German paratroopers conduct a Joint Forcible Entry during initial operations of Exercise Swift Response 19 at Boboc, Romania, June 14, 2019. Exercise Swift Response 19 is an annual U.S. Army Europe led multinational airborne exercise being conducted in Bulgaria, Croatia and Romania with participating armed forces from France, Germany, Italy, Netherlands, Spain and the United Kingdom. Swift Response provides a vital joint training opportunity that allows command and control of complex operations from dispersed locations while ensuring that participating forces work together seamlessly to bring the full weight of the joint and combined team to bear – wherever and whenever needed – to defend against regional aggression. (U.S. Army photo by Spc. Ryan Lucas)

TAPA CENTRAL TRAINING AREA, Estonia — Three U.S. Army from the 1st Battalion, 319th Field Artillery Regiment unloading equipment from the CH-47 Chinook in preparation for an air assault in support of Swift Response 21, May 8, 2021. Swift Response 21 is a linked exercise of DEFENDER-Europe 21, which involves special operations activities, air assaults, and live fire exercises in Estonia, Bulgaria, and Romania, demonstrating airborne interoperability among NATO allies. DEFENDER-Europe 21 is a large-scale U.S. Army-led exercise designed to build readiness and interoperability between the U.S., NATO allies and partner militaries. This year, more than 28,000 multinational forces from 26 nations will conduct nearly simultaneous operations across more than 30 training areas in more than a dozen countries from the Baltics to the strategically important Balkans and Black Sea Region. Follow the latest news and information about DEFENDER-Europe 21, visit www.EuropeAfrica.army.mil/DefenderEurope. (U.S. Army photo by Spc. Christian Cote).

U.S. Army Spc. Randen Duncan assigned to 1st Battalion 319th Artillery Regiment, 82nd Airborne Brigade, pulls security while conducting a day and night air assault operation in support of Swift Response 21 at the Tapa Central Training Center, Estonia, May 8, 2021. Swift Response 21 is a linked exercise of DEFENDER-Europe 21, which involves special operations activities, air assaults, and live-fire exercises in Estonia, Bulgaria, and Romania, demonstrating airborne interoperability among NATO allies. DEFENDER-Europe 21 is a large-scale U.S. Army-led exercise designed to build readiness and interoperability between the U.S., NATO allies, and partner militaries. This year, more than 28,000 multinational forces from 26 nations will conduct nearly simultaneous operations across more than 30 training areas in more than a dozen countries from the Baltics to the strategically important Balkans and Black Sea Region. Follow the latest news and information about DEFENDER-Europe 21, visit www.EuropeAfrica.army.mil/DefenderEurope. (U.S. Army photo by Spc. Denice Lopez).

Prior to working with Heavy Airlift Wing C-17 on Swift Response assignment, DSA lead Flight instructor Mark de Jonge was assigned two consecutive deployments to Afghanistan as one of four F-16 Falcons on Operation Enduring Freedom with the 1st Netherlands-Norwegian European Participating Forces Expeditionary Air Wing.

In-combat, Mark's wingman was shot down twice by SAMs, ejecting in the nick of time—he's also now an inch-and-a-half shorter and assigned a desk job. It's a poignant example of the importance of maintaining situational awareness at all times, when just a split second can mean the difference between life and death.

— Post-flight Debriefing, Terlet Airfield

U.S. Soldiers assigned to 1st Battalion, 319th Field Artillery Regiment an area of operations in preparation of an air assault in support of Swift Response 21, Tapa Central Training Area, Estonia, May 8, 2021. Swift Response is a linked exercise of DEFENDER-Europe 21, which involves; special operations activities, air assaults, and live fire exercises in Estonia, Bulgaria, and Romania, demonstrating airborne interoperability among NATO allies. DEFENDER-Europe 21 is a large-scale U.S. Army-led exercise designed to build readiness and interoperability between the U.S., NATO allies and partner militaries. This year, more than 28,000 multinational forces from 26 nations will conduct nearly simultaneous operations across more than 30 training areas in more than a dozen countries from the Baltics tot the strategically important Balkans and Black Sea Region. Follow the latest news and information about DEFENDER-Europe 21, visit www.EuropeAfrica.army.mil/DefenderEurope. (U.S. Army photo by Spc. Austin Riel)

