Category: Security

Source: United States Army

KAISERSLAUTERN, Germany – USAG Rheinland-Pfalz chaplains opened a new chapter of spiritual well-being May 7 by dedicating the Sembach Resiliency Center as an official U.S. Army Chapel on Sembach Kaserne.

The garrison’s Religious Support Office gathered leaders, Soldiers and families to formally dedicate the chapel. They chose to hold the ceremony on May 7 to correspond with the 2026 National Day of Prayer.

The event featured chaplains from across the garrison’s tenant units and Unit Ministry Teams (UMTs) and offered perspectives on the importance of a dedicated sanctuary within the Sembach community.

Chaplain (Col.) Eric Dean, command chaplain for the 21st Theater Sustainment Command, opened the ceremony by sharing a vision for the chapel as an inclusive place of worship for the entire community.

“The vision includes space for Catholic, Jewish, Protestant and other traditions, unified in seeking truth, hope and love,” Dean said.

Dean also said the dedication marks the beginning of the chapel’s next chapter and that its future depends on continued support from the community.

“The community must ensure no one feels like an outsider and that the chapel remains alive with prayer, song and diverse worship,” he said.

Chaplain Peter Bahng, the garrison’s family life chaplain, echoed Dean’s thoughts on holistic readiness and community connection.

“The chapel honors the legacy of service and strengthens unity across Soldiers, families and our partners,” Bahng said. “It reflects the Army’s commitment to caring for the whole person and building a connected, mission-ready community.”

The Religious Support Office (RSO) performs and provides religious support services to the U.S. Army Garrison Rheinland-Pfalz military community to assist the commander in his obligation to facilitate the free exercise of religion. For more information on the RSO, visit https://home.army.mil/rheinland-pfalz/about/directorates-support-offices/religious-support-rso

U.S. Army Garrison Rheinland-Pfalz sets, serves, and secures the total force community, enabling power projection for the European Theater.

Connect with us: https://linktr.ee/usag_rp

Source: United States Army

TAN-TAN, Morocco — U.S. Soldiers assigned to the 1st Battalion, 503rd Infantry Regiment, 173rd Mobile Brigade Combat Team (Airborne), conducted autonomous tactical vehicle training during African Lion 26 at Cap Draa, Tan-Tan, Morocco, April 30, 2026.

The training gave service members an opportunity to test artificial intelligence-powered and autonomous platforms across attack, defense and mission command operations.

“This training allows us to experiment with technologies that can reduce risk to Soldiers while increasing our operational reach,” said U.S. Army 1st Lt. Ethan Burdette, officer in charge of the training and assigned to the 173rd MBCT. “We’re learning how to integrate autonomous systems into real-world scenarios, not just theory.”

The exercise focused on accelerating the sensor-to-shooter kill chain, compressing decision timelines and delivering scalable, cost-effective warfighting solutions aligned with regional security needs.

“Speed and precision are everything on the modern battlefield,” Burdette said. “These systems help us make faster, more informed decisions and share that information across formations and with our partners.”

AL26, U.S. Africa Command’s largest annual joint exercise, designed to strengthen collective security capabilities of the U.S., African nations and global allies and led by U.S. Army Southern European Task Force, Africa (SETAF-AF).

“I think it’s important for multinational militaries to train together and learn from our partners and allies, that way we can all become better in our prospective areas,” said U.S. Army Pfc. David Pomeroy, a combat engineer assigned to the 173rd MBCT. “The way wars are fought are evolving every day and we must learn new strategies in order for us to never fall behind.”

Running from April 20 to May 8, the multinational training spans Ghana, Morocco, Senegal and Tunisia including more than 5,600 civilian and military personnel from over 40 nations, reinforcing interoperability and strengthening collective security capabilities among U.S., African and allied forces.

“Working alongside our partners ensures these technologies are adaptable and relevant to shared challenges,” Burdette said. “It’s about building solutions together that enhance regional stability.”

