DEFENDER-Europe 20, the Army Assessment

By Pfc. Carlos Cuebas FantauzziFebruary 20, 2020

Soldiers assigned to 3rd Infantry Division  prepare to conduct convoy movement in Savannah, Ga., on Feb. 5, 2020. This movement of equipment is in preparation for the DEFENDER-Europe 20 exercise which takes place in multiple European countries. DEFENDER-Europe 20 enhances relationships among NATO Allies and partners. (U.S. Army photo by Pfc. Carlos Cuebas Fantauzzi, 22nd Mobile Public Affairs Detachment)
1 / 19 Show Caption + Hide Caption – Soldiers assigned to 3rd Infantry Division prepare to conduct convoy movement in Savannah, Ga., on Feb. 5, 2020. This movement of equipment is in preparation for the DEFENDER-Europe 20 exercise which takes place in multiple European countries. DEFENDER-Europe 20 enhances relationships among NATO Allies and partners. (U.S. Army photo by Pfc. Carlos Cuebas Fantauzzi, 22nd Mobile Public Affairs Detachment) (Photo Credit: Pfc. Carlos Cuebas Fantauzzi) VIEW ORIGINAL
A 3rd Infantry Division Soldier performs a convoy brief prior to the movement of military vehicles on Feb. 5 in Savannah, Ga. This movement of equipment is in preparation for the DEFENDER-Europe 20 exercise which takes place in multiple European countries. DEFENDER-Europe 20 will build strategic-level readiness and demonstrate the U.S. military’s ability to rapidly deploy a large combat-credible force in support of the U.S. National Defense Strategy. (U.S. Army photo by Pfc. Carlos Cuebas Fantauzzi, 22nd Mobile Public Affairs Detachment)
2 / 19 Show Caption + Hide Caption – A 3rd Infantry Division Soldier performs a convoy brief prior to the movement of military vehicles on Feb. 5 in Savannah, Ga. This movement of equipment is in preparation for the DEFENDER-Europe 20 exercise which takes place in multiple European countries. DEFENDER-Europe 20 will build strategic-level readiness and demonstrate the U.S. military’s ability to rapidly deploy a large combat-credible force in support of the U.S. National Defense Strategy. (U.S. Army photo by Pfc. Carlos Cuebas Fantauzzi, 22nd Mobile Public Affairs Detachment) (Photo Credit: Pfc. Carlos Cuebas Fantauzzi) VIEW ORIGINAL
Soldiers with 3rd Infantry Division begin convoy operations to Savannah, Ga., on Feb. 5, 2020. This movement of equipment is in preparation for the DEFENDER-Europe 20 exercise which takes place in multiple European countries. The U.S. military - with the support of and in conjunction with our NATO allies and partners - is ready to deploy, fight and win decisively against any near-peer adversary in a joint, multi-domain, high-intensity conflict. (U.S. Army photo by Pfc. Carlos Cuebas Fantauzzi, 22nd Mobile Public Affairs Detachment)
3 / 19 Show Caption + Hide Caption – Soldiers with 3rd Infantry Division begin convoy operations to Savannah, Ga., on Feb. 5, 2020. This movement of equipment is in preparation for the DEFENDER-Europe 20 exercise which takes place in multiple European countries. The U.S. military - with the support of and in conjunction with our NATO allies and partners - is ready to deploy, fight and win decisively against any near-peer adversary in a joint, multi-domain, high-intensity conflict. (U.S. Army photo by Pfc. Carlos Cuebas Fantauzzi, 22nd Mobile Public Affairs Detachment) (Photo Credit: Pfc. Carlos Cuebas Fantauzzi) VIEW ORIGINAL
Equipment belonging to 3rd Infantry Division is staged in preparation for movement on Feb. 5, 2020, in Savannah, Ga. This movement of equipment is in preparation for the DEFENDER-Europe 20 exercise which takes place in multiple European countries. DEFENDER-Europe 20 and linked exercises demonstrate and develop the extensive military capabilities that NATO allies need to prevent conflict, preserve peace and keep our nations safe. This is normal activity in the context of defense and is an important element of deterrence. (U.S. Army photo by Pfc. Daniel Alkana, 22nd Mobile Public Affairs Detachment)
4 / 19 Show Caption + Hide Caption – Equipment belonging to 3rd Infantry Division is staged in preparation for movement on Feb. 5, 2020, in Savannah, Ga. This movement of equipment is in preparation for the DEFENDER-Europe 20 exercise which takes place in multiple European countries. DEFENDER-Europe 20 and linked exercises demonstrate and develop the extensive military capabilities that NATO allies need to prevent conflict, preserve peace and keep our nations safe. This is normal activity in the context of defense and is an important element of deterrence. (U.S. Army photo by Pfc. Daniel Alkana, 22nd Mobile Public Affairs Detachment) (Photo Credit: Pfc. Daniel Alkana) VIEW ORIGINAL