TAPA CENTRAL TRAINING AREA, Estonia — U.S. Army Spc. Giovani Murgolo of Brick, NJ, a fire control specialist from the Bravo Battery, 1st Battalion, 319th Field Artillery Regiment awaiting further orders until the air assault in support of Swift Response 21, May 8, 2021. Swift Response 21 is a linked exercise of DEFENDER-Europe 21, which involves special operations activities, air assaults, and live fire exercises in Estonia, Bulgaria, and Romania, demonstrating airborne interoperability among NATO allies. DEFENDER-Europe 21 is a large-scale U.S. Army-led exercise designed to build readiness and interoperability between the U.S., NATO allies and partner militaries. This year, more than 28,000 multinational forces from 26 nations will conduct nearly simultaneous operations across more than 30 training areas in more than a dozen countries from the Baltics to the strategically important Balkans and Black Sea Region. Follow the latest news and information about DEFENDER-Europe 21, visit www.EuropeAfrica.army.mil/DefenderEurope. (U.S. Army photo by Spc. Christian Cote).

A U.S. Soldier assigned to 1st Battalion, 319th Field Artillery establishes communications in preparation of an air assault in support of Swift Response 21, Tapa Central Training Area, Estonia, May 8, 2021. Swift Response is a linked exercise of DEFENDER-Europe 21, which involves; special operations activities, air assaults, and live fire exercises in Estonia, Bulgaria, and Romania, demonstrating airborne interoperability among NATO allies. DEFENDER-Europe 21 is a large-scale U.S. Army-led exercise designed to build readiness and interoperability between the U.S., NATO allies and partner militaries. This year, more than 28,000 multinational forces from 26 nations will conduct nearly simultaneous operations across more than 30 training areas in more than a dozen countries from the Baltics tot the strategically important Balkans and Black Sea Region. Follow the latest news and information about DEFENDER-Europe 21, visit www.EuropeAfrica.army.mil/DefenderEurope. (U.S. Army photo by Spc. Austin Riel)

U.S. Army Spc. Pector Rodriguez assigned to 1st Battalion, 319th Field Artillery Regiment sets up a communications tower in preparation of an air assault in support of Swift Response 21, Tapa Central Training Area, Estonia, May 8, 2021. Swift Response is a linked exercise of DEFENDER-Europe 21, which involves; special operations activities, air assaults, and live fire exercises in Estonia, Bulgaria, and Romania, demonstrating airborne interoperability among NATO allies. DEFENDER-Europe 21 is a large-scale U.S. Army-led exercise designed to build readiness and interoperability between the U.S., NATO allies and partner militaries. This year, more than 28,000 multinational forces from 26 nations will conduct nearly simultaneous operations across more than 30 training areas in more than a dozen countries from the Baltics tot the strategically important Balkans and Black Sea Region. Follow the latest news and information about DEFENDER-Europe 21, visit www.EuropeAfrica.army.mil/DefenderEurope. (U.S. Army photo by Spc. Austin Riel)

AMARI, Estonia – U.S. Army Soldiers assigned to 3rd Brigade, 82nd Airborne Infantry Division prepare to depart Estonia as Swift Response 21 training comes to a close here, May 13, 2021. Units of 82nd Airborne Infantry Division participated in Swift Response 21, a linked exercise of DEFENDER-Europe 21. DEFENDER-Europe 21 is a large-scale U.S. Army-led exercise designed to build readiness and interoperability between the U.S., NATO allies and partner militaries. This year, more than 28,000 multinational forces from 26 nations will conduct nearly simultaneous operations across more than 30 training areas in more than a dozen countries from the Baltics to the strategically important Balkans and Black Sea Region. Follow the latest news and information about DEFENDER-Europe 21, visit www.EuropeAfrica.army.mil/DefenderEurope. (U.S. Army photo by 1st Lt. Ian Fischer)

Paratroopers assigned to the 82nd Airborne Division and British 2nd Battalion, Parachute Regiment buddy rig their T-11 parachutes onboard a C-17 Globemaster III aircraft bound for Estonia during Swift Response 21, May 7, 2021. Swift Response 21 is a joint, multinational Airborne exercise involving more than 7,000 Paratroopers from 10 NATO nations.

