Atlantic Ocean. (February 14, 2024): In this photo by MC1 Danielle Serocki, U.S. and French Navy Sailors carry Zodiac combat rubber raiding craft off the stern gate in the well deck of the Whidbey Island-class dock landing ship USS Gunston Hall after conducting small boat operations. The French troops are from Le Bataillon de Fusiliers Marins Detroyat, or “Sailor Rifleman” that serves as security for land and coastal regions. Their mission is to protect naval vessels at sea and key sites on land and have been an integral part of the French Navy since the 1800’s.

The French and Americans are participating in Steadfast Defender 2024, the largest military exercise in Europe since the Cold War. With approximately 90,000 troops from all 31 NATO Allies, as well as new partner Sweden, participating, the exercise will evaluate NATO’s plans for reinforcing Europe against a near-peer adversary. During the event, these militaries will conduct and sustain complex multi-domain operations over several months and across thousands of miles. The exercise is strategically located in several key European countries, including Finland, Estonia, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Latvia, Lithuania, Norway, Poland, Romania, Slovakia, Sweden, and the United Kingdom.

For its part, the Gunston Hall is one of the most versatile amphibious platforms in the U.S. Navy. With two large helicopter landing pads, the largest well deck in the fleet, and spacious troop berthing facilities, Gunston Hall has the ability to embark a diverse array of military forces.

The Steadfast Defender 2024 exercises are expected to end on May 31, 2024.