Greece, USA Conduct Joint Military Exercises, Mull Further Cooperation

Greece and the United States of America (USA) have been conducting a joint military exercise since May 8 in Greece.

In the framework of the bilateral Military Cooperation of Greece and the USA, the Bilateral Exercise dubbed “STOLEN CERBERUS” is held, under the planning and control of the Special Warfare Command (DEP) of Greece’s National Defence General Staff GEETHA. The exercises include Free Flying and Jumping Static Belt, dumping supplies on land and sea, low altitude flights, Search – Rescue scenarios and air transport.

On Greece’s behalf, the Special Operations Forces of GEETHA / DEP and C-130 aircraft participate in the Exercise.

On the American side, the 37th Airlift Squadron of the 86th Airlift Wing, from the Ramstein Air Base of Germany with C-130J aircraft, as well as the 57th Rescue personnel Squadron (RQS) from the Aviano Air Base in Italy are taking part in the military exercises.

This Bilateral Co-Training between Greeks and Americans is conducted in the framework of the updated Mutual Defense Cooperation Agreement (MDCA) of the two nations and is part of the network of international collaborations of the Greek Armed Forces with friends and allied countries, which are planned and implemented based on GEETHA’s strategic plans.

According to GEETHA, ”The above activity contributes to the increase of the level of operational readiness, combat capability, understanding, exchange of know-how and interoperability in the design and execution of Special Operations and highlights the long-standing cooperation between Greece and the USA in the field of Special Forces.’’

Greece and the USA enhance their alliance

Due to the strong historical, political, cultural, and religious ties between the two nations, Greece and the United States today enjoy excellent diplomatic relations and consider each other a strategic ally.

Modern diplomatic relations between the two countries were established in the 1830s after the Greek War of Independence and are today regarded as cordial.

Greece’s Defense Minister Nikos Panagiotopoulos told reporters recently that Athens and Washington will most likely update and enhance their bilateral security pact, something that will bring even more American troops in the region to conduct joint exercises with their Greek counterparts.

Earlier this year, joint military exercises took place between the Special Forces from Greece, Cyprus, and the United States. The exercises were focused on the Mediterranean off the coast of the Souda Bay base on Crete.

The trilateral exercise was just another in the long history of military cooperation between the three countries, which have strengthened their ties as of late.

During the past year, when Mediterranean tensions appeared to be at an all-time high due to the repeated incursions of Turkey into the territorial waters of both Greece and Cyprus, the three countries forged much closer ties than they ever enjoyed before.

Greece and the United States had reaffirmed their excellent bilateral relations and a mutual desire to further deepen cooperation in a series of areas last September in a meeting between Secretary of State Mike Pompeo and Greek Foreign Minister Dendias.
The areas discussed were wide-ranging, including defense and security as well as investment, energy, education, and culture, according to a joint statement released after the meeting in Thessaloniki.