Greece and US conduct joint military exercises south of Crete

The Greek Armed Forces conducted naval exercises with the USS Porter destroyer off southern Crete, last Friday.

The co-training included advanced maneuvers as well as communications, air defense, anti-submarine and electronic warfare items.

“This joint training demonstrates in practice the important role of the Armed Forces of the two countries in defense and security in the wider Eastern Mediterranean region.. while at the same time highlights the strong ties between the two countries that are constantly strengthening,” the Ministry of National Defence said in an announcement.

Hellenic National Defense General Staff disposed the frigate HS Adrias (F-459), the submarine HS Pontos (S-119), and four F-16s which exercised tactical maneuvers and communications procedures with the USS Porter.

The bilateral exercises “offered a great opportunity to demonstrate interoperability between our forces and further deepen our countries’ military-to-military relationship, which is at a historic high point,” said US Ambassador Geoffrey Pyatt.

Greece is a vital NATO Ally, showing a commitment to regional peace and stability.

“It was incredible working alongside the very professional and well trained Hellenic Armed Forces in the eastern Mediterranean Sea,” said Cmdr. Thomas Ralston, commanding officer of Porter.

“This opportunity builds upon decades of cooperation with our NATO Ally Greece, so that we can be a credible force that can assure, deter, and defend our interests in an increasingly complex security environment.”

Moreover, the United States and Greece will conduct a joint air drill in Xanthi on Tuesday evening.

According to Cumhuriyet newspaper, over 150 U.S. helicopters, including Black Hawks and Apaches, will arrive in Alexandroupolis port on February 23 within the scope of the “Defender Europe 2021” military exercise.

*More on GCT: Greece, US and Cyprus conduct joint military exercises