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John Vandiver

A U.S. Army tank maneuvers a trail at Drawsko-Pomorskie Training Area, Poland, in April 2020. Soldiers from 1st Armored Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division, out of Fort Hood, Texas, are headed for Poland to participate in a Defender-Europe 20 exercise.<br>Brian K. Ragin Jr./U.S. Army
A U.S. Army tank maneuvers a trail at Drawsko-Pomorskie Training Area, Poland, in April 2020. Soldiers from 1st Armored Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division, out of Fort Hood, Texas, are headed for Poland to participate in a Defender-Europe 20 exercise.<br>Brian K. Ragin Jr./U.S. Army

Fort Hood cavalry unit deploying to Europe for Defender drills

A Texas-based unit will deploy on short notice for drills in Germany and Poland, marking the final phase of the Army’s Defender-Europe 20 exercises, the service said Friday.

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Spc. Thomas Ashworth, medical technician, uses a nasal swab to test a patient for coronavirus at the COVID-19 clinic at Landstuhl Regional Medical Center, Germany, March 20, 2020. Stuttgart has seen a slight uptick in coronavirus cases due to people coming from the United States.<br>Brian Ferguson/Stars and Stripes
Spc. Thomas Ashworth, medical technician, uses a nasal swab to test a patient for coronavirus at the COVID-19 clinic at Landstuhl Regional Medical Center, Germany, March 20, 2020. Stuttgart has seen a slight uptick in coronavirus cases due to people coming from the United States.<br>Brian Ferguson/Stars and Stripes

US arrivals bump coronavirus cases at some Europe bases higher

Summer is peak travel time for the military as troops and DOD civilians move to new assignments, and arrivals from the U.S. have accounted for some coronavirus cases on overseas bases.

Airmen assigned to the 301st Fighter Wing, Naval Air Station Joint Reserve Base Fort Worth, Texas, prepare to launch F-16C Fighting Falcons at Campia Turzii, Romania, in May 2019.The Air Force has requested more than $130 million for renovations at the base, which could become a NATO hub in the Black Sea region.<br>Andrew Layton/U.S. Air Force
Airmen assigned to the 301st Fighter Wing, Naval Air Station Joint Reserve Base Fort Worth, Texas, prepare to launch F-16C Fighting Falcons at Campia Turzii, Romania, in May 2019.The Air Force has requested more than $130 million for renovations at the base, which could become a NATO hub in the Black Sea region.<br>Andrew Layton/U.S. Air Force

Air Force wants to turn Soviet-era base in Romania into NATO Black Sea hub

The defense spending bill for 2021 includes $130.5 million to renovate Campia Turzii Air Base in what would be the biggest overseas military construction project under the Pentagon’s European Deterrence Initiative.

The cable bridge in Bad Wildbad shakes in the breeze, but it is nonetheless safe for passage and a highlight during walks through the town's nature trails.<br>John Vandiver/Stars and Stripes
The cable bridge in Bad Wildbad shakes in the breeze, but it is nonetheless safe for passage and a highlight during walks through the town's nature trails.<br>John Vandiver/Stars and Stripes

Bad Wildbad has more to offer than public nude bathing

The Black Forest town of Bad Wildbad is well known as a wellness getaway, and it’s where I experienced firsthand the German tradition of getting naked with strangers.

U.S. soldiers assigned to 1-10th Special Forces Group maneuver through a shooting range during a weapons training exercise at the Panzer Range Complex, in Boeblingen, Germany, in November 2016. The Army said on July 7, 2020, that it will pay $1.6 million to construct barrier walls at two open-air sites at the suburban Stuttgart firing range.<br>Jason Johnston/U.S. Army
U.S. soldiers assigned to 1-10th Special Forces Group maneuver through a shooting range during a weapons training exercise at the Panzer Range Complex, in Boeblingen, Germany, in November 2016. The Army said on July 7, 2020, that it will pay $1.6 million to construct barrier walls at two open-air sites at the suburban Stuttgart firing range.<br>Jason Johnston/U.S. Army

Army to pay $1.6 million to quiet noise complaints at Stuttgart area range

The U.S. Army says it will pick up most of the tab for a noise reduction project in the Stuttgart area aimed at quelling local anger over gunfire at ranges used by special operations units.

A U.S. Army UH-60 Black Hawk helicopter from the 1st Air Cavalry Brigade from Fort Hood Texas conducts a training flight in 2018 at Katterbach Army Airfield, Germany. The U.S. plans to sell Black Hawks to Lithuania, to bolster NATO capabilities in one of its most exposed regions.<br>Charles Rosemond/U.S. Army
A U.S. Army UH-60 Black Hawk helicopter from the 1st Air Cavalry Brigade from Fort Hood Texas conducts a training flight in 2018 at Katterbach Army Airfield, Germany. The U.S. plans to sell Black Hawks to Lithuania, to bolster NATO capabilities in one of its most exposed regions.<br>Charles Rosemond/U.S. Army

Lithuania to buy US helicopters to bolster NATO capabilities in Baltics

A $380 million deal would include six Black Hawks and related gear and weaponry, the Defense Security Cooperation Agency said.

