The STRIKFORNATO team provided Admiral Rühle with an overview of how STRIKFORNATO is commanding and controlling Neptune Strike 22.2 (NEST 22.2) vigilance activity from its Joint Operations Centre, from October 14-28.
During the visit, the Command Group had the opportunity to brief Admiral Rühle on STRIKFORNATO’s mission and contribution to the overall NATO Alliance, furthering the cooperation and cohesion between SHAPE and STRIKFORNATO.
Neptune Strike 22.2 is the natural evolution of NATO’s ability to integrate the high-end maritime strike capabilities to support the defence of the Alliance in Europe. Within the context of Deterrence and Defence of the Euro-Atlantic Area (DDA), this long-planned vigilance activity will further enhance the interoperability of U.S. Carrier Strike Groups (CSG), EUCOM, STRIKFORNATO and the wider Alliance and Partners. This activity prepares NATO and the CSGs to better integrate also enable a range of unique, theatre-wide training opportunities across Alliance territory.
Admiral Rühle, from the German Navy, assumed the position of Chief of Staff of the Supreme Headquarters Allied Powers Europe on September 30th , 2020, after serving as Vice Chief of Defence at the Federal Ministry of Defence, in Berlin.
SHAPE (Supreme Headquarters Allied Powers Europe), located in Casteau near Mons, Belgium, is the command headquarters to Allied Command Operations (ACO). It is commanded by the Supreme Allied Commander Europe (SACEUR). ACO plans and runs all NATO operations and missions, with the aim of maintaining the integrity of Alliance territory, safeguarding freedom of the seas and economic lifelines, and preserving or restoring the security of its members.
STRIKFORNATO, headquartered in Oeiras, Portugal, is SACEUR’s rapidly deployable and scalable headquarters capable of planning and executing full spectrum joint maritime operations, primarily through the integration of U.S. naval and amphibious forces, in order to provide assurance, deterrence, and collective defence for the Alliance.