American troops took part in training exercises alongside their Romanian partners at the Smardan training range in Galati County, using five Abrams tanks, the U.S. Embassy in Bucharest announced.
According to a statement sent by the Embassy on Wednesday, the initiative demonstrates the „unwavering” commitment of the United States to regional peace, security and stability.
„The deployment included elements of the 16th Infantry Regiment which recently completed operations in Novo Selo Training Area, Bulgaria and brought advanced capabilities to Romania. Among the equipment deployed were five M1A2 SEPV2 Abrams tanks, which were integrated into a series of joint training activities designed to strengthen the U.S.-Romanian defense partnership. This rotation is part of the U.S. Army’s ongoing commitment to maintain a persistent, rotational presence in Romania, ensuring that U.S. military forces remain ready and able to respond to any potential crisis,” the cited source reports.
„The joint training at Smardan provided valuable opportunities for U.S. and Romanian forces to enhance their capabilities, improve interoperability, and build upon the strong foundation of cooperation between the two nations. Training included combined US-ROU Troop Leading Procedures, Company Situational Training Exercise (STX), and Combined Company Day and Night Live Fire Exercise for the period of January 29 – February 4,” the statement said.
„The arrival of the Abrams tanks at Smardan is a clear demonstration of the strong U.S. – Romanian strategic partnership. Our shared NATO responsibilities protect our citizens, defend our territory, and make America and Romania safer,” said U.S. Chargé d’Affaires Michael Dickerson.
According to the Embassy, the continued presence of U.S. military forces in Romania demonstrates the United States’ steadfast support for its NATO allies and its commitment to regional security.
Speaking about the same exercise, the Ministry of National Defense said it took place between January 29 and February 4 and involved troops from the 284th „Cuza Voda” Tank Battalion, U.S. soldiers, and five M1A2 SEPv2 Abrams tanks.
„The activities included tactical exercises at subunit level, force-management procedures, and live-ammunition firing conducted both during the day and at night. The training objectives focused on raising the level of preparedness, improving interoperability, and strengthening cooperation between the Romanian and U.S. troops. Such exercises will be carried out periodically and contribute to maintaining a high level of operational readiness, as well as to reinforcing cooperation within NATO,” the Defense Ministry said. AGERPRES