About African Lion

African Lion 2026 is U.S. Africa Command’s largest annual joint exercise, designed to strengthen collective security capabilities of the U.S., African nations and global allies. Co-led by U.S. Army Southern European Task Force, Africa (SETAF-AF) from April 20 to May 8, 2026, and hosted in Ghana, Morocco, Senegal and Tunisia, AL26 involves over 5,600 personnel from more than 40 nations, using innovation to drive partner-led regional security.

African Lion content can be found on the Defense Visual Information Distribution Service (DVIDS).

About SETAF-AF

U.S. Army Southern European Task Force, Africa (SETAF-AF) prepares Army forces, executes crisis response, enables strategic competition and strengthens partners to achieve U.S. Army Europe and Africa and U.S. Africa Command campaign objectives.

Follow SETAF-AF on: Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, YouTube, LinkedIn & DVIDS

Source: United States Army

TAN-TAN, Morocco – U.S. military medical personnel are leveraging a digital application to improve patient care and documentation during African Lion 26 at Cap Draa, Tan-Tan, Morocco, April 29, 2026.

The Battlefield Assisted Trauma Distribution Observation Kit–Joint, also known as BATDOK-J, is a mobile application designed to streamline medical documentation in deployed environments. The system is being utilized by medical teams, including support from the 946th Forward Resuscitative Surgical Detachment, to enhance continuity of care across multiple levels of treatment.

The 946th FRSD personnel are providing critical medical support throughout the exercise while integrating emerging technologies like BATDOK-J into their workflow.

According to Sabrina Hatchett, an augmentee with U.S. Air Force Medical Command’s Surgeon General 6, the application allows providers to document patient care efficiently in both online and offline environments.

“BATDOK is an application that works as patient documentation,” Hatchett said. “It’s a mobile tool that helps providers and technicians document quickly so that paper records don’t get lost, and we try to eliminate the human element of error.”

The application syncs with the operational medical data store, a cloud based system that stores patient information and integrates with Military Health System GENESIS, the Department of War’s electronic health record system. This capability enables seamless information sharing as patients move through different levels of care.

“If someone is documented at the point of injury and then moved to another level of care, the incoming provider can already see what documentation has been done,” Hatchett said. “That should help save time and, hopefully, save lives.”

U.S. Army Capt. Ashwin Venkataraman, a medical officer in charge assigned to 1st Battalion, 503rd Infantry Regiment, 173rd Mobile Brigade Combat Team (Airborne), said the application also improves continuity of care in resource limited environments.

“This information is centralized and can be pulled from anywhere there’s an internet connection,” Venkatraman said. “The patient record will follow the patient electronically instead of relying on paper forms that can get lost or misfiled.”

Hatchett emphasized the importance of accurate documentation in both immediate care and long-term outcomes.

“If it’s not documented, it didn’t happen,” she said. “This helps ensure patients get the care they deserve, both in the moment and later on.”

AL26 is U.S. Africa Command’s largest annual joint exercise, designed to strengthen collective security capabilities of the U.S., African nations and global allies. Led by U.S. Army Southern European Task Force, Africa (SETAF-AF) from April 20 to May 8, 2026, and hosted in Ghana, Morocco, Senegal and Tunisia, AL26 involves over 5,600civilian and military personnel from more than 40 nations, using innovation to drive partner-led regional security.

About African Lion

African Lion 2026 is U.S. Africa Command’s largest annual joint exercise, designed to strengthen collective security capabilities of the U.S., African nations and global allies. Co-led by U.S. Army Southern European Task Force, Africa (SETAF-AF) from April 20 to May 8, 2026, and hosted in Ghana, Morocco, Senegal and Tunisia, AL26 involves over 5,600 personnel from more than 40 nations, using innovation to drive partner-led regional security.

African Lion content can be found on the Defense Visual Information Distribution Service (DVIDS).

