Ulrika Funered (left), Chairperson of the OSCE Permanent Council, Jessica Meyeraan, Brigadier General of the United States Air Force and Deputy Director of Partnering and Missile Defense at U.S. European Command (on screen) and Courtney E. Austrian (right), Chargé d'Affaires of the U.S. Mission to the OSCE at the joint meeting of the OSCE Forum for Security Co-operation (FSC) and the OSCE Permanent Council, Vienna, 10 March 2021.

DEFENDER-Europe 21 activities begin this month across Europe and continue through June.

Au cours de la mission CLEMENCEAU 21 le groupe aéronaval Task Force 473 s’est constitué autour du porte-avions français Charles de Gaulle. La force composée de la frégate de défense aérienne (FDA) Chevalier Paul, de la frégate multi-missions (FREMM) Provence, de la frégate américaine USS Donald Cook, de la frégate belge Léopold 1er , de la frégate grecque Kanaris, de la frégate italienne Margottini, s’est réunie pour un PHOTEX en début de mission. Le dimanche 28 février 2021, en mer Méditerranée. Le groupe aéronaval (GAN) multinational constitué autour du porte-avions français Charles de Gaulle forme la Task Force 473, placée sous le commandement du contre-amiral (CA) Marc Aussedat. Baptisée CLEMENCEAU 21, cette mission opérationnelle conduit le GAN en Méditerranée, au nord de l’océan Indien (mer d’Arabie) et dans le Golfe arabo-persique de février à juin 2021. La mission CLEMENCEAU 21 est composée de plusieurs phases. La phase initiale en mer Méditerranée permet aux escorteurs français (Frégate de défense aérienne Chevalier-Paul (FDA), Frégate multi-missions Provence (FREMM), bâtiment de commandement et de ravitaillement Var (BCR)) et aux alliés (les frégates américaine USS Porter, belge Léopold 1er et grecque Kanaris) de monter en puissance, notamment dans le cadre d’exercices et manœuvres d’interopérabilité avec les marines riveraines et alliées.

A B-1B Lancer assigned to the 9th Expeditionary Bomb Squadron takes off from Orland Air Force Station, Norway, Feb. 26, 2021. The B-1 aircrew participated in a local sortie where they integrated with Norwegian F-35s over the Barents Sea as a part of a Bomber Task Force Europe deployment. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Colin Hollowell)

U.S. Soldiers assigned to 1st Squadron, 7th Cavalry Regiment convoy to Live Fire Range at Grafenwoehr Training Area, Grafenwoehr, on Feb. 9, 2021. Combined Resolve XV is a Headquarters Department of the Army directed Multinational exercise designed to build 1st Armored Brigade Combat Team, 1st Calvary Division's Readiness and enhance interoperability with allied forces to fight and win against any adversary. (U.S. Army photo by Spc. Savannah Miller)

U.S. European Command's director of logistics, U.S. Navy Rear Adm. Duke Heinz (left), addressed more than 300 senior military logisticians and engineers from 47 nations during the annual DefenceiQ-organized Combat Support Week conference. Chaired by retired British Gen. Sir Peter Wall (right), former Chief of the British Army's General Staff, this year's event was conducted virtually to protect participants from the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.

Capt. Cole Anderson, chief, Microbiology, Landstuhl Regional Medical Center, reviews test results of COVID-19 specimens at LRMC’s Infectious Disease Laboratory, Feb. 10. Landstuhl Regional Medical Center recently surpassed 100,000 COVID-19 tests since its first test on March 6, 2020.

Capt. Cole Anderson, chief, Microbiology, Landstuhl Regional Medical Center, prepares a plate of COVID-19 specimens for testing with a Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) analyzer at LRMC’s Infectious Disease Laboratory, Feb. 10. Landstuhl Regional Medical Center recently surpassed 100,000 COVID-19 tests since its first test on March 6, 2020.

BLACK SEA (Feb. 9, 2021) Cmdr. Matthew Curnen, commanding officer of the Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Donald Cook (DDG 75), watches as the Turkish navy Yavuz-class TCG Turgutreis (F-241), middle, and the Turkish navy Barbaros-class frigate TCG Orucreis (F-245), right, participate in a passing exercise with the Donald Cook and the Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Porter (DDG 78) in the Black Sea, Feb. 9, 2021. Donald Cook, forward-deployed to Rota, Spain, is on patrol in the U.S. Sixth Fleet area of operations in support of regional allies and partners and U.S. national security in Europe and Africa. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Will Hardy/Released)

BLACK SEA (Feb. 9, 2021) A Boeing P-8 Poseidon flies over the Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Donald Cook (DDG 75) during a photo exercise in the Black Sea, Feb. 9, 2021. Donald Cook, forward-deployed to Rota, Spain, is on patrol in the U.S. Sixth Fleet area of operations in support of regional allies and partners and U.S. national security in Europe and Africa. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Will Hardy/Released)

