NORFOLK, Va. — Steadfast Defender 2024 is the North Atlantic Treaty Organization's (NATO) largest exercise since the Cold War, involving 90,000 forces from 31 allies and NATO partner Sweden, practicing rapid deployment and combat in both Norway and Poland.
Vice Admiral Doug Perry took over the dual roles of Commander, U.S. Second Fleet and Commander, NATO Joint Forces Command Norfolk back in January. Perry said the exercise shows just how dedicated the members of the 75-year-old NATO alliance are.
"That is an incredible demonstration of NATO's unity, resilience, and readiness to respond to an attack. That NATO alliance is ironclad. We are ready if challenged," he said in an interview with 13News Now.
In recent weeks, former President Donald Trump made news when he said he would encourage Russia to "do whatever the hell they want" to NATO allies who don't pay enough.
However, a Quinnipiac University poll this month showed that 83% of Americans think that U.S. membership in NATO is important to U.S. security.
Vice Admiral Perry is convinced America's allegiance to NATO remains strong.
"There are some things happening in the media space where people are declaring things. But our national leadership is absolutely committed and the allies and partners that I work with on a daily basis know that we will be there for them," he said.