YAVORIV, Ukraine -- After two weeks of multi-national airborne operations and training, Rapid Trident 2011 came to a close at the International Peacekeeping and Security Center here Aug. 5.
“Today we end Rapid Trident 2011 and I can say for sure that all Soldiers from all countries showed their professionalism, knowledge and skills at the highest level,” said Maj. Gen. Vyacheslav Nazarkin, the Ukrainian co-director for the exercise.
During the ceremony, representatives from the 13 countries received recognition from the host nation for their participation in the exercise.
“It’s important what this exercise does for building partnership capacity and what we do to serve together in coalition operations, wherever duty calls; and it is the fine Soldiers standing before me that bring peace, security and stability to our world,” said Kevin Volk, the U.S. co-director of the exercise.
While training was the main objective of the exercise, Volk believes that Rapid Trident 2011 was more than just a mission accomplished.
“While training objectives are the focus of any exercise, I believe that true bonds and friendships were formed here between our 13 partner nations,” he said. “It was incredible to witness the camaraderie and brotherhood during the friendship dinner.”
Also attending the ceremony was Maj. Gen. Yriy Domansky, the commander of Ukraine’s Western Operational Command.
“For each Soldier, from each participating nation, participation in this exercise is a big step in interoperability and developing skills,” he said. “From myself and the land forces commander I would like to thank everybody for their participation.
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