NORFOLK, Va. (WAVY) – USS Gunston Hall (LSD 44) left from Naval Station Norfolk Wednesday to participate in Steadfast Defender 2024, NATO’s largest exercise in decades.
Exercise Steadfast Defender involves approximately 90,000 forces from several dozen countries. It will take place over the next several months, across thousands of miles off the coast of Northern, Central and Eastern Europe.
“The departure and transit signify the first tactical movements of the exercise and demonstrate the strength of the trans-Atlantic link,” said Vice Adm. Doug Perry, commander, Joint Force Command Norfolk and U.S. 2nd Fleet. “Working with our Allies and partners, Gunston Hall will
embark Swedish and Finnish forces who will conduct amphibious landings throughout Norway. I am also sending a contingent of my U.S. 2nd Fleet staff to Norway to command and control NATO maritime forces as Task Force North. These efforts clearly demonstrate North America’s
commitment to NATO.”
Joint Force Command Norfolk and U.S. 2nd Fleet have been planning for Steadfast Defender 24 for several years, the Navy said.
Royal Canadian Navy Rear Adm. David J. Patchell, vice commander, U.S. 2nd Fleet, visited Gunston Hall prior to the ship’s departure to discuss the upcoming NATO exercise.
“Demonstrating NATO’s ability to rapidly deploy forces from North America and other parts of the Alliance, Gunston Hall will represent the U.S. Navy and is an essential element of the multinational NATO amphibious force,” Rear Adm. Patchell said.
Gunston Hall is a dock landing ship. It has two large helicopter landing pads, the largest well deck in the fleet and troop berthing facilities.
NATO is commemorating its 75th Anniversary in 2024. It has grown from 12 to 31 member countries, or Allies.
“For 75 years, NATO Allies have worked together to keep our one billion people safe,” Perry said. “In this moment where we face the most dangerous and unpredictable security environment, Steadfast Defender sends a clear message – NATO is capable, modern, and if required, ready to defend every inch of Allied territory.”
