Tallinn, Estonia – The Allied Joint Force Command Naples Operational Liaison Reconnaissance Team (OLRT) deployed as part of exercise "Trident Juncture 2016,” June 5, 2016.
The OLRT’s mounting and deployment process is part of a long-term certification program, which will conclude with the proof of JFC Naples’ ability to command and control the 2017 NATO Response Force (NRF). The Naples’ specialist team will deploy back to Italy on June 11, 2016.
"We appreciate the comprehensive preparation to host the JFC Naples’ subject matter experts here in Tallinn,” said the OLRT leader, U.S. Navy Rear Admiral Kent Whalen, while expressing his recognition to the host nation and underlining the importance of the close coordination with the Estonian authorities.
The JFC Naples’ OLRT deployment is an essential part of the Exercise Trident Juncture 2016 that aims to enhance the capabilities of planning and conducting NRF major joint operations. This comprehensive exercise will take place later this year and includes multi-level training events with several subordinated commands like the Maritime Component Command in Northwood, United Kingdom, the Air Component Command in Ramstein, Germany and the NATO Special Operations Headquarters in Mons, Belgium.
Through the NATO Force Integration Unit (NFIU) in Tallinn, the host nation Estonia has supported the deployment of the OLRT with infrastructure, logistics and transportation. The primary responsibility of all NFIUs is to facilitate the rapid deployment of the Very High Readiness Joint Task Force (VJTF) and other NRF elements at a high readiness level, in order to enhance the Alliance responsiveness. During the current exercise, the Estonian NFIU will be evaluatuated to proof its operational readiness.
This is the first time that the Naples’ OLRT deploys to a NATO member state in the Baltic region and trains together with the Estonian NFIU.
Story and photos by Allied Joint Force Command Naples Public Affairs Office