Paratroopers assigned to the 82nd Airborne Division and British 2nd Battalion, Parachute Regiment get some rest while flying to Estonia in a U.S. Air Force C-17 Globemaster III during Swift Response, May 7, 2021. Swift Response 21 is a joint, multinational Airborne exercise involving more than 7,000 Paratroopers from 10 NATO nations.

U.S. Army paratroopers assigned to the 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 82nd Airborne Division, rehearse firing a Carl Gustaf recoilless rifle during the blank iteration of a combined arms live fire excercise in support of Swift Response 19 in Novo Selo Training Area, Bulgaria, June 24, 2019. Swift Response 19 is a U.S. Army Europe multinational exercise led by the U.S. Global Response Force to demonstrate the ability to deploy high readiness forces into a designated area, as well as advance airborne interoperability among NATO allies. (U.S. Army photo by Spc. Justin W. Stafford)

A British Paratrooper assigned to 2nd Battalion, Parachute Regiment receives a T-11 parachute onboard a C-17 Globemaster III aircraft bound for Estonia during Swift Response 21, May 7, 2021. Swift Response 21 is a joint, multinational Airborne exercise involving more than 7,000 Paratroopers from 10 NATO nations.

A 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 82nd Airborne Division Paratrooper applies facepaint onboard a U.S. Air Force C-17 Globemaster III bound for Estonia during Swift Response, May 7, 2021. Swift Response 21 is a joint, multinational Airborne exercise involving more than 7,000 Paratroopers from 10 NATO nations.

Paratroopers from the British 2nd Battalion, Parachute Regiment adjust their T-11 parachutes onboard a C-17 Globemaster III aircraft bound for Estonia during Swift Response 21, May 7, 2021. Swift Response 21 is a joint, multinational Airborne exercise involving more than 7,000 Paratroopers from 10 NATO nations.

Maj. Gen. Christopher Donahue, the 82nd Airborne Division commander, speaks with a Paratrooper prior to takeoff aboard a C-17 Globemaster III bound for Estonia during Swift Response 21 at Fort Bragg, N.C., May 7, 2021. Swift Response 21 is a joint, multinational Airborne exercise involving more than 7,000 Paratroopers from 10 NATO nations.

TAPA CENTRAL TRAINING AREA, Estonia –The 3rd platoon leader, 1st Lt. Cheyenne Helsel, assigned to Alpha Troop, 5th Battalion, 73rd Cavalry Regiment gives orders to her platoon with Estonian counterparts during follow-on missions of Swift Response 21. Units of 82nd Airborne Infantry Division participated in Swift Response 21, a linked exercise of DEFENDER-Europe 21. DEFENDER-Europe 21 is a large-scale U.S. Army-led exercise designed to build readiness and interoperability between the U.S., NATO allies and partner militaries. This year, more than 28,000 multinational forces from 26 nations will conduct nearly simultaneous operations across more than 30 training areas in more than a dozen countries from the Baltics to the strategically important Balkans and Black Sea Region. Follow the latest news and information about DEFENDER-Europe 21, visit www.EuropeAfrica.army.mil/DefenderEurope. (U.S. Army photo by 1st Lt. Ian Fischer)

TAPA CENTRAL TRAINING AREA, Estonia – An Estonian soldier assigned to Bravo Company, Scouts Battalion, reviews defensive positions with 5th Battalion, 73rd Regiment during follow-on training during Swift Response 21. Units of 82nd Airborne Infantry Division participated in Swift Response 21, a linked exercise of DEFENDER-Europe 21. DEFENDER-Europe 21 is a large-scale U.S. Army-led exercise designed to build readiness and interoperability between the U.S., NATO allies and partner militaries. This year, more than 28,000 multinational forces from 26 nations will conduct nearly simultaneous operations across more than 30 training areas in more than a dozen countries from the Baltics to the strategically important Balkans and Black Sea Region. Follow the latest news and information about DEFENDER-Europe 21, visit www.EuropeAfrica.army.mil/DefenderEurope. (U.S. Army photo by 1st Lt. Ian Fischer)

