces from 26 nations to conduct nearly-simultaneous operations across more than 30 training areas in more than a dozen nations from the Baltics, to Africa, and to the Black Sea and Balkan regions.

• Date Taken: 05.20.2021
• Date Posted: 05.20.2021 04:33
• Story ID: 396896
• Location: LJUBLJANA, SI