GAZIANTEP, Turkey (Dec. 29, 2014) -- Commanders from the United States and Turkey met, Dec. 26, 2014, at the Turkish 5th Armored Brigade Headquarters, to continue to develop and strengthen the alliance between the two nations. U.S. Army Europe Commanding General Lt. Gen. Ben Hodges met with Turkish 5th Armor Brigade Commander Brig. Gen. Cemalettin Dogan, and discussed the importance of the alliance within the region.
A significant part of this alliance has been Operation Active Fence. Since 2013, U.S. Patriot units, along with German and Dutch allies, provided Ballistic Missile Defense to the people of Turkey.
The 5-52 Air Defense Artillery, "The Fighting Deuce," from Fort Bliss, Texas, are currently serving as the third U.S. Patriot Battalion deployed in support of this operation. The deployment of the Fighting Deuce, and its predecessors not only provides invaluable defense from ballistic missiles, but also demonstrates the resolve and commitment to our NATO Allies.
Speaking with the leadership of 5-52 Air Defense Artillery, Lt. Gen. Hodges said, "It's important that we continue to build strong bonds with our Turkish allies. Turkey has been a member of NATO since 1952, and our mission and our alliance is more important than ever."
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