USAFE commander assesses future strategy at AFA

Published Sept. 16, 2010
By Master Sgt. Caryn Gardenhire
Secretary of the Air Force Public Affairs

WASHINGTON (AFNS) -- The U.S. Air Forces in Europe commander focused on the way ahead during his address at the 2010 Air Force Association Air and Space Conference and Technology Exposition in Oxon HIll, Md., Sept 14.

"Our relationship with our European allies remains the cornerstone for U.S. engagement with the world and a catalyst for international action," said Gen. Roger A. Brady.

Referencing the U.S. National Security Strategy signed by the president in May, General Brady left no doubt about the U.S.'s commitment to its European allies.

"The renewed commitment to deterrence and prevention called for in the National Security Strategy can only be accomplished with a continued U.S. presence," the general said. "The stationing of American servicemembers and their families in Europe signifies an invested and shared interest."

The general added that the daily interaction with host nation forces builds interoperability and relationships that are key to a quick response in crisis.

As an example of the significance of permanently stationed forces of all services in the national strategy, he highlighted the impact of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization as a major component of success in Afghanistan.

"When we go to war, we go with our European allies," General Brady said.

As of August, more than 39,000 of the more than 119,000 troops serving in Afghanistan are from NATO and our European allies, General Brady said. This also means 39,000 fewer Americans are in harm's way.

European ally involvement in Afghanistan over the last nine years is a direct result of the U.S. relationship with European allies, both in and outside of NATO, he added.

Europe's geographical location alone makes it important in providing access to other areas of the world, General Brady said. USAFE bases allow the U.S. to project power more rapidly than if forces were to come solely from the U.S. This reduces reaction time to threats, and is a vital part of U.S. efforts in Southwest Asia.

"We are stationed halfway to the fight, which means we burn half as much fuel and spend half as much money when we deploy," General Brady said.

For the past few months, half of the U.S. fighter aircraft in Southwest Asia were from USAFE, the general said. In addition, the command provides critical operating bases and staging locations for past and current operations in theater.

Reduced access to or operations from European bases would make such future operations much more difficult, if not impossible, he said.

The general expressed confidence in the national strategy.

"To deter foes and make ourselves resilient in an uncertain future, we must nurture and strengthen the viability of those relationships that have yielded success in the past and continue to develop those capabilities that will allow us to not just survive, but win those scenarios," he said.