WIESBADEN, Germany —
Germany - Incoming units participating in DEFENDER-Europe 20 will begin convoy operations originating from the ports of Antwerp, Belgium, and Bremerhaven, Germany, over the next week.
During a four to five day period, five separate military convoys containing approximately 20 wheeled-vehicles each, will depart from the aforementioned ports. All tracked vehicles will move by rail.
These movements will occur at night to lessen the impact on public traffic; however, there may be temporary disruptions to road and rail traffic in North Rhine-Westphalia, Lower Saxony, Saxony-Anhalt, Brandenburg and Saxony.
All movements are approved, coordinated and supported by the Bundeswehr Kommando Streitkräftebasis [Joint Support and Enabling Service Command] and ensures that all local authorities and the Bundeswehr Landeskommandos are notified.
We are in close coordination with host nations to minimize disruptions to local populations during these movements. All U.S. Army units involved are working diligently to adhere to safety procedures and follow local laws and regulations. The safety of our Soldiers and host nation citizens is paramount in everything we do.
DEFENDER-Europe 20 demonstrates the U.S. military's ability to rapidly deploy a large combat-credible force from the U.S. to Europe to support NATO and respond to a crisis. Once in Europe, U.S. service members will spread out across the region to participate in various annual exercises with our allies and partners. DEFENDER-Europe 20 will conclude with the redeployment of U.S.-based forces and equipment. For more information, visit www.eur.army.mil/DefenderEurope.