U.S. Navy Admiral James G. Foggo, Commander, Allied Joint Force Command Naples (JFC Naples) and Commander, Naval Forces Europe-Africa visited NATO’s Joint Warfare Centre (JWC) on Wednesday, 28 February 2018. He was welcomed by Polish Army Major General Andrzej Reudowicz, Commander JWC.
Admiral Foggo’s visit to the JWC was part of a two-day trip to Norway following the deployment of the JFC Naples’ Operational Liaison and Reconnaissance Team (OLRT) to Bodø, Norway, to support Exercise TRIDENT JUNCTURE 2018 (TRJE18).
Exercise TRJE18 is NATO’s flagship exercise this year, with Norway serving as Host Nation. Sponsored by Allied Command Transformation (ACT), the exercise will be comprised of two parts: a major LIVEX (Live Exercise) conducted in and around Norway and a CPX (Command Post Exercise) that aims to train and certify the NATO Response Force 19 (NRF19) led by JFC Naples.
The CPX portion of TRJE 18 will be directed by Commander JWC, Major General Andrzej Reudowicz, who is designated as the ODE, or, Officer Directing the Exercise.
Earlier, Admiral Foggo had the opportunity to meet with the Norwegian Chief of Defence, Admiral Haakon Bruun-Hanssen to discuss ongoing exercise preparations.
During his visit in Stavanger, Admiral Foggo had an office call with Major General Reudowicz and received in-depth briefings on topics such as exercise scenario and its development, Computer-Assisted Exercise (CAX) and media simulation from a diverse array of subject matter experts. Admiral Foggo also toured various spaces at the JWC, including the Exercise Control (EXCON) organization and the Bunker.
An article on JFC Naples’ website earlier announced that some 35,000 troops from 30 NATO Member and Partner Nations, along with 70 ships and about 130 aircraft, were estimated to deploy to central and northern Norway in October for the live portion of the exercise.
The article also quoted Admiral Bruun-Hanssen, who commented that TRJE18 would be an opportunity for the Norwegian Armed Forces to test Norway's Total Defence Concept, which involves military forces and a wide range of civilian departments and authorities.
"If we are able to support NATO in reacting quickly, we will increase our ability to deter and to demonstrate that our Total Defence Concept works,” said Bruun-Hanssen. "In this regard, TRIDENT JUNCTURE is the finishing touch. If we do well and show that we got what it takes, it will strengthen the credibility of Norwegian defence and NATO cooperation.”
Photos from the Visit:
For more pictures visit JWC's Facebook page at facebook.com/NATO.JWC