An M1A1 Abrams Tank sits in the distance among various armored track vehicles in Savannah, Ga., on Feb. 5, 2020. This equipment was staged in preparation for the DEFENDER-Europe 20 exercise which takes place in multiple European countries. Strategic readiness includes the ability of the U.S. military to dynamically project force and set the theater by mobilizing and deploying forces, sustaining them in a crisis, and redeploying them when their mission is complete. (U.S. Army Photo by Pfc. Daniel Alkana, 22nd Mobile Public Affairs Detachment)
5 / 19 Show Caption + Hide Caption – An M1A1 Abrams Tank sits in the distance among various armored track vehicles in Savannah, Ga., on Feb. 5, 2020. This equipment was staged in preparation for the DEFENDER-Europe 20 exercise which takes place in multiple European countries. Strategic readiness includes the ability of the U.S. military to dynamically project force and set the theater by mobilizing and deploying forces, sustaining them in a crisis, and redeploying them when their mission is complete. (U.S. Army Photo by Pfc. Daniel Alkana, 22nd Mobile Public Affairs Detachment) (Photo Credit: Pfc. Daniel Alkana) VIEW ORIGINAL
A Soldier assigned to 3rd Infantry Division drives a HMMWV during convoy operations to Savannah, Ga., on Feb. 5, 2020. This movement of equipment is in preparation for the DEFENDER-Europe 20 exercise which takes place in multiple European countries. DEFENDER-Europe 20 demonstrates the strategic readiness of the U.S. military. (U.S. Army photo by Pfc. Joshua Cowden, 22nd Mobile Public Affairs Detachment)
6 / 19 Show Caption + Hide Caption – A Soldier assigned to 3rd Infantry Division drives a HMMWV during convoy operations to Savannah, Ga., on Feb. 5, 2020. This movement of equipment is in preparation for the DEFENDER-Europe 20 exercise which takes place in multiple European countries. DEFENDER-Europe 20 demonstrates the strategic readiness of the U.S. military. (U.S. Army photo by Pfc. Joshua Cowden, 22nd Mobile Public Affairs Detachment) (Photo Credit: Pfc. Joshua Cowden) VIEW ORIGINAL
Soldiers assist in the movement and staging of various armored track vehicles in Savannah, Ga., on Feb. 5. This movement of equipment is in preparation for the DEFENDER-Europe 20 exercise which takes place in multiple European countries. DEFENDER-Europe 20 will train the joint, interagency and multinational force and help U.S. and NATO allies and partners better understand roles, responsibilities and requirements for global force deployment. (U.S. Army photo by Pfc. Daniel Alkana, 22nd Mobile Public Affairs Detachment)
7 / 19 Show Caption + Hide Caption – Soldiers assist in the movement and staging of various armored track vehicles in Savannah, Ga., on Feb. 5. This movement of equipment is in preparation for the DEFENDER-Europe 20 exercise which takes place in multiple European countries. DEFENDER-Europe 20 will train the joint, interagency and multinational force and help U.S. and NATO allies and partners better understand roles, responsibilities and requirements for global force deployment. (U.S. Army photo by Pfc. Daniel Alkana, 22nd Mobile Public Affairs Detachment) (Photo Credit: Pfc. Daniel Alkana) VIEW ORIGINAL
Soldiers with 3rd Infantry Division begin a convoy movement in Savannah, Ga., on Feb. 5, 2020. This movement of equipment is in preparation for the DEFENDER-Europe 20 exercise which takes place in multiple European countries. NATO alliances and partnerships are mutually beneficial and crucial to the DoD’s National Defense Strategy. DEFENDER-Europe 20 will bring together our joint, interagency and multinational partners to practice meeting a crisis-dependent timeline. (U.S. Army photo by Pfc. Joshua Cowden, 22nd Mobile Public Affairs Detachment)
8 / 19 Show Caption + Hide Caption – Soldiers with 3rd Infantry Division begin a convoy movement in Savannah, Ga., on Feb. 5, 2020. This movement of equipment is in preparation for the DEFENDER-Europe 20 exercise which takes place in multiple European countries. NATO alliances and partnerships are mutually beneficial and crucial to the DoD’s National Defense Strategy. DEFENDER-Europe 20 will bring together our joint, interagency and multinational partners to practice meeting a crisis-dependent timeline. (U.S. Army photo by Pfc. Joshua Cowden, 22nd Mobile Public Affairs Detachment) (Photo Credit: Pfc. Joshua Cowden) VIEW ORIGINAL