U.S. Army and British Paratroopers assigned to the 82nd Airborne Division and 2nd Battalion, Parachute Regiment, respectively, board a C-17 Globemaster III bound for Estonia during Swift Response at Fort Bragg, N.C., May 7, 20201. Swift Response 21 is a joint, multinational Airborne exercise involving more than 7,000 Paratroopers from 10 NATO nations.

Maj. Ngozi Collins, left, and Warrant Officer 1 Wendy Roberson, an intelligence officer and electronic warfare technician assigned to 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 82nd Airborne Division, respectively, conduct mission analysis aboard a U.S. Air Force C-17 Globemaster III bound for Estonia during Swift Response 21, May 7, 2021. Swift Response 21 is a joint, multinational Airborne exercise involving more than 7,000 Paratroopers from 10 NATO nations.

U.S. Navy Hospital Corpsman 2nd Class Manuel Rosario with Combat Logistics Battalion 22, Combat Logistics Regiment 27, 2nd Marine Logistics Group, left, and Norwegian soldier Pvt. Eivind Ellingsen, an engineer with Combat Engineer Battalion, Northern Brigade ride a snowmobile to check Soldiers for injuries during exercise Swift Response 25 at Bardufoss, Norway, May 13, 2025. The Marine Corps is providing direct combat service support to the U.S. Army 82nd Airborne Division to enable sustainment of multi-domain operations. Swift Response 25 is part of the DEFENDER 25 series and allows the rehearsal, deployment, employment, and integration of U.S. forces to focus on the expansion of critical capabilities on the battlefield in the High North and Baltics. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Jack Labrador)

TAPA CENTRAL TRAINING AREA, Estonia – The 3rd platoon leader, 1st Lt. Cheyenne Helsel, assigned to Alpha Troop, 5th Battalion, 73rd Cavalry Regiment gives orders to her platoon along with her Estonian counterpart during follow-on missions of Swift Response 21. Units of 82nd Airborne Infantry Division participated in Swift Response 21, a linked exercise of DEFENDER-Europe 21. DEFENDER-Europe 21 is a large-scale U.S. Army-led exercise designed to build readiness and interoperability between the U.S., NATO allies and partner militaries. This year, more than 28,000 multinational forces from 26 nations will conduct nearly simultaneous operations across more than 30 training areas in more than a dozen countries from the Baltics to the strategically important Balkans and Black Sea Region. Follow the latest news and information about DEFENDER-Europe 21, visit www.EuropeAfrica.army.mil/DefenderEurope. (U.S. Army photo by 1st Lt. Ian Fischer)

TAPA CENTRAL TRAINING AREA, Estonia – Indirect fire infantry Soldiers assigned to Alpha Troop, 5th Battalion, 73rd Cavalry Regiment practice launch notional rounds during follow-on missions of Swift Response 21. Swift Response 21 May 10, 2021. Units of 82nd Airborne Infantry Division participated in Swift Response 21, a linked exercise of DEFENDER-Europe 21. DEFENDER-Europe 21 is a large-scale U.S. Army-led exercise designed to build readiness and interoperability between the U.S., NATO allies and partner militaries. This year, more than 28,000 multinational forces from 26 nations will conduct nearly simultaneous operations across more than 30 training areas in more than a dozen countries from the Baltics to the strategically important Balkans and Black Sea Region. Follow the latest news and information about DEFENDER-Europe 21, visit www.EuropeAfrica.army.mil/DefenderEurope. (U.S. Army photo by 1st Lt. Ian Fischer)

