Amphibious assaults, sea engagements, force integration and naval strait transits are among the numerous manoeuvres being practised by Dutch, British, and American naval forces on Exercise Atlantic Alliance 2025 (AA25).
Formerly known as Bold Alligator, the exercise is being staged on the east coast of the United States; it began on June 27 and concludes on July 15.
More than 25 U.S. Navy and Marine Corps units are participating in the manoeuvres, alongside Dutch naval forces and British Commandos, which are being staged in multiple locations along the eastern Atlantic seaboard between North Carolina and Maine.
U.S. Navy Acting Chief of Naval Operations Admiral Jim Kilby commented: “This exercise demonstrates our dedication to collective security and the value of close cooperation with our allies.”
He added: “The blue and green team’s readiness and unified efforts are critical to responding swiftly and effectively to any threat.”
AA25 drills include naval strait transits, engagements at sea, amphibious assaults, air and maritime interdiction, and joint landing operations.
The Royal Netherlands Navy’s amphibious transport dock HNLMS Johan de Witt is among the Dutch assets taking part; for the first time in ten years, a U.S. Navy V-22 Osprey tiltrotor landed on her flight deck during the joint operations.
In turn, NH90 maritime combat helicopters from the Dutch Defence Helicopter Command have been performing flight operations on American ships.
“Atlantic Alliance is an exercise that helps us with our readiness,” observed Royal Netherlands Navy Fleet Commander Commodore George Pastoor, Commander of the Netherlands Maritime Forces.
“The geopolitical situation is not stable. That is why it is important that we train and exercise together with our NATO allies, so that we are ready for possible deployment.”
- You can read more details on the RNLN website and the U.S. Navy website