YAVORIV, Ukraine (Sept. 22, 2014) -- U.S. Army Europe and Ukrainian Land Forces welcomed the Secretary of the U.S. Army John McHugh and senior military officials and dignitaries from several nations to Rapid Trident 2014 here, Friday.
Rapid Trident 2014 is a U.S. Army Europe-conducted, Ukrainian-led multinational exercise designed to enhance interoperability with allied and partner nations while promoting regional stability and security.
Senior representatives of the U.S. military in attendance included U.S. Army Europe Commander Lt. Gen. Donald Campbell; the Adjutant General of the California Army National Guard Maj. Gen. David S. Baldwin; and the Commanding General of NATO Land Command Lt. Gen. Frederick "Ben" Hodges. The Ukrainian Land Forces Commander Lt. Gen. Anatoliy Pushnyakov, the senior military representative in attendance for Ukraine, was the official host of the event.
During the visit, McHugh and other guests toured facilities and witnessed training including forward operating base defense, cordon and search, and improvised explosive device detection training. Additionally, Soldiers participating in the training briefed the military leaders and dignitaries on their activities and responsibilities during the exercise.
McHugh, in remarks to Ukrainian and international media outlets present at the event, said he applauded the Ukrainian military for their work in promoting peace and stability over the last decade, adding that they have played an invaluable part in almost every NATO mission.
"Its service members have sacrificed and we are all deeply appreciative of that service and sacrifice," he said.
Campbell echoed the Secretary's sentiment in affirming, "this exercise promotes regional stability," and expressing his strong desire to work alongside the Ukrainian military in exercises of the future.
McHugh also noted the importance of freedom, liberty and democracy and how pursuing those objectives is best done through the kind of cooperative partnership that takes place today.
Rapid Trident 2014, ongoing at the International Peacekeeping and Security Center near L'viv, Ukraine, through Sept. 26 involves approximately 1,300 troops from 15 nations.
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About us: U.S. Army Europe is uniquely positioned in its 51 country area of responsibility to advance American strategic interests in Europe and Eurasia. The relationships we build during more than 1,000 theater security cooperation events in more than 40 countries each year lead directly to support for multinational contingency operations around the world, strengthen regional partnerships and enhance global security.
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