NURMSI, Estonia – A CH-47 Chinook with equipment in tow takes off as Soldiers from 3rd Brigade, 82nd Airborne Infantry Division stay warm in Nurmsi, Estonia on May 8, 2021. This air assault exercise is a part of Swift Response 21, a linked exercise of DEFENDER-Europe 21. DEFENDER-Europe 21 is a large-scale U.S. Army-led exercise designed to build readiness and interoperability between the U.S., NATO allies and partner militaries. This year, more than 28,000 multinational forces from 26 nations will conduct nearly simultaneous operations across more than 30 training areas in more than a dozen countries from the Baltics to the strategically important Balkans and Black Sea Region. Follow the latest news and information about DEFENDER-Europe 21, visit www.EuropeAfrica.army.mil/DefenderEurope. (U.S. Army photo by 1st Lt. Ian Fischer)

Paratroopers assigned to the British 2nd Battalion, Parachute Regiment buddy rig their T-11 parachutes onboard a C-17 Globemaster III aircraft bound for Estonia during Swift Response 21, May 7, 2021. Swift Response 21 is a joint, multinational Airborne exercise involving more than 7,000 Paratroopers from 10 NATO nations.

NURMSI, Estonia – A CH-47 Chinook prepares to receive its sling load here on May 8, 2021. This air assault training is a part of Swift Response 21, a linked exercise of DEFENDER-Europe 21. DEFENDER-Europe 21 is a large-scale U.S. Army-led exercise designed to build readiness and interoperability between the U.S., NATO allies and partner militaries. This year, more than 28,000 multinational forces from 26 nations will conduct nearly simultaneous operations across more than 30 training areas in more than a dozen countries from the Baltics to the strategically important Balkans and Black Sea Region. Follow the latest news and information about DEFENDER-Europe 21, visit www.EuropeAfrica.army.mil/DefenderEurope. (U.S. Army photo by 1st Lt. Ian Fischer)

Maj. Gen. Christopher Donahue, the 82nd Airborne Division commander, communicates with the All American Joint Operations Center at Fort Bragg, N.C. while inflight to Estonia during Swift Response 21, May 7, 2021. Swift Response 21 is a joint, multinational Airborne exercise involving more than 7,000 Paratroopers from 10 NATO nations.

TAPA CENTRAL TRAINING AREA, Estonia – An Estonian soldier assigned to Bravo Company, Scouts Battalion, awaits orders while conducting follow on missions with 5th Battalion, 73rd Regiment. Units of 82nd Airborne Infantry Division participated in Swift Response 21, a linked exercise of DEFENDER-Europe 21. DEFENDER-Europe 21 is a large-scale U.S. Army-led exercise designed to build readiness and interoperability between the U.S., NATO allies and partner militaries. This year, more than 28,000 multinational forces from 26 nations will conduct nearly simultaneous operations across more than 30 training areas in more than a dozen countries from the Baltics to the strategically important Balkans and Black Sea Region. Follow the latest news and information about DEFENDER-Europe 21, visit www.EuropeAfrica.army.mil/DefenderEurope. (U.S. Army photo by 1st Lt. Ian Fischer)

NURMSI, Estonia – A CH-47 Chinook crew chief from 3rd Battalion, 1st Combat Aviation Brigade, 1st Infantry Division oversees personnel inside the aircraft here on May 8, 2021. This air assault training is a part of Swift Response 21, a linked exercise of DEFENDER-Europe 21. DEFENDER-Europe 21 is a large-scale U.S. Army-led exercise designed to build readiness and interoperability between the U.S., NATO allies and partner militaries. This year, more than 28,000 multinational forces from 26 nations will conduct nearly simultaneous operations across more than 30 training areas in more than a dozen countries from the Baltics to the strategically important Balkans and Black Sea Region. Follow the latest news and information about DEFENDER-Europe 21, visit www.EuropeAfrica.army.mil/DefenderEurope. (U.S. Army photo by 1st Lt. Ian Fischer)

Paratroopers assigned to 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 82nd Airborne Division buddy rig their T-11 parachutes onboard a C-17 Globemaster III aircraft bound for Estonia during Swift Response 21, May 7, 2021. Swift Response 21 is a joint, multinational Airborne exercise involving more than 7,000 Paratroopers from 10 NATO nations.