About SETAF-AF

U.S. Army Southern European Task Force, Africa (SETAF-AF) prepares Army forces, executes crisis response, enables strategic competition and strengthens partners to achieve U.S. Army Europe and Africa and U.S. Africa Command campaign objectives.

Follow SETAF-AF on: Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, YouTube, LinkedIn & DVIDS

Source: United States Army

KENITRA, Morocco — The sun presses down hard on the flightline, heat rising in waves from the concrete as wind cuts sharply across the open expanse. Behind a humming C-130 Hercules, airmen stand poised, measured, focused and alert. Every movement matters here. Every signal counts.

That intensity carried a deeper purpose April 27, 2026.

Airmen from the U.S. Air Force and Royal Moroccan Air Force stood shoulder-to-shoulder, preparing to execute engine running on and offloading procedures, also known as ERO, a high-risk, high-reward capability that allows cargo to be loaded or unloaded while an aircraft’s engines remain running. It’s fast, it’s efficient and if done incorrectly, it’s unforgiving.

The risks are real. Exhaust pulsations can tip unsecured cargo. Engines can pull in anything, or anyone, too close. Communication must be precise, deliberate, and understood across languages and experience levels. There is no margin for hesitation.

Earlier, inside a classroom in Kenitra, aerial porters from the 88th Aerial Port Squadron, Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst, laid the groundwork, teaching communication techniques, hand signals and safety protocols essential to ERO operations. But knowledge alone isn’t enough. Out here, under the roar of engines and the pressure of execution, training becomes instinct.

“Safety is paramount when performing these operations; a lot can go wrong,” said U.S. Air Force Master Sgt. Christopher Pacheco, 88th APS load planner. “That is why we train; it is also why being able to participate in exercises like this is invaluable.”

As the aircraft was towed into position, the classroom lessons transitioned into action. U.S. and Moroccan airmen moved in sync, translating instruction into execution, hand signals exchanged, cargo guided carefully into place, eyes constantly scanning for hazards.

What began as a lesson quickly became a shared operation.

In less than an hour, the aircraft was loaded. More importantly, a new capability had taken root.

ERO operations reduce the need for aircraft shutdowns, cutting down on time, fuel consumption, and procedural delays. In real-world scenarios, that speed can mean the difference between mission success and failure, delivering critical equipment exactly when and where it’s needed.

But beyond the efficiency gains, the value lies in the partnership.

“We had a great time. Everyone learned proper hand signals and how to safely get the gear onboard,” Pacheco said. “Long-term, this skill should be something that would benefit everyone it could affect, if it were ever needed.”

That shared investment in readiness is at the heart of exercise African Lion 2026, U.S. Africa Command’s largest annual joint exercise. Bringing together more than 5,600 civilian and military personnel from over 40 nations, the exercise spans Ghana, Morocco, Senegal and Tunisia, emphasizing interoperability, innovation, and partner-led regional security.

Led by U.S. Army Southern European Task Force, Africa (SETAF-AF), African Lion is more than a demonstration of capability, it’s a commitment. A commitment to building trust, strengthening alliances, and ensuring that when the mission calls, forces across continents can respond as one.

Back on the flightline in Kenitra, the engines quieted, but the impact remained.

In the span of 45 minutes, a procedure was taught. A partnership was strengthened. And a shared readiness, built through sweat, precision, and trust, moved one step closer to reality.

About African Lion

African Lion 2026 is U.S. Africa Command’s largest annual joint exercise, designed to strengthen collective security capabilities of the U.S., African nations and global allies. Co-led by U.S. Army Southern European Task Force, Africa (SETAF-AF) from April 20 to May 8, 2026, and hosted in Ghana, Morocco, Senegal and Tunisia, AL26 involves over 5,600 personnel from more than 40 nations, using innovation to drive partner-led regional security.

African Lion content can be found on the Defense Visual Information Distribution Service (DVIDS).

