1 Jul 2007
Allied Joint Force Command Headquarters Naples (JFC Naples) took over command of the latest rotation of the NATO Response Force (NRF 9) on 1 July. The change of command was validated and certified during Exercise Steadfast Jackpot 2007.
JFC Naples took over from Allied Joint Force Command Headquarters Brunssum (JFC Brunssum).
Some 2000 personnel from all 26 NATO countries participated in the exercise, which took place simultaneously in Italy, Turkey, Norway and Spain, from 4 to 23 June.
The computer-assisted exercise was designed to validate and certify the chain of command and control elements dedicated to NRF 9.
Exercise events were based on a fictitious scenario involving a NATO-led operation conducted under Chapter VII of the UN Charter. The main focus was to train as a Combined and Joint Force.
The NATO Response Force works on a rotational basis, where each member state commit forces to go through training and certification, in order to guarantee the permanent availability of a combat-ready deployable force.
The exercise was organised by JFC Naples, supported by the Joint Warfare Centre in Stavanger, Norway. The Land Component Command (Madrid, Spain) deployed 68 people. Other units taking part included the NATO Rapid Deployable Corps (Italy), the Air Component Command Headquarters (Izmir, Turkey), the UK Maritime Force, the Special Operations Component Command Headquarters (Spain), and the Multinational Chemical, Biological, Radiological and Nuclear Defence Battalion.