3rd Infantry Division Soldiers conduct maintenance on an M113 armored medical evacuation vehicle (AMEV) to assist in movement and staging of equipment in Savannah, Ga., on Feb. 5. This movement of equipment is in preparation for the DEFENDER-Europe 20 exercise which takes place in multiple European countries. DEFENDER-Europe 20 will conclude with the redeployment of U.S.-based forces and equipment. U.S. service members will clear the training areas, return prepositioned stocks, move to ports and return to home stations – fulfilling the U.S. military’s commitment to the NATO agreements.(U.S. Army photo by Pfc. Daniel Alkana, 22nd Mobile Public Affairs Detachment)
9 / 19 Show Caption + Hide Caption – 3rd Infantry Division Soldiers conduct maintenance on an M113 armored medical evacuation vehicle (AMEV) to assist in movement and staging of equipment in Savannah, Ga., on Feb. 5. This movement of equipment is in preparation for the DEFENDER-Europe 20 exercise which takes place in multiple European countries. DEFENDER-Europe 20 will conclude with the redeployment of U.S.-based forces and equipment. U.S. service members will clear the training areas, return prepositioned stocks, move to ports and return to home stations – fulfilling the U.S. military’s commitment to the NATO agreements.(U.S. Army photo by Pfc. Daniel Alkana, 22nd Mobile Public Affairs Detachment) (Photo Credit: Pfc. Daniel Alkana) VIEW ORIGINAL
M1 Abrams Tanks stand ready prior to being loaded onto the American Roll-On Roll-Off Carrier Endurance on February 6, 2020 in Savannah, Ga. The tanks are being loaded and sent overseas for DEFENDER-Europe 20. Exercise DEFENDER-Europe 20 is the deployment of a division-size combat-credible force from the United States to Europe, the drawing of Army Prepositioned Stock, and the movement of personnel and equipment across the theater to various training areas. (U.S. Army photo by Pfc. Carlos Cuebas Fantauzzi/ 22nd Mobile Public Affairs Detachment)
10 / 19 Show Caption + Hide Caption – M1 Abrams Tanks stand ready prior to being loaded onto the American Roll-On Roll-Off Carrier Endurance on February 6, 2020 in Savannah, Ga. The tanks are being loaded and sent overseas for DEFENDER-Europe 20. Exercise DEFENDER-Europe 20 is the deployment of a division-size combat-credible force from the United States to Europe, the drawing of Army Prepositioned Stock, and the movement of personnel and equipment across the theater to various training areas. (U.S. Army photo by Pfc. Carlos Cuebas Fantauzzi/ 22nd Mobile Public Affairs Detachment) (Photo Credit: Pfc. Carlos Cuebas Fantauzzi) VIEW ORIGINAL
A 703rd Brigade Support Battalion, 2nd Armored Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division Soldier gives a brief prior to Soldiers heading out in a convoy on Feb. 6, 2020 in Fort Stewart, Ga. The purpose of the convoy is to transport military vehicles to the pier in preparation for DEFENDER Europe-20. Exercise DEFENDER-Europe 20 is the deployment of a division-size combat-credible force from the United States to Europe, the drawing of Army Prepositioned Stock, and the movement of personnel and equipment across the theater to various training areas. (U.S. Army photo by Pfc. Carlos Cuebas Fantauzzi, 22nd Mobile Public Affairs Detachment)
11 / 19 Show Caption + Hide Caption – A 703rd Brigade Support Battalion, 2nd Armored Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division Soldier gives a brief prior to Soldiers heading out in a convoy on Feb. 6, 2020 in Fort Stewart, Ga. The purpose of the convoy is to transport military vehicles to the pier in preparation for DEFENDER Europe-20. Exercise DEFENDER-Europe 20 is the deployment of a division-size combat-credible force from the United States to Europe, the drawing of Army Prepositioned Stock, and the movement of personnel and equipment across the theater to various training areas. (U.S. Army photo by Pfc. Carlos Cuebas Fantauzzi, 22nd Mobile Public Affairs Detachment) (Photo Credit: Pfc. Carlos Cuebas Fantauzzi) VIEW ORIGINAL
U.S. Army M2 Bradley fighting vehicles are lined up prior to loading onto American Roll-On Roll-Off Carrier Endurance heading out for DEFENDER-Europe 20 on Feb. 5, 2020, in Savannah, Ga. This movement of equipment is in preparation for the DEFENDER-Europe 20 exercise which takes place in multiple European countries. The U.S. military - with the support of and in conjunction with our NATO allies and partners - is ready to deploy, fight and win decisively against any near-peer adversary in a joint, multi-domain, high-intensity conflict.  (U.S. Army photo by Pfc. Carlos Cuebas Fantauzzi, 22nd Mobile Public Affairs Detachment)
