Sky Soldiers land equipment in Greece during Swift Response 23

Credit: Sgt. Mariah Gonzalez | Date Taken: 05/14/2023
U.S Army paratrooper 2nd Lt. Stephen Smith, assigned to the 173rd Brigade Support Battalion, 173rd Airborne Brigade, describes an air-land operation conducted by his unit at Larissa Air Base, Greece, May 14, 2023. Paratroopers conducted the air-land operation as part of Swift Response 23. Swift Response 23 is one of three major exercises that make up the Dynamic Employment of Forces to Europe for NATO Deterrence and Enhanced Readiness 2023 or DEFENDER across the Baltic Sea and Mediterranean regions. Swift Response is designed to ensure combat credible forces are ready and postured in theater to respond to any threats against NATO Allies partners. Swift Response 23 features the Spanish airborne brigade, Brigada Paracaidista, leading three near-simultaneous airborne operations in Estonia, Greece and Spain. After the successful seizure of objectives, host nation-partnered live fire training will take place. The 173rd Airborne Brigade is the U.S. Army's Contingency Response Force in Europe, providing rapidly deployable forces to the United States European, African, and Central Command areas of responsibility. Forward deployed across Italy and Germany, the brigade routinely trains alongside NATO allies and partners to build partnerships and strengthen the alliance. (U.S. Army video by Sgt. Mariah Gonzales)