Passengers arrive at Ramstein Air Base, Germany, in 2015. U.S. military personnel bound for assignments in Europe are not expected to be affected by an EU travel ban on Americans that took effect Wednesday, July 1, 2020, military officials said.<br>Michael Stuart/U.S. Air Force
Passengers arrive at Ramstein Air Base, Germany, in 2015. U.S. military personnel bound for assignments in Europe are not expected to be affected by an EU travel ban on Americans that took effect Wednesday, July 1, 2020, military officials said.<br>Michael Stuart/U.S. Air Force

Troops, long-term residents exempt from EU coronavirus travel ban on Americans

Status of Forces and bilateral agreements with countries mean “we don’t anticipate any direct impacts on U.S. personnel,” U.S. European Command said.

The 2nd Cavalry Regiment rolls through Rose Barracks in Vilseck, Germany, after completing the Dragoon Ride, a 13-day long convoy that stretched across Eastern Europe, April 1, 2015. It is the only brigade-sized ground unit left in Germany and potentially could be part of President Donald Trump's plan to cut 9,500 troops in the country.<br>Stars and Stripes
The 2nd Cavalry Regiment rolls through Rose Barracks in Vilseck, Germany, after completing the Dragoon Ride, a 13-day long convoy that stretched across Eastern Europe, April 1, 2015. It is the only brigade-sized ground unit left in Germany and potentially could be part of President Donald Trump's plan to cut 9,500 troops in the country.<br>Stars and Stripes

ANALYSIS

Combat? Logistics? No easy answers on what troops to cut in Germany

Reducing the number of troops in Germany will likely bring added security risks and costs for U.S. taxpayers, former military officials and security analysts say.

President Donald Trump speaks to troops at Ramstein Air Base, Germany, in December 2018. A bipartisan group of senators introduced an amendment to the National Defense Authorization Act, to block Trump's plan to cut the number of U.S.troops in Germany.<br>Brian Ferguson/Stars and Stripes
President Donald Trump speaks to troops at Ramstein Air Base, Germany, in December 2018. A bipartisan group of senators introduced an amendment to the National Defense Authorization Act, to block Trump's plan to cut the number of U.S.troops in Germany.<br>Brian Ferguson/Stars and Stripes

Senators move to block Trump’s proposal to pull thousands of troops out of Germany

A bipartisan group of U.S. senators has introduced an amendment to next year’s national defense bill that would prevent President Donald Trump from withdrawing large numbers of troops from Germany.

The guided-missile destroyer USS Roosevelt conducts a photo exercise with the Santa Maria-class frigate SPS Santa Maria, June 25, 2020. The Roosevelt, along with the submarine USS Indiana and two P-8A Poseidon airplanes, are participating in Dynamic Mongoose 2020, a maritime exercise that began June 29, 2020, in the north Atlantic.<br>Austin G. Collins/U.S. Navy
The guided-missile destroyer USS Roosevelt conducts a photo exercise with the Santa Maria-class frigate SPS Santa Maria, June 25, 2020. The Roosevelt, along with the submarine USS Indiana and two P-8A Poseidon airplanes, are participating in Dynamic Mongoose 2020, a maritime exercise that began June 29, 2020, in the north Atlantic.<br>Austin G. Collins/U.S. Navy

Allied subs, warships launch large underwater warfare drills off Iceland

Six allied states are testing underwater warfare skills and the ability of crews to evade detection in NATO’s Dynamic Mongoose exercise, the alliance said.

From left, the amphibious assault ship USS Bataan, the French frigate FS Guepratte, the French amphibious assault ship FS Mistral and the Italian amphibious transport dock ship ITS San Giorgio sail in formation as part of a maritime training exercise, June 24, 2020.<br>Lenny Weston/U.S. Navy
From left, the amphibious assault ship USS Bataan, the French frigate FS Guepratte, the French amphibious assault ship FS Mistral and the Italian amphibious transport dock ship ITS San Giorgio sail in formation as part of a maritime training exercise, June 24, 2020.<br>Lenny Weston/U.S. Navy

Russia turning eastern Mediterranean into a militarized hot spot, Navy’s Foggo says

The U.S. Navy’s top admiral in Europe warns that Moscow could cement its dominance in the region if it’s allowed to gain a foothold in Libya.

Soldiers with the 12th Combat Aviation Brigade march at Katterbach Army Airfield in Ansbach, Germany, in July 2019. President Trump says some troops currently in Germany could be moved to Poland.<br>Charles Rosemond/U.S. Army
Soldiers with the 12th Combat Aviation Brigade march at Katterbach Army Airfield in Ansbach, Germany, in July 2019. President Trump says some troops currently in Germany could be moved to Poland.<br>Charles Rosemond/U.S. Army

Trump says some US troops in Germany could move to Poland

President Donald Trump intends to cut 9,500 troops from Germany, which would reduce the number of service members in the country by nearly one-third.

