Press Release - U.S. Army and Latvian Armed Forces Build Interoperability During Exercise NAMEJS

Sept. 26, 2022

WIESBADEN, Germany —

U.S. Army Europe and Africa will deploy two M142 High Mobility Artillery Rocket Systems with approximately a dozen personnel to Latvia in support of its national readiness exercise, NAMEJS, Sep. 26, to demonstrate the rapid deployment of long-range precision fires to NATO’s eastern flank.

NAMEJS is designed to increase readiness, lethality, modernization and interoperability by exercising U.S. Army Europe and Africa’s ability to rapidly deploy long-range precision fires capabilities in coordination with our allies and partners, and integrate joint fires in a multinational environment.

Units participating in NAMEJS include 3rd Battalion, 321st Field Artillery Regiment, under the command of 1st Infantry Division Artillery.

“We are honored to work alongside our Allies in Latvia as one team in support of NATO’s collective mission. NAMEJS is an opportunity to enhance our readiness and strengthen our relationship with our NATO Allies,” said Col. Richard Ikena, the 1st Infantry Division Artillery Commander, “it also demonstrates our ability to rapidly deploy our Soldiers and long-range precision fires capabilities at a moment’s notice anywhere in the European theater.”

The HIMARS systems and personnel will be rapidly deployed simultaneously to two locations in Latvia from utilizing two C-130 aircraft and personnel with U.S. Special Operations Command’s 352nd Special Operations Wing.

Exercise NAMEJS is a critical opportunity for U.S. conventional and Special Operations Forces to work together in a joint and combined training environment, enhancing interoperability and lethality.

3rd Battalion, 321st Field Artillery Regiment deployed to Germany in February from their home base Fort Bragg, North Carolina, as part of the immediate response force to bolster numbers of U.S. troops in Europe and add a highly mobile, long-range precision fires platform in support of NATO defense.

U.S. Army Europe and Africa is the Army service component command for both Europe and Africa. Its forward presence provides the U.S. military with the strategic access vital to missions in both theaters.

For additional information, contact U.S. Army Europe and Africa Public Affairs at +49 (0)611.143.537.0035 or media@army.mil.

  • U.S. Army Europe and Africa