12 / 19 Show Caption + Hide Caption – U.S. Army M2 Bradley fighting vehicles are lined up prior to loading onto American Roll-On Roll-Off Carrier Endurance heading out for DEFENDER-Europe 20 on Feb. 5, 2020, in Savannah, Ga. This movement of equipment is in preparation for the DEFENDER-Europe 20 exercise which takes place in multiple European countries. The U.S. military - with the support of and in conjunction with our NATO allies and partners - is ready to deploy, fight and win decisively against any near-peer adversary in a joint, multi-domain, high-intensity conflict. (U.S. Army photo by Pfc. Carlos Cuebas Fantauzzi, 22nd Mobile Public Affairs Detachment) (Photo Credit: Pfc. Carlos Cuebas Fantauzzi) VIEW ORIGINAL
U.S. Army High Mobility Multipurpose Wheeled Vehicles (HMMWV) are secured inside American Roll-On Roll-Off Carrier Endurance on Feb. 7, 2020, in Savannah, Ga. These vehicles will be shipped overseas for the DEFENDER-Europe 20 exercise which will serve as an assessment of the Army's ability to move division-size forces in the case of a real-world scenario. DEFENDER-Europe 20 will conclude with the redeployment of U.S.-based forces and equipment. U.S. Service members will clear the training areas, return prepositioned stocks, move to ports and return to home stations – fulfilling the U.S. military’s commitment to the NATO agreements.  (U.S. Army photo by Pfc. Carlos Cuebas Fantauzzi, 22nd Mobile Public Affairs Detachment)
13 / 19 Show Caption + Hide Caption – U.S. Army High Mobility Multipurpose Wheeled Vehicles (HMMWV) are secured inside American Roll-On Roll-Off Carrier Endurance on Feb. 7, 2020, in Savannah, Ga. These vehicles will be shipped overseas for the DEFENDER-Europe 20 exercise which will serve as an assessment of the Army's ability to move division-size forces in the case of a real-world scenario. DEFENDER-Europe 20 will conclude with the redeployment of U.S.-based forces and equipment. U.S. Service members will clear the training areas, return prepositioned stocks, move to ports and return to home stations – fulfilling the U.S. military’s commitment to the NATO agreements. (U.S. Army photo by Pfc. Carlos Cuebas Fantauzzi, 22nd Mobile Public Affairs Detachment) (Photo Credit: Pfc. Carlos Cuebas Fantauzzi) VIEW ORIGINAL
Port of Savannah stevedores secure U.S. Army M113 armored personnel carriers inside American Roll-On Roll-Off Carrier Endurance in preparation for DEFENDER-Europe 20 on Feb. 5, 2020, in Savannah, Ga. Exercise DEFENDER-Europe 20 is the deployment of a division-size combat-credible force from the United States to Europe, the drawing of Army Prepositioned Stock, and the movement of personnel and equipment across the theater to various training areas.  (U.S. Army photo by Pfc. Carlos Cuebas Fantauzzi, 22nd Mobile Public Affairs Detachment)
14 / 19 Show Caption + Hide Caption – Port of Savannah stevedores secure U.S. Army M113 armored personnel carriers inside American Roll-On Roll-Off Carrier Endurance in preparation for DEFENDER-Europe 20 on Feb. 5, 2020, in Savannah, Ga. Exercise DEFENDER-Europe 20 is the deployment of a division-size combat-credible force from the United States to Europe, the drawing of Army Prepositioned Stock, and the movement of personnel and equipment across the theater to various training areas. (U.S. Army photo by Pfc. Carlos Cuebas Fantauzzi, 22nd Mobile Public Affairs Detachment) (Photo Credit: Pfc. Carlos Cuebas Fantauzzi) VIEW ORIGINAL
A U.S. Army Soldier stages an M2 Bradley prior to boarding onto American Roll-On Roll-Off Carrier Endurance on Feb. 5 2020 in Savannah, Ga. Exercise DEFENDER-Europe 20 is the deployment of a division-size combat-credible force from the United States to Europe, the drawing of Army Prepositioned Stock, and the movement of personnel and equipment across the theater to various training areas. (U.S. Army photo by Pfc. Carlos Cuebas Fantauzzi, 22nd Mobile Public Affairs Detachment)
15 / 19 Show Caption + Hide Caption – A U.S. Army Soldier stages an M2 Bradley prior to boarding onto American Roll-On Roll-Off Carrier Endurance on Feb. 5 2020 in Savannah, Ga. Exercise DEFENDER-Europe 20 is the deployment of a division-size combat-credible force from the United States to Europe, the drawing of Army Prepositioned Stock, and the movement of personnel and equipment across the theater to various training areas. (U.S. Army photo by Pfc. Carlos Cuebas Fantauzzi, 22nd Mobile Public Affairs Detachment) (Photo Credit: Pfc. Carlos Cuebas Fantauzzi) VIEW ORIGINAL
