SABER GUARDIAN

 

Saber Guardian 25, enhances NATO land component mission command and improves coordination among Allied and partner forces in a fast-moving environment. Starting with a long tactical road march by the U.S. 2nd Cavalry Regiment, the realistic and multi-domain training brings together approximately 10,000 troops from June 9-24 and taking place in Germany, Hungary and Romania. Saber Guardian 25 includes convoys, river crossings, live-fire events, and a rocket live-fire over the Black Sea, reinforcing U.S. capabilities and readiness to defend Allies.

Videos
Video by Senior Master Sgt. Vincent De Groot
Iowa Air Guard awarded Meritorious Unit Award for Operation Allies Welcome
185th Air Refueling Wing, Iowa Air National Guard
March 4, 2023 | 1:56
Video news package

(Font hit: Sioux City, Iowa)
During their March Training weekend, members of the Iowa Air National Guard learned that they were the recipients the Air Force Meritorious Unit Award as a result of the state’s involvement in Operation Allies Welcome during 2021.

The announcement for members of the 185th Air Refueling Wing in Sioux City, Iowa came at a commanders call event during the training weekend.

(Font hit: Lt Col Jenifer Carlson 185th Air Refueling Wing Deputy Support Group Commander)
“Its good to see the recognition come back from the national level of the Wing’s efforts”  

According to the citation, the award was a direct result of Iowa Airmen’s involvement in operations “Allies Welcome and Allies Refuge following the evacuation of Afghanistan.

(File video: Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst)
Lt Col Jenifer Carlson was with a group of volunteers from Sioux City’s 185th Air Refueling Wing and Des Moines’ 132nd Wing who received extremely short notice orders to help with Operations that were taking place at Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst in New Jersey.

“We knew how many people, and enlisted vs officer, and that was pretty much it,” (splice) “So when you got out there they would look at your AFSC and see where you work best in the organization.”

Carlson said the group provided logistics and sustainment support as part of the Afghan refugee operation at Fort Dix. She said the tasking was outside what was consider “Normal,” but added that being a part of the operation gave them a front row seat to an historical event.

“It was a remarkable point in American history for the event, to participate in such an operation”

Carson said that she came to another realization about the people she was serving during the deployment.

“As they’re getting ready to head out the door what you realize that you got to interact with some of Americas newest citizens.”

(Font hit: SMSgt Vincent De Groot reporting)
As Carlson and the rest of the unit attended the awards event in Sioux City they were left with a heart felt thank you, from their commander, but now also have an award as a reminder of their contribution to a successful operation.

In Sioux City, Iowa I’m Senior Master Sgt. Vince De Groot

Font hits:

00:00:00 - 00:00:10 Sioux City, Iowa

00:00:22 - 00:00:32 Col Jennifer Carlson
Deputy Mission Support Group Commander, 185th ARW

00:00:32 - 00:00:52 File Video

00:01:45 - 00:01:56 Vincent De Groot reporting
More

What is happening where?

  • Czechia
    The U.S. Army 7th Engineer Brigade Combat Team will convoy through Czechia to transport bridging equipment while establishing convoy support centers to reach their destination in Romania for water crossing operations.
    2d Cavalry Regiment will conduct a tactical road march from Germany, through Czechia and Slovakia to their training location in Hungary.
  • Germany
    Germany

    Saber Guardian 25 begins with a tactical movement by 2d Cavalry Regiment and 12th Combat Aviation Brigade from various locations in Germany to Hungary.

    Army Prepositioned Stock issue site used for equipment issuing.

  • Hungary
    Hungary

    The USAREUR-AF Band & Chorus will continue the DEFENDER 25 Outreach Tour with performances and community engagements in Hungary from 27-31 May.

    In Hungary, 2d Cavalry Regiment, 12th Combat Aviation Brigade and 5-4 Air Defense Artillery Battalion will conduct Fire Support and Combined Live Fire Exercises with the 11th Hungarian Mechanized Brigade and Spanish troops.

    Additionally, 2d Cavalry Regiment will be employing new Transformation in Contact initiatives and equipment during these exercises.  

  • Romania
    RomaniaThe USAREUR-AF Band & Chorus, along with other U.S. Army units, will conduct a series of dynamic performances and community engagements across Romania ahead of DEFENDER 25.
     
    The 41st Field Artillery Brigade will conduct a line haul movement to Romania and conduct a combined artillery live fire shoot with their Multiple Launch Rocket Systems alongside the 8th Romanian HIMARS Battalion and 12th Combat Aviation Brigade rotary-winged aircraft.
     
    The recently activated U.S. Army 7th Engineer Brigade will transport bridging equipment to Romania, where they will conduct a water crossing with the Romanian 4th Division.
     
    Additionally, the 1st Battalion, 173rd Infantry Regiment, Alabama Army National Guard Soldiers will be conducting a maneuver exercise alongside Romanian Armed Forces, their state partners, as well as Italian and Moldovan soldiers.   

     

  • Slovakia

    Slovakia2nd Cavalry Regiment will conduct a tactical road march from Germany, through Czechia and Slovakia to their training location in Hungary.