Eight U.S. UH-60 Black Hawk helicopters and more than 70 other pieces of equipment have arrived at the Port of Thessaloniki in Greece.

The helicopters and equipment are part of the 10th Combat Aviation Brigade (CAB)’s nine-month rotational deployment in support of Operation Atlantic Resolve (OAR).

The Department of Defence, in a statement on Monday, said OAR was designed to reassure European allies in light of Russias invasion in Ukraine.

It said the helicopters arriving in Greece were part of a European theatre rotation that includes armour and air assets that began arriving in January.

The Department said troops would train with the U.S. allies and partners as well as respond to crises should it be required.

According to the statement, this is the first full aviation regionally allocated force to OAR and U.S. Army Europe (USAREUR).



“This is the most successful alliance in the history of the world.

“The port of Thessaloniki is a gateway into Europe, and Atlantic armies could not prosper without our allies,” Army Lt.-Gen. Ben Hodges, the USAREUR Commander, said.

Hodges said USAREUR’s preparation for increased presence across the European theatre contributes to and strengthens the alliance’s deterrence and defence.

“The forward presence of U.S. troops is essential to assure allies, deter adversaries and be postured to act in a timely manner if deterrence fails.

“Deterrence is about the agility of the United States Army.
 
“These helicopters came from Fort Drum, New York, and just hours after the aircraft are coming off of the ship they are going to fly away from here and in about three days they are going to conduct an air assault operation in Romania.

“In such a short amount of time, that kind of agility is central to what we do,” Hodges said.