WASHINGTON, D.C. — The U.S. and Israel yesterday kicked off Juniper Oak 23.2, a live-fire exercise that takes place in both Israel and the Mediterranean Sea, said Pentagon Press Secretary Air Force Brig. Gen. Pat Ryder.
The exercise, Ryder said, enhances the United States’ ability to respond to contingencies and underscores the U.S. commitment to the Middle East region.
“Throughout the week-long engagement, more than 140 aircraft, 12 naval vessels, High Mobility Artillery Rocket Systems, and multiple-launch rocket systems will be used during this combined, joint, all-domain exercise, increasing our ability to interoperate on land, in the air, at sea, in space and in cyberspace.”
“These exercises lay the groundwork for future operations and reinforce the strong allied partnerships that set NATO apart as a force for peace, stability, and deterrence,” said Cmdr. John Mastriani, USS Roosevelt commanding officer.
This comes on the heels of rising tensions between Russia and the west. President Biden, this week, announced that the United States would be sending 31 of its advanced Abram tanks to Ukraine.
During a press conference, President Joe Biden issued a statement saying, “I’m announcing that the United States will be sending 31 Abram tanks to Ukraine, the equivalent of one Ukrainian battalion. Secretary Austin has recommended this step because it will enhance Ukraine’s capacity to defend its territory and achieve its strategic objectives. The Abrams tanks are the most capable tanks in the world. They’re also extremely complex to operate and maintain, so we’re also giving Ukraine the parts and equipment necessary to effectively sustain these tanks on the battlefield. We’ll begin to train the Ukrainian troops on these issues of sustainment, logistics, and maintenance as soon as possible.”