BLACK SEA (Feb. 9, 2021) Cmdr. Matthew Curnen, commanding officer of the Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Donald Cook (DDG 75), waves to the Turkish navy Yavuz-class TCG Turgutreis (F-241) during a passing exercise in the Black Sea, Feb. 9, 2021. Donald Cook, forward-deployed to Rota, Spain, is on patrol in U.S. Sixth Fleet in support of regional allies and partners and U.S. national security in Europe and Africa. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Will Hardy/Released)

Naval special operations forces from the Greek Underwater Demolition Team (DYK) and Cypriot Underwater Demolition Team (UDT) secure the interior of the HS Kanaris during Visit Board Search and Seizure (VBSS) in Souda Bay, Greece, January 11-29. This trilateral maritime exercise strengthened cooperation and combined capabilities between Greece, Cyprus, and the United States in the European theater to better enable global operations.

U.S. Air Force Lt. Gen. Steven Basham, U.S. Air Forces in Europe and Air Forces Africa deputy commander, greets Brig. Gen. Doron Gavish, Israel Air Defense Force Active commander, after arriving at Ramstein Air Base, Germany Feb. 7, 2021. The Israeli Defense Force delegation will participate in Juniper Falcon 2021 which is a long-standing series of cooperative exercises. (U.S. Air Force photo by Master Sgt. Darnell T. Cannady)

U.S. Air Force Tech. Sgt. Tamara Brown, 86th Medical Support Squadron patient administration section chief, speaks with Robin Robinson, 86th MDSS medical support assistant, at Ramstein Air Base, Germany, Feb. 3, 2021. Brown and Robinson reviewed a list of patients who tested negative for COVID-19. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Jennifer Gonzales)

U.S. Air Force Tech. Sgt. Tamara Brown, 86th Medical Support Squadron patient administration section chief, looks through patient medical records at Ramstein Air Base, Germany, Feb. 3, 2021. Brown and her team streamlined the processing of 14,000 outpatient records. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Jennifer Gonzales)

U.S. Air Force Tech. Sgt. Tamara Brown, 86th Medical Support Squadron patient administration section chief, stands with 86th Airlift Wing Command Chief Master Sgt. Hope Skibitsky, at Ramstein Air Base, Germany, Jan. 28, 2021. Brown oversaw three work centers and 102 patient administration programs. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Jennifer Gonzales)

U.S. Air Force Tech. Sgt. Tamara Brown, 86th Medical Support Squadron patient administration section chief, works on a computer at Ramstein Air Base, Germany, Feb. 3, 2021. Brown makes sure medical records for Airmen reflect their vaccination for COVID-19. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Jennifer Gonzales)

U.S. Air Force Tech. Sgt. Tamara Brown, 86th Medical Support Squadron patient administration section chief, receives a coin from 86th Airlift Wing Command Chief Master Sgt. Hope Skibitsky, at Ramstein Air Base, Germany, Jan. 28, 2021. Brown was recognized as Airlifter of the Week for her leadership and dedication to her job. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Jennifer Gonzales)

Ján Figeľ, Former European Commission Special Envoy for the Promotion of Religion or Belief, discusses the importance of protecting religious freedom as part of his presentation at the 2021 International Military Chief of Chaplains Conference. The 32nd annual conference, was hosted virtually by U.S. European Command on Jan. 26 and 27, 2021, to provide religious leaders from military organizations information about how to conduct ministry activities during a pandemic.

Dr. Harold G. Koenig, MD, a Professor of Psychiatry at Duke University Medical Center, answers questions after his presentation at the 2021 International Military Chief of Chaplains Conference. The 32nd annual conference, was hosted virtually by U.S. European Command on Jan. 26 and 27, 2021, to provide religious leaders from military organizations information about how to conduct ministry activities during a pandemic.

A U.S. Army Soldier waits to advance during a final mock battle held at the Hohenfels Training Area during Combined Resolve XIV. Combined Resolve XIV is a Headquarters Department of the Army directed Multinational exercise designed to build 2nd Armored Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division’s readiness and enhance interoperability with allied forces to fight and win against any adversary. (U.S. Army Photo by Sgt. Amanda Fry)

210128-N-BM428-0068 CANAKKALES STRAIT (Jan. 28, 2021) The Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Porter (DDG 78) transits the Canakkales Strait, Jan. 28, 2021. Porter, forward deployed to Rota, Spain, is on its ninth patrol in the U.S. Sixth fleet area of operations in support of U.S. national security interests in Europe and Africa. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Damon Grosvenor)

BALTIC SEA (June 8, 2020) USS Donald Cook (DDG 75) operates in the Baltic Sea during BALTOPS 2020, June 8. BALTOPS is the premier annual maritime-focused exercise in the Baltic region, enhancing flexibility and interoperability among allied and partner nations. (Photo courtesy of the German Navy)