About SETAF-AF

U.S. Army Southern European Task Force, Africa (SETAF-AF) prepares Army forces, executes crisis response, enables strategic competition and strengthens partners to achieve U.S. Army Europe and Africa and U.S. Africa Command campaign objectives.

Follow SETAF-AF on: Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, YouTube, LinkedIn & DVIDS

Source: United States Army

EL FAID, Morocco – U.S. service members and the Royal Moroccan Armed Forces are redefining what partnership looks like through shared expertise, innovation and expanding access to impactful care, under a network of expeditionary medical tents in central Morocco, April 20- May 8, 2026.

The humanitarian civic assistance site, part of African Lion 26, has become a cornerstone of medical readiness and partner entrustment. AL26 brings together military medical professionals from both the U.S. and Morocco to deliver care side by side. African Lion, led by U.S. Army Southern European Task Force, Africa (SETAF-AF), is Africa Command’s largest annual joint event. It spans four countries and includes more than 5,600 personnel from over 40 nations, all working to strengthen regional security through collaboration and innovation.

Each day, more than 1,000 patients pass through the tents of the HCA site, receiving care that often requires multiple interventions, and totaling between 2,000 and 3,000 procedures daily. Approximately 55% of patients are women, 30% men, and 15% are children.

Shared experiences and historic firsts define this year’s operation. On April 30, 2026, U.S. and Moroccan medical teams performed the first emergency cesarean section at the HCA site, a milestone that underscores both the evolution of the exercise and the strength of the partnership behind it.

Lt. Ahlam Abbassi, a gynecologist-obstetrician with the Royal Moroccan Armed Forces, described the urgency of the situation. “Our facility mainly receives pregnant women for their check-ups and follow-up care,” Abbassi said. “Yesterday, we received a 35-year-old woman who was 35 weeks pregnant. We did her check-up, her body exam, and her ultrasonography, followed by fetal cardiotocographic monitoring that showed the baby had fetal distress with severe bradycardia.”

With little time to spare, a combined team of U.S. and Moroccan medical personnel assembled and acted quickly.

“Given the urgency of the situation, we quickly admitted the patient in the operating room for an emergency cesarean section,” Abassi said. “As it was the first C-section ever done in a company hospital, while everyone was excited, we were under intense pressure and stress.”

The multinational team, including the Moroccan medical team, Dr. Saad Benali, Dr. Abbassi, and midwives, and U.S. personnel worked in unison. Inside the operating tent, the moment carried a weight felt by everyone present. As the baby was delivered, the room fell silent. U.S. and Moroccan service members stood shoulder to shoulder, holding their breath, waiting.

“The C-section proceeded smoothly and efficiently,” Abbassi said. “It was a truly emotional moment when the baby cried for the first time. Fortunately, the baby and the mother are in good condition, thanks to the coordinated efforts of Moroccan and U.S. service members.”

When the newborn cried, the silence broke into cheers. The work, however, was far from over. While Moroccan surgeons continued to care for the mother, a joint U.S. and Moroccan team immediately shifted focus to the newborn, who showed signs of distress.

“He wasn’t crying rapidly,” said U.S. Army Col. Marcus Blackburn, a pediatrician with Utah National Guard and doctor for the HCA site. “He was very low tone and floppy, so they brought it to us. Luckily, we had some of the equipment that we needed. They actually had a warmer here. We were able to stimulate the baby, get him to start breathing better. He still had fluid in his lungs, so we ended up having to give some positive pressure breaths to help clear the lungs and get it to be more vigorous.”

Blackburn and his team, which included personnel with neonatal intensive care experience, were called in to assist. The team’s ability to respond quickly was bolstered by both innovation and the diverse expertise service members bring to the mission. Both U.S. and Moroccan medical personnel played an equally critical role.

“We had to transport the baby to a local hospital to receive further care, but with the staff that we have and the variety of experience that we had here, with so many soldiers being in different civilian occupations, we had a U.S. [neonatal intensive care unit] nurse, and a Moroccan resuscitation nurse who works in a local newborn nursery, so the baby was able to do quite well.”

