NATO demonstrating Maritime power during Trident Juncture 15 exercise

During his welcome remarks, the Chairman applauded Portugal: “Let me begin by thanking Portugal for co-hosting Trident Juncture 2015, NATO’s largest exercise for over a decade. I would also like to acknowledge Portugal’s continued commitment to NATO’s operations and missions, especially assurance measures and Air Policing”.

Emphasizing the combined and synchronised efforts of NATO military staff and commands, General Pavel commended all involved for their hard work in the preparation and execution of Trident Juncture 15. The Chairman also took the time to stress the Maritime component of the Alliance’s collective defence. “Maritime Forces play a key role in NATO’s collective defence but also in ensuring global security. Maritime security is very important when we consider that the sea is a lifeline for transport, communications, energy and trade. It is therefore paramount that the world’s oceans and seas remain open and secure”, said the Chairman.

During the Military Press Conference, General Pavel highlighted the importance of NATO’s readiness, deployability and interoperability, stressing that the smooth cooperation among NATO and Partner Nations joint operations is due to constant training, exercising and the exchange of best practices. General Pavel stated that interoperability has become even more important since the Alliance began mounting out-of-area operations in the early 1990s. “There are many challenges in this increasingly unstable world, including terrorism, piracy, state aggression, and hybrid warfare. The interoperability exercised during Trident Juncture 15 keeps the participating troops ready and able to counter any threat”.

Viewing the Harbour Protection Demonstration, the Amphibious Assault and getting to tour the HMS Ocean and HMS Bulwark, the Chairman and the NATO Military Committee underlined the importance of maritime security. Throughout Trident Juncture 15, the maritime component of the Very High Readiness Joint Task Force (VJTF) has been represented by the Standing NATO Maritime Groups (SNMG) 1 and 2 who form part of NATO’s Standing Maritime Forces who are trained, ready and executing NATO’s missions in multiple areas of operation.

With over 60 ships, eight Maritime Port Authorities, and over 3000 Marines participating in the maritime domain, Trident Juncture 15 provides not only a unique training opportunity not found in most national exercises  but demonstrates how integral maritime power is to ensure that Allied Forces can respond to any threat.

Trident Juncture 2015 is the largest NATO exercise since 2002. Air, land, maritime and Special Forces are involved. It is the culmination of a series of dynamic and demanding training events designed to exercise and test troops and commanders.