DEFENDER is the Army’s largest annual opportunity to exercise moving personnel and equipment into theater across modes for initial and follow-on operations critical to Large Scale Combat Operations. Led by U.S. Army Europe and Africa, the exercise focuses on the strategic deployment of CONUS-based forces, employment of Army Prepositioned Stock and follow-on exercises demonstrating lethality and interoperability with Allies and partners

DEFENDER 25 Outreach tour
DEFENDER 25 Infographic

Videos
Video by David Flewellyn
85th Shimoda Black Ship Festival
Commander, Fleet Activities Yokosuka
Dec. 11, 2024 | 4:51
SHIMODA, Japan (May 19, 2024) B-roll package of events during the 85th Shimoda Black Ship Festival. Includes U.S. Navy personnel from commands throughout Japan, including the Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Higgins (DDG 76), forward-deployed to Yokosuka. Sailors interact with Japanese locals, particpate in ceremonies and parades, and lay wreaths as part of the festivities. The Black Ship Festival commemorates the 171st anniversary of the arrival of Commodore Matthew Perry to Japan in 1853, a historical event that marked the beginning of diplomacy and trade agreements between the U.S. and Japan. (U.S. Navy video by David Flewellyn/released)
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Press Information

enlightenedTo find information about filing a claim related to exercise DEFENDER activities, visit Claims Information and select your country.