As the newborn stabilized, the Moroccan resuscitation nurse and two U.S. service members accompanied the baby to a local hospital, monitoring closely and prepared to intervene if necessary. Before leaving the HCA site, the mother kissed her baby and announced that she named her baby after the surgeon who saved their lives. On May 2, 2026, as the mother recovered at the HCA site, U.S. and Moroccan service members visited the mother to check on her condition and present small gifts, continuing the care beyond the operating room.

“Obviously, we weren’t expecting that to be a part of what we accomplished here,” Blackburn said, “but the team came together really well to provide the care that was necessary.”

Adaptability, shared purpose and mutual respect define the HCA mission. Beyond emergency care, the site is a dynamic exchange of knowledge and capability-building. U.S. and Moroccan personnel train side by side, sharing techniques that strengthen both forces long after the exercise ends.

Additional firsts that occurred at the HCA site include U.S. Army Lt. Col. Timothy Soeken, an ophthalmology surgeon, who introduced a small-incision cataract surgery technique to his Moroccan counterpart, expanding ophthalmologic capability; and U.S. Army Cpt. Kirk Waldron, a physician for the HCA site, who demonstrated trigger point injections, offering an alternative for long-term musculoskeletal pain management. Moroccan surgeons, in turn, trained U.S. medics in procedures such as suturing following cyst removal, reinforcing the two-way nature of the partnership.

“We see the same people every time we come back here,” said Col. Wesley Tillmann, commander of the Utah National Guard Medical Readiness Detachment. “We see the same doctors, the same command, and we get to build that relationship. The big difference for us is we get to heal people.”

Each year, the HCA continues to evolve, with improved laboratory turnaround times, expanded surgical capacity, and new equipment, enhancing both readiness and patient outcomes. A huge factor in enhancing the capabilities of the site are based on the specialists who participate at the site. Specialized teams from across the U.S. military medical community, including providers from Brooke Army Medical Center in San Antonio, Texas, as well as individuals from Fort Bliss, Texas, and Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Washington, brought advanced surgical and diagnostic capabilities to the site, reflecting both patient demand and a shared commitment to long-term community wellness. For leaders overseeing the mission, the significance extends beyond individual procedures.

This partnership, forged over decades between the U.S. and Morocco, including the enduring ties with the Utah National Guard, continues to deepen through missions like the HCA, where readiness and relationships are strengthened through real-world care. Surrounded by tents, sand, and language barriers, readiness was tested, partnership was strengthened, and a life was saved: a powerful reminder of what is possible through years of friendship, shared knowledge, and trust.

About African Lion

African Lion 2026 is U.S. Africa Command’s largest annual joint exercise, designed to strengthen collective security capabilities of the U.S., African nations and global allies. Co-led by U.S. Army Southern European Task Force, Africa (SETAF-AF) from April 20 to May 8, 2026, and hosted in Ghana, Morocco, Senegal and Tunisia, AL26 involves over 5,600 personnel from more than 40 nations, using innovation to drive partner-led regional security.

African Lion content can be found on the Defense Visual Information Distribution Service (DVIDS).

About SETAF-AF

U.S. Army Southern European Task Force, Africa (SETAF-AF) prepares Army forces, executes crisis response, enables strategic competition and strengthens partners to achieve U.S. Army Europe and Africa and U.S. Africa Command campaign objectives.

Follow SETAF-AF on: Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, YouTube, LinkedIn & DVIDS

Source: United States Army

AGADIR, Morocco — A coalition of U.S. military and research organizations deliver integrated biosurveillance support, strengthening commanders’ situational awareness and directly bolstering mission readiness during African Lion 26, April 20-May 8, 2026.

