US, British commanders show unity after Trump uncertainties
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US Brigadier-General Jason Armagost (left) and British Air Marshall Johnny Stringer speaking to the media in Britain on March 11 in front of a US bomber aircraft.
PHOTO: REUTERS
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FAIRFORD, England – US and British commanders said on March 11 that joint military exercises were vital for providing Europe with a deterrent to Russia, a show of unity after US President Donald Trump’s overtures to Moscow raised doubt about Washington’s commitment to Nato.
Air Marshall Johnny Stringer, the British officer serving as Nato’s deputy air commander, and US Eighth Air Force Commander Jason Armagost joined forces to praise the Bomber Task Force, which has completed nine missions in Europe since Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine.
Both were keen to leave “politics to politicians” when asked about uncertainty of future US cooperation with Nato under Mr Trump, but were clear they both believed the cooperation between the United States and Europe only strengthened security.
“What I think what you are seeing here is testament to 75 years of the world’s most successful alliance,” Air Marshall Stringer said in front of a US B-52H bomber at an airfield in southwestern England where most of the missions had started.
“Like all alliances and all relationships over time they have their kind of their ups and their downs but I think a Nato that... is practising complex but essential deterrence missions across Europe kind of tells its story here on how serious and resolute we are as an alliance.”
Mr Trump has often cast doubt over US support for Nato allies,
The two commanders said so far there was no prospect of joint military exercises ending soon.
“We plan together, we fly together, we integrate,” said Brigadier-General Armagost.
“The speed with which we can come together and plan and demonstrate capability I think is a very strong thing regardless of the geopolitics... the strength of that routine operation speaks for itself.”
Air Marshall Stringer said there was “a standing plan” to keep missions going in what he described as “vital messaging” to Russian President Vladimir Putin.
“And, as I said, they are essential for our own training and to make sure we are, heaven forbid, ready to go (to war) if necessary.” REUTERS
