NAPLES, Italy - Concluding the two-part exercise, Trident Juncture 18 is officially complete for Allied Joint Force Command Naples as the Command Post Exercise, which took place from November 14 to 23, finished today in Naples.
Trident Juncture 18 was designed to ensure that NATO forces are trained and ready, both through the live exercise and command post exercise, to become certified for NATO Response Force 2019. It has been an important test, and a tremendous display of NATO's collective capabilities.
The live exercise hosted around 50,000 participants, 250 aircraft, 65 ships and up to 10,000 vehicles from 31 nations, NATO's exercise Trident Juncture 18 is NATO's largest high visibility exercise in decades, with Norway and Iceland serving as the host nations. Over 20,000 land forces, 24,000 navy personnel, including U.S. Marines, 3,500 air personnel, around 1,000 logistics specialists and 1,300 personnel from a range of NATO commands have participated in the live portion of the exercise from October 25 to November 7.
"The Secretary General was absolutely elated with the results," said Admiral James Foggo, commander of Allied Joint Force Command Naples. "Well done to each and every one of you, Bravo Zulu."
Following the live exercise, the majority of the headquarters returned to Naples to participate in a scenario where an Article 5 was invoked. The exercise was designed to test the headquarters ability to lead and organize an operation in NATO territory.
"I spoke with the SHAPE evaluators and they have a grading system based off a stoplight," said Foggo. "I was told not only are you green, but deep green due to how professional this headquarters is."
Story by JFC Naples Public Affairs Office