The Defense Health Agency’s Global Emerging Infections Surveillance program coordinated subject matter experts and laboratory partners from Walter Reed Army Institute of Research‑Africa; Naval Medical Research Unit, Navy Region Europe, Africa, Central; the 1st Global Field Medical Laboratory; and the U.S. Army Medical Research Institute of Infectious Diseases. Together they provided pre‑exercise risk assessments, rapid laboratory analysis and real‑time reporting that commanders and medical planners used to protect forces.

“By executing comprehensive human, animal and environmental surveillance, we provide improved situational awareness for medical personnel who may not regularly deploy to the

U.S. Africa Command area of responsibility,” said Dr. Stephanie Cinkovich, health surveillance activities integrator for DHA‑GEIS. “We bolster force health protection and optimize personnel readiness through Department of War validated findings, making our teams highly aware of the specific pathogens and threat vectors circulating in the granular areas where they operate.”

Operating as a network, DHA‑GEIS places experts and laboratory capability where commanders need them to make timely decisions. The multi‑organization approach shortens detection‑to‑response timelines and enables first-line medical care to adjust treatment protocols during exercises, preserving force health and sustaining mission capability.

DHA‑GEIS is building a collaboration with the 1st GFML to build mutual familiarity and interoperability with service‑specific deployable lab assets. DHA‑GEIS either folds the 1st GFML into comprehensive efforts such as AL26 or synchronizes surveillance streams in future exercises to create a highly efficient, unified approach to force health protection, allowing partner organizations to share capabilities and streamline lab support so commanders receive faster, more actionable results.

“Biosurveillance gives commanders information on what biothreats Soldiers are being exposed to and what risks are in the region that could affect Soldiers,” said U.S. Army Col. Dennison S. Segui, commander of 1st GFML. “Active biosurveillance allows commanders to respond to threats confirmed as present at that time and place, giving greater flexibility to achieve operational goals without being limited by a force health protection posture for threats that are not present.”

The partnership model builds long‑term familiarity between combat forces and laboratory partners, ensuring units can rely on reach‑back support when specialized teams cannot deploy forward. That continuity increases force resilience during both training and operations and reduces friction when commanders need rapid health protection guidance.

Lessons from African Lion will refine laboratory reach‑back workflows and shape future support packages for exercises such as Justified Accord and Flintlock. DHA‑GEIS will continue embedding subject matter experts and synchronizing partner labs to sustain readiness across allies and partners.

Source: United States Army

NAGO-TORBOLE, Italy — Under the shadow of the Italian Alps, where the echoes of World War II finally fell silent eight decades ago, U.S. Soldiers and Italian community members gathered this week to honor a legacy of sacrifice that remains anchored in the deep waters of Lake Garda.

The ceremonies marked the 81st anniversary of April 30, 1945—a day of dual tragedies for the U.S. Army. It was on this date, just days before the German surrender in Italy, that an enemy shell in Torbole killed Colonel William O. Darby, the legendary founder of the Rangers, and his senior enlisted leader, Sgt. Maj. John “Tim” Evans.

Hours later, an amphibious vehicle carrying 26 Soldiers from the 10th Mountain Division sank in the lake’s frigid depths. Only one man survived. For Bradley Galvin, the weight of that history is personal. He traveled to Italy to represent his great-grandfather, Pfc. Frank J. Miller, who was among the 25 men lost in the lake.

“I’ve kind of known about it probably since I was a kid, but I didn’t really know the full story,” Galvin said. “I didn’t know that it was a major event that other people would know about.”

Standing near the shoreline where his great-grandfather was last seen, Galvin noted the importance of the pilgrimage.

“I’m kind of excited for all the events, but also to remember my great-grandfather died here,” he said. “They were very important historical events and should keep being remembered.”

During an evening ceremony in Torbole’s piazza, Col. Vaughn Strong, commander of U.S. Army Garrison Italy, remarked that Darby was only 34, yet his leadership shaped the U.S. Army Rangers.