U.S. Army wheeled vehicles are staged prior to being loaded onto American Roll-On Roll-Off Carrier Endurance for overseas shipping during port operations in Savannah, Ga., on Feb. 5, 2020. This future delivery of equipment is in preparation for the DEFENDER-Europe 20 exercise which takes place across various European countries. DEFENDER-Europe 20 will train the joint, interagency and multinational force and help U.S. and NATO allies and partners conduct interoperability missions across the continent. (U.S. Army photo by Pfc. Daniel Alkana, 22nd Mobile Public Affairs Detachment)
16 / 19 Show Caption + Hide Caption – U.S. Army wheeled vehicles are staged prior to being loaded onto American Roll-On Roll-Off Carrier Endurance for overseas shipping during port operations in Savannah, Ga., on Feb. 5, 2020. This future delivery of equipment is in preparation for the DEFENDER-Europe 20 exercise which takes place across various European countries. DEFENDER-Europe 20 will train the joint, interagency and multinational force and help U.S. and NATO allies and partners conduct interoperability missions across the continent. (U.S. Army photo by Pfc. Daniel Alkana, 22nd Mobile Public Affairs Detachment) (Photo Credit: Pfc. Daniel Alkana) VIEW ORIGINAL
Shipping containers brimming with equipment belonging to 3rd Infantry Division are loaded in preparation for shipping to Europe in Savannah, GA, on Feb. 5, 2020. The shipment of resources is in preparation for the DEFENDER-Europe 20 exercise which takes place across various European countries. DEFENDER-Europe 20 and linked exercises demonstrate and develop the extensive military capabilities that NATO allies need to prevent conflict, preserve peace and keep our nations safe. The mission will help international forces prepare in conducting interoperability missions across the continent. (U.S. Army photo by Pfc. Daniel Alkana, 22nd Mobile Public Affairs Detachment)
17 / 19 Show Caption + Hide Caption – Shipping containers brimming with equipment belonging to 3rd Infantry Division are loaded in preparation for shipping to Europe in Savannah, GA, on Feb. 5, 2020. The shipment of resources is in preparation for the DEFENDER-Europe 20 exercise which takes place across various European countries. DEFENDER-Europe 20 and linked exercises demonstrate and develop the extensive military capabilities that NATO allies need to prevent conflict, preserve peace and keep our nations safe. The mission will help international forces prepare in conducting interoperability missions across the continent. (U.S. Army photo by Pfc. Daniel Alkana, 22nd Mobile Public Affairs Detachment) (Photo Credit: Pfc. Daniel Alkana) VIEW ORIGINAL
A Port of Savannah stevedore drives an M113 Army Medical Evacuation Vehicle (AMEV) onto American Roll-On Roll-Off Carrier Endurance for shipment to DEFENDER-Europe 20 in Savannah, GA, on Feb. 5. DEFENDER-Europe 20 is the deployment of a division-size combat-credible force from the United States to Europe. U.S. service members will then spread out across the region to participate in various annual exercises to build readiness and interoperability with our Allies and partners. (U.S. Army photo by Pfc. Daniel Alkana, 22nd Mobile Public Affairs Detachment)
18 / 19 Show Caption + Hide Caption – A Port of Savannah stevedore drives an M113 Army Medical Evacuation Vehicle (AMEV) onto American Roll-On Roll-Off Carrier Endurance for shipment to DEFENDER-Europe 20 in Savannah, GA, on Feb. 5. DEFENDER-Europe 20 is the deployment of a division-size combat-credible force from the United States to Europe. U.S. service members will then spread out across the region to participate in various annual exercises to build readiness and interoperability with our Allies and partners. (U.S. Army photo by Pfc. Daniel Alkana, 22nd Mobile Public Affairs Detachment) (Photo Credit: Pfc. Daniel Alkana) VIEW ORIGINAL
U.S. Army M2 Bradleys wait to be loaded onto American Roll-On Roll-Off Carrier Endurance for DEFENDER Europe-20 on Feb. 7, 2020 in Savannah, Ga. The Bradleys belong to 2nd Armored Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division out of Fort Stewart, Ga. Exercise DEFENDER-Europe 20 is the deployment of a division-size combat-credible force from the United States to Europe. (U.S. Army photo by Pfc. Daniel Alkana, 22nd Mobile Public Affairs Detachment)
19 / 19 Show Caption + Hide Caption – U.S. Army M2 Bradleys wait to be loaded onto American Roll-On Roll-Off Carrier Endurance for DEFENDER Europe-20 on Feb. 7, 2020 in Savannah, Ga. The Bradleys belong to 2nd Armored Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division out of Fort Stewart, Ga. Exercise DEFENDER-Europe 20 is the deployment of a division-size combat-credible force from the United States to Europe. (U.S. Army photo by Pfc. Daniel Alkana, 22nd Mobile Public Affairs Detachment) (Photo Credit: Pfc. Daniel Alkana) VIEW ORIGINAL