U.S. Air Force Capt. Joseph Tomassi, 351st Air Refueling Squadron pilot, left, and Lt. Col. Tyler Berge, 100th Operational Support Squadron director of operations, prepare a KC-135 Stratotanker aircraft for a flight supporting a Black Sea mission at Royal Air Force Mildenhall, England, Jan. 14, 2021. U.S. military operations over the Black Sea enhance regional stability, combined readiness and capability with NATO allies and partners. (U.S. Air Force photo by Tech. Sgt. Emerson Nuñez)

A U.S. Air Force F-16 Fighting Falcon aircraft assigned to the 555th Fighter Squadron, Aviano Air Base, Italy, is refueled by a KC-135 Stratotanker aircraft assigned to the 100th Air Refueling Wing, Royal Air Force Mildenhall, England, during a mission over the Black Sea, Jan. 14, 2021. U.S. military operations in the Black Sea enhance regional stability, combined readiness and capability with our NATO allies and partners. (U.S. Air Force photo by Tech. Sgt. Emerson Nuñez)

A combat medic at Wiesbaden Army Health Clinic, swabs a patient for COVID-19 testing, June 12.

USS America Launches F14s

Armored vehicles of the 1ST Armored Division, VII Corps from Germany, advance on Iraqi positions during Operation Desert Storm. On the horizon are VII Corps tanks.

210111-N-DO281-0029 NAVAL SUPPORT ACTIVITY NAPLES, Italy (Jan. 11, 2021) Adm. Mike Gilday, Chief of Naval Operations, observes COVID-19 vaccination site at Naval Support Activity Naples Support Site, Italy, Jan. 11, 2021. U.S. Naval Forces Europe-Africa, headquartered in Naples, Italy, conducts the full spectrum of joint and naval operations, often in concert with allied and interagency partners, in order to advance U.S. national interests, security and stability in Europe and Africa. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Trey Fowler/ Released)

210111-N-DO281-0033 NAVAL SUPPORT ACTIVITY NAPLES, Italy (Jan. 11, 2021) Adm. Mike Gilday, Chief of Naval Operations, observes COVID-19 vaccination site at Naval Support Activity Naples Support Site, Italy, Jan. 11, 2021. U.S. Naval Forces Europe-Africa, headquartered in Naples, Italy, conducts the full spectrum of joint and naval operations, often in concert with allied and interagency partners, in order to advance U.S. national interests, security and stability in Europe and Africa. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Trey Fowler/ Released)

210111-N- DO281-0058 NAVAL SUPPORT ACTIVITY NAPLES, Italy (Jan. 11, 2021) Adm. Mike Gilday, Chief of Naval Operations, observes COVID-19 vaccination site at Naval Support Activity Naples Support Site, Italy, Jan. 11, 2021. U.S. Naval Forces Europe-Africa, headquartered in Naples, Italy, conducts the full spectrum of joint and naval operations, often in concert with allied and interagency partners, in order to advance U.S. national interests, security and stability in Europe and Africa. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Trey Fowler/ Released)

210111-N-DO281-0060 NAVAL SUPPORT ACTIVITY NAPLES, Italy (Jan. 11, 2021) Adm. Mike Gilday, Chief of Naval Operations, observes COVID-19 vaccination site at Naval Support Activity Naples Support Site, Italy, Jan. 11, 2021. U.S. Naval Forces Europe-Africa, headquartered in Naples, Italy, conducts the full spectrum of joint and naval operations, often in concert with allied and interagency partners, in order to advance U.S. national interests, security and stability in Europe and Africa. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Trey Fowler/ Released)

210111-N-DO281-0064 NAVAL SUPPORT ACTIVITY NAPLES, Italy (Jan. 11, 2021) Adm. Mike Gilday, Chief of Naval Operations, observes COVID-19 vaccination site at Naval Support Activity Naples Support Site, Italy, Jan. 11, 2021. U.S. Naval Forces Europe-Africa, headquartered in Naples, Italy, conducts the full spectrum of joint and naval operations, often in concert with allied and interagency partners, in order to advance U.S. national interests, security and stability in Europe and Africa. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Trey Fowler/ Released)

210111-N-DO281-0097 NAVAL SUPPORT ACTIVITY NAPLES, Italy (Jan. 11, 2021) Adm. Mike Gilday, Chief of Naval Operations, takes a group photo with Naval Support Activity Naples Hospital leadership on Jan. 11, 2021. U.S. Naval Forces Europe-Africa, headquartered in Naples, Italy, conducts the full spectrum of joint and naval operations, often in concert with allied and interagency partners, in order to advance U.S. national interests, security and stability in Europe and Africa. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Trey Fowler/ Released)

U.S. Air Force Capt. Christopher J. Gresham, 569th U.S. Forces Police Squadron operations officer, receives a COVID-19 vaccination at Ramstein Air Base, Germany, Jan. 4, 2021. Vaccine distribution is anticipated to continue over the next several months through a Defense Department-wide phased vaccination approach. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Jennifer Gonzales)