SHAPE
News Release
Public Information Office
B-7010 SHAPE, Belgium
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Tel:
(065)44.4159
Fax: (065)44.3544
SHAPE: 01-10-01
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SACEUR
Statement to the Media
Today marks a historic first for NATO. Today, for the
first time in the organization's 52-year history, assets
are being made available to the continental United States,
on their request, in support of Article 5 operations.
Two of a total of five NATO Airborne Warning and Control
Systems aircraft - the AWACS - began deploying today to
the United States from our base in Geilenkirchen, Germany.
The remaining aircraft will follow in the next few days.
These NATO aircraft, manned by multinational crews from
12 NATO nations, provide a critical air surveillance and
early warning capability in operations. This deployment
will directly support those aircraft under the command
of the North American Aerospace Defense Command, or NORAD
for short, by providing assets required to support the
global campaign against terrorism.
In addition, NATO naval assets presently on exercise
off the coast of Spain were re-assigned today to a new
mission. Effective immediately, the Standing Naval Force
Mediterranean (STANAVFORMED), consisting of nine ships
from eight NATO countries, will set sail to provide an
allied military presence in the eastern Mediterranean
and to demonstrate our resolve.
These two actions underline the unwavering commitment
of the 19 NATO nations to fight terrorism. Of course,
we stand ready to provide any additional support requested
by the United States, on order of the North Atlantic Council.
I am now prepared to take your questions.
Additional
information:
- Photos
of the Statement to the Media by SACEUR

- NATO
Handbook:
- Website
of the NATO Airborne Early Warning and Control Force
- E-3A Component
- Webmodule:
NATO and the Scourge of Terrorism

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