SAVANNAH, Ga. - 2nd Armored Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division out of Fort Stewart conducts port operations in Savannah, Ga. On February 5. The operation is being done in preparation for the largest U.S.-based Army exercise of forces to Europe in the last 25 years.

The exercise, named DEFENDER-Europe 20, is a large scale, joint-training exercise that will assess the Army's ability to move military vehicles to and from Europe.

Chief Warrant Officer 2 Semmie Mackenzie with the 2nd Armored Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division is one of the leaders helping coordinate the exercise.

"This is basically for the commander to see if he can maneuver an entire brigade element from one point to the next", said Mackenzie. "This is the largest scale exercise the Army has conducted in years."

Over 200 military vehicles ranging from armored personnel carriers to M2 Bradleys are being shipped from the port in Savannah, Ga. to European ports.

Spc. John Sparr, with the 703rd Battalion Sustainment Brigade Maintainers, is helping prepare vehicles for the shipment.

"I was excited to come out here and see the number of vehicles we brought", said Sparr. "This exercise is huge and I'm excited to see how we can work with our allies."

The 703rd is slated to leave Mid-February for DEFENDER-Europe 20 which will last approximately two months.

"My Soldiers are ready to go", said CW2 Mackenzie. "We have had multiple different pieces of training stateside to help them prep for it so I know they are good to go and ready to get it over with."

DEFENDER-Europe 20 will assess the Army's ability to rapidly move a large combat force of Soldiers in case of a potential crisis.