A 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 82nd Airborne Division Paratrooper applies facepaint onboard a U.S. Air Force C-17 Globemaster III bound for Estonia during Swift Response, May 7, 2021. Swift Response 21 is a joint, multinational Airborne exercise involving more than 7,000 Paratroopers from 10 NATO nations.

TAPA CENTRAL TRAINING AREA, Estonia – Soldiers assigned to Alpha Troop, 5th Battalion, 73rd Cavalry Regiment pull security during follow-on missions of Swift Response 21. Swift Response 21. Units of 82nd Airborne Infantry Division participated in Swift Response 21, a linked exercise of DEFENDER-Europe 21. DEFENDER-Europe 21 is a large-scale U.S. Army-led exercise designed to build readiness and interoperability between the U.S., NATO allies and partner militaries. This year, more than 28,000 multinational forces from 26 nations will conduct nearly simultaneous operations across more than 30 training areas in more than a dozen countries from the Baltics to the strategically important Balkans and Black Sea Region. Follow the latest news and information about DEFENDER-Europe 21, visit www.EuropeAfrica.army.mil/DefenderEurope. (U.S. Army photo by 1st Lt. Ian Fischer)

NURMSI, Estonia – Soldiers from 3rd Brigade, 82nd Airborne Infantry Division load a CH-47 Chinook here May 8, 2021. This air assault training is a part of Swift Response 21, a linked exercise of DEFENDER-Europe 21. DEFENDER-Europe 21 is a large-scale U.S. Army-led exercise designed to build readiness and interoperability between the U.S., NATO allies and partner militaries. This year, more than 28,000 multinational forces from 26 nations will conduct nearly simultaneous operations across more than 30 training areas in more than a dozen countries from the Baltics to the strategically important Balkans and Black Sea Region. Follow the latest news and information about DEFENDER-Europe 21, visit www.EuropeAfrica.army.mil/DefenderEurope.(U.S. Army photo by 1st Lt. Ian Fischer)

A 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 82nd Airborne Division Paratrooper adjusts his T-11 parachute onboard a C-17 Globemaster III aircraft bound for Estonia during Swift Response 21, May 7, 2021. Swift Response 21 is a joint, multinational Airborne exercise involving more than 7,000 Paratroopers from 10 NATO nations.

A parachute rigger assigned to 11th Quartermaster Company, Special Troops Battalion, 82nd Airborne Division Sustainment Brigade adjusts a T-11 parachute onboard a C-17 Globemaster III aircraft bound for Estonia during Swift Response 21, May 7, 2021. Swift Response 21 is a joint, multinational Airborne exercise involving more than 7,000 Paratroopers from 10 NATO nations.

NURMSI, Estonia – Soldiers from 3rd Brigade, 82nd Airborne Infantry Division load a CH-47 Chinook here May 8, 2021. This air assault training is a part of Swift Response 21, a linked exercise of DEFENDER-Europe 21. DEFENDER-Europe 21 is a large-scale U.S. Army-led exercise designed to build readiness and interoperability between the U.S., NATO allies and partner militaries. This year, more than 28,000 multinational forces from 26 nations will conduct nearly simultaneous operations across more than 30 training areas in more than a dozen countries from the Baltics to the strategically important Balkans and Black Sea Region. Follow the latest news and information about DEFENDER-Europe 21, visit www.EuropeAfrica.army.mil/DefenderEurope. ((U.S. Army photo by 1st Lt. Ian Fischer)

On the 22nd of August 2015, the cadre from USAAAS and Jumpmasters of 1BCT, conducted T-11 New Equipment training for Polish, Italian and Spanish Paratroopers in preparation for ‪#‎SwiftResponse‬ 15 (82d Airborne Division photo by MAJ Craig Arnold/ Released)

NURMSI, Estonia – Soldiers from 3rd Brigade, 82nd Airborne Infantry Division load a CH-47 Chinook here May 8, 2021. This air assault training is a part of Swift Response 21, a linked exercise of DEFENDER-Europe 21. DEFENDER-Europe 21 is a large-scale U.S. Army-led exercise designed to build readiness and interoperability between the U.S., NATO allies and partner militaries. This year, more than 28,000 multinational forces from 26 nations will conduct nearly simultaneous operations across more than 30 training areas in more than a dozen countries from the Baltics to the strategically important Balkans and Black Sea Region. Follow the latest news and information about DEFENDER-Europe 21, visit www.EuropeAfrica.army.mil/DefenderEurope. (U.S. Army photo by 1st Lt. Ian Fischer)

