Saturday, February 08, 2020

Escorting the Tonnage

Moving and sustaining American forces sent to Europe requires an alliance escort effort.

So good:

NATO’s Joint Force Command Norfolk is heading towards reaching full operational capability next year, after the U.S. 2nd Fleet it is colocated with reached FOC in late December.

Vice Adm. Andrew Lewis, who leads both organizations, said JFC Norfolk and 2nd Fleet are “natural partners” in bringing together allies on both sides of the Atlantic.

“We will seek to develop an innovative and collaborative effort between the two commands. Colocation in the same building, alignment of battle rhythms and staff integration where possible are just some of the things which will enable us to do more for the mission, whether it’s the one given to 2nd Fleet by U.S. leadership or the one given to Joint Force Command Norfolk by the 29 allies in NATO,” Lewis said Tuesday at an event co-hosted by the Center for Strategic and International Studies and the U.S. Naval Institute.

I wasn't happy when 2nd Fleet told the logistics ships "good luck, you're on your own."

And a reborn fleet and simply building more logistics ships aren't the sole answer.

Getting the NATO receiving nations to help move the supplies and troops from North America is a good idea.