“His legacy endures in our formations and at Camp Darby, our U.S. Army post in Pisa, which bears his name,” Strong said. “As we mark the 81st anniversary, we reflect on what this day represents, leadership in combat, sacrifice at every level and the enduring bond between our Soldiers and the Italian communities who keep this history alive.”

Wreaths were presented and Bobby J. White, commander of the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 8862, read the names of those who died.

The remembrance was not limited to a solemn ceremony. During the day, service members, to include Soldiers from the States joined paratroopers of the 173rd Airborne Brigade and Soldiers from U.S. Army Garrison Italy for a grueling 40-mile road march beside the lake, retracing the final “race” to the Alps led by Darby’s men.

Pvt. Mitchell Crawford, of the 2nd Battalion, 503rd Infantry Regiment, said he’d never undertaken such an endurance event.

“First I came here to honor the fallen but it’s also a personal challenge for me,” Crawford, said. “After the first 20 miles, I really started hurting. I just focused on getting it done.”

For others, like Spc. Elyieth Barton of 2/503rd’s Chosen Company, the march was a test of future leadership.

“I thought about Rangers and my future,” Barton said. “I wanted to attempt this and see if I have what it takes to do it. And I guess I do.”

The local Italian community remains a vital partner in preserving this history. Ben Appleby and Antonella Previdi, co-founders of the Benàch Historical Research Association, have spent years documenting these final battles. Their research led to the 2023 documentary, “The Lost Mountaineers,” and helped bring families for the fallen, like Galvin’s, to Italy.

“The fighting here and the Soldiers who died here were the last Soldiers who died in Italy in World War II,” Previdi said, noting that Darby’s death remains a focal point for military historians. “It’s something that makes this place very special.”

Capt. Anthony Dove, commander of Headquarters and Headquarters Company, USAG Italy, emphasized that these events are more than just memorials. They are vital for Soldiers to learn from history.

“Learning from mistakes or what happened in the past is also a training tool that we can use in the future,” Dove said. “Just being there, seeing that, honoring Colonel Darby and the 10th Mountain Soldiers, it’s an emotional and significant event.”

The amphibious vehicle remains submerged under 200 meters of water. After the walk and the ceremony, Sgt. Ernesto Ortiz-Montero of the 173rd Airborne Brigade reflected on the enduring bond between the Soldiers and the Italian population.

“The Italians see us… they see us doing things that have their culture and our culture in it,” Ortiz-Montero said. “I feel like they love us. We love them. We’re building that cohesion that everybody wants.”

Source: United States Army

VICENZA, Italy — U.S. Army Garrison Italy and Italian first responders teamed up recently for an emergency exercise simulating a major earthquake striking the Vicenza Military Community and triggering secondary incidents across multiple installations.

The joint drill strengthened coordination between U.S. and Italian agencies and reinforced readiness for real‑world emergencies.

“Exercises like this are essential because they allow us to apply and assess our emergency management capabilities in real time,” said Col. Vaughn Strong, USAG Italy commander. “Training side by side with our Italian fire, medical and law enforcement partners strengthens the interoperability we rely on to protect this community.”

The scenario began at 7:30 a.m., when an earthquake in the Veneto region affected Caserma Miotto in Longare. The installation operations center alerted garrison leaders, prompting coordination with emergency services, public works and tenant units. The Emergency Operations Center activated within 20 minutes.

As first responders worked at Caserma Miotto, the exercise escalated at Caserma Ederle’s Golden Lion Conference Center, where a simulated gas explosion caused multiple injuries. Military police and firefighters arrived quickly, recovering role‑playing Soldiers covered in moulage. Italian fire services joined U.S. crews to treat 16 injured participants.

The Emergency Family Assistance Center opened at 9 a.m., offering support at Army Community Service. ACS and the Java Café closed during the drill, and community alerts advised residents to avoid affected areas.

“Our shared goal is simple,” Strong said. “We work to ensure we can contain emergencies quickly and keep our Soldiers, families and workforce safe.”