A parachute rigger assigned to 11th Quartermaster Company, Special Troops Battalion, 82nd Airborne Division Sustainment Brigade adjusts a T-11 parachute onboard a C-17 Globemaster III aircraft bound for Estonia during Swift Response 21, May 7, 2021. Swift Response 21 is a joint, multinational Airborne exercise involving more than 7,000 Paratroopers from 10 NATO nations.

NURMSI, Estonia – Soldiers from 3rd Brigade, 82nd Airborne Infantry Division load a CH-47 Chinook here May 8, 2021. This air assault training is a part of Swift Response 21, a linked exercise of DEFENDER-Europe 21. DEFENDER-Europe 21 is a large-scale U.S. Army-led exercise designed to build readiness and interoperability between the U.S., NATO allies and partner militaries. This year, more than 28,000 multinational forces from 26 nations will conduct nearly simultaneous operations across more than 30 training areas in more than a dozen countries from the Baltics to the strategically important Balkans and Black Sea Region. Follow the latest news and information about DEFENDER-Europe 21, visit www.EuropeAfrica.army.mil/DefenderEurope. (U.S. Army photo by 1st Lt. Ian Fischer)

AMARI, Estonia – U.S. Army Soldiers assigned to 3rd Brigade, 82nd Airborne Infantry Division prepare to depart Estonia as Swift Response 21 training comes to a close here, May 13, 2021. Units of 82nd Airborne Infantry Division participated in Swift Response 21, a linked exercise of DEFENDER-Europe 21. DEFENDER-Europe 21 is a large-scale U.S. Army-led exercise designed to build readiness and interoperability between the U.S., NATO allies and partner militaries. This year, more than 28,000 multinational forces from 26 nations will conduct nearly simultaneous operations across more than 30 training areas in more than a dozen countries from the Baltics to the strategically important Balkans and Black Sea Region. Follow the latest news and information about DEFENDER-Europe 21, visit www.EuropeAfrica.army.mil/DefenderEurope. (U.S. Army photo by 1st Lt. Ian Fischer)

U.S. Air Force aircraft conduct an in-flight refuel operation while en route to Estonia during Exercise Swift Response, May 7, 2021. Swift Response 21 is a joint, multinational Airborne exercise involving more than 7,000 Paratroopers from 10 NATO nations.

Paratroopers assigned to 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 82nd Airborne Division wait to exit C-17 Globemaster III bound for Estonia during Exercise Swift Response 21, May 7, 2021. Swift Response 21 is a joint, multinational Airborne exercise involving more than 7,000 Paratroopers from 10 NATO nations.

Col. Eugene "Buddy" Ferris, the 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 82nd Airborne Division commander, conducts mission analysis aboard a U.S. Air Force C-17 Globemaster III bound for Estonia during Swift Response 21, May 7, 2021. Swift Response 21 is a joint, multinational Airborne exercise involving more than 7,000 Paratroopers from 10 NATO nations.

An 82nd Airborne Division Jumpmaster inspects a Paratrooper onboard a C-17 Globemaster III aircraft bound for Estonia during Swift Response 21, May 7, 2021. Swift Response 21 is a joint, multinational Airborne exercise involving more than 7,000 Paratroopers from 10 NATO nations.

On the 22nd of August 2015, the cadre from USAAAS and Jumpmasters of 1BCT, conducted T-11 New Equipment training for Polish, Italian and Spanish Paratroopers in preparation for ‪#‎SwiftResponse‬ 15 (82d Airborne Division photo by MAJ Craig Arnold/ Released)

U.S. Air Force personnel conduct an in-flight refuel operation while en route to Estonia during Exercise Swift Response, May 7, 2021. Swift Response 21 is a joint, multinational Airborne exercise involving more than 7,000 Paratroopers from 10 NATO nations.