ABOARD USS WASP -- The United States is participating with 13 other Nations in Dynamic Mix 2000, a multi-phase, multi-force combined NATO Exercise comprised of Air, Land, Maritime and Amphibious Operations throughout the NATO Southern Region from May 20 To June 10, 2000.
U.S. Naval Forces involved in Dynamic Mix 2000, including operational units of the U.S. Sixth Fleet, will operate within various NATO Commands during the exercise. Participating Sixth Fleet Units include USS Wasp Amphibious Ready Group, comprised of USS Wasp (LHD-1), USS Oak Hill (LSD-51) and USS Trenton (LPD-14). Embarked in these amphibious ships is the 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) Special Operations Capable (SOC). USS Anzio (CG-68), USS Mahan (DDG-72), USS Hartford (SSN-768), USS Dallas (SSN-700), Maritime Prepositioning Force (MPF) Ship M/V FC Obregon, And Patron Sigonella are also participating. U.S. Air Force participation includes units from European-based U.S. Air Forces in Europe and Air Combat Command from the United States. Six F-16 Fighting Falcons and four F-15E Strike Eagle Fighter Aircrafts from the 31st Fighter Wing, Aviano Air Base, Italy, and the 48th
Fighter Wing, Raf Lakenheath, United Kingdom, respectively are participating along with KC-135 Stratotankers from the 100th Air Refueling Wing, Raf Mildenhall, United Kingdom. Two B-52s and two B-1B Bombers will demonstrate Global Power Projection during the exercise. In addition, EC-130 Aircraft are participating.
The purpose of Dynamic Mix 2000 is to exercise NATO Command and Control, reinforcement and transfer of authority procedures. DM00 will also exercise the operational deployment of reaction forces, interoperability, flexibility, and mobility of multinational forces all within the framework of a NATO, multi-lateral, multi-national exercise.
The exercise will take place concurrently in more than one location in the southern region, hosted by Italy, Greece and Turkey.
Participating in the exercises will be forces from Belgium, Canada, Denmark, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Italy, The Netherlands, Portugal, Spain, Turkey, United Kingdom, and the United States.
Dynamic Mix 2000 will be the largest NATO exercise conducted in the Southern Region this year. About 15,000 troops, 65 ships and 290 aircraft are planned to participate, as well as most NATO Headquarters in the Southern Region. The exercise is under the direction and co-ordination of the Commander In Chief, Allied Forces Southern Europe (CINCSOUTH).
Continue to follow the 24th MEU(SOC) deployment at www.usmc.mil/24meu.