Officer housing on Panzer Kaserne in Stuttgart, Germany. Army-owned and -leased housing in Stuttgart and Italy ranked 23rd and 24th, respectively, out of 26 sites examined in a quality survey conducted in the U.S. and overseas, a report released June 22, 2020 says.<br>U.S. Army
Officer housing on Panzer Kaserne in Stuttgart, Germany. Army-owned and -leased housing in Stuttgart and Italy ranked 23rd and 24th, respectively, out of 26 sites examined in a quality survey conducted in the U.S. and overseas, a report released June 22, 2020 says.<br>U.S. Army

Army housing in Germany and Italy gets failing marks in latest quality survey

Housing at two Army posts in Germany and Italy is “very poor” and in need of significant improvements, the results of a survey of Army families in the U.S. and overseas show.

Soldiers of the 92nd Military Police Company prepare for a convoy live fire exercise at the Baumholder, Germany, military training area in March 2019. Democratic lawmakers have introduced legislation that would block President Donald Trump's push to withdraw nearly 10,000 troops from Germany, warning that such a move would have catastrophic security consequences for the U.S.<br>Erich Backes/U.S. Army
Soldiers of the 92nd Military Police Company prepare for a convoy live fire exercise at the Baumholder, Germany, military training area in March 2019. Democratic lawmakers have introduced legislation that would block President Donald Trump's push to withdraw nearly 10,000 troops from Germany, warning that such a move would have catastrophic security consequences for the U.S.<br>Erich Backes/U.S. Army

Democrats move to block Trump’s troop cut plan in Germany

Proposed legislation would deny funding for U.S. force level reductions in Europe unless the cuts were requested by a host nation government.

These Russian aircraft are being used to support Russian-backed private military companies backing Libyan warlord Khalifa Hifter, U.S. Africa Command said Thursday. A MiG-29 was photographed operating in the vicinity of the city of Sirte, Libya. The Spoon Rest is a Russian-made, mobile early warning radar system, designed to provide tactical support to military activities, AFRICOM said. <br>U.S. Africa Command
These Russian aircraft are being used to support Russian-backed private military companies backing Libyan warlord Khalifa Hifter, U.S. Africa Command said Thursday. A MiG-29 was photographed operating in the vicinity of the city of Sirte, Libya. The Spoon Rest is a Russian-made, mobile early warning radar system, designed to provide tactical support to military activities, AFRICOM said. <br>U.S. Africa Command

Russian planes now flying for Libyan warlord, AFRICOM says

Russian warplanes delivered to support a rebel warlord in Libya and flown by mercenary pilots are now operational, U.S. military officials said Thursday.

NATO headquarters in Brussels, Belgium, April 2020. NATO defense ministers, including U.S. Defense Secretary Mark Esper, gathered virtually Wednesday to begin two days of talks. President Donald Trump's directive to cut U.S. troop strength in Germany is expected to be a focus of discussions.<br>NATO
NATO headquarters in Brussels, Belgium, April 2020. NATO defense ministers, including U.S. Defense Secretary Mark Esper, gathered virtually Wednesday to begin two days of talks. President Donald Trump's directive to cut U.S. troop strength in Germany is expected to be a focus of discussions.<br>NATO

Esper, allies meet for talks amid questions about US troop cuts in Germany

Defense Secretary Mark Esper, who has not spoken publicly about the troop cut issue, was expected to face tough questions from allies during the virtual meeting.

Soldiers with the 12th Combat Aviation Brigade march at Katterbach Army Airfield in Ansbach, Germany, in July 2019. While President Trump confirmed Monday that he intends to pull 9,500 troops from Germany, the U.S. has not yet finalized plans on how or when to cut the troop levels, NATO's top official said.<br>Charles Rosemond/U.S. Army
Soldiers with the 12th Combat Aviation Brigade march at Katterbach Army Airfield in Ansbach, Germany, in July 2019. While President Trump confirmed Monday that he intends to pull 9,500 troops from Germany, the U.S. has not yet finalized plans on how or when to cut the troop levels, NATO's top official said.<br>Charles Rosemond/U.S. Army

No firm plans for US troop pullout from Germany, NATO chief says

U.S. plans to cut force levels in Germany haven’t been finalized, NATO’s top official said Tuesday ahead of high-level talks that will likely center on President Donald Trump’s push for a large troop pullout.

A remotely piloted MQ-9 Reaper taxis toward the runway at Miroslawiec Air Base, Poland, March 1, 2019. The Reapers from the 52nd Expeditionary Operations Group Detachment 2 based in Poland have been moved to Estonia while runway work is being done at the base.<br>Preston Cherry/U.S. Air Force
A remotely piloted MQ-9 Reaper taxis toward the runway at Miroslawiec Air Base, Poland, March 1, 2019. The Reapers from the 52nd Expeditionary Operations Group Detachment 2 based in Poland have been moved to Estonia while runway work is being done at the base.<br>Preston Cherry/U.S. Air Force

US Air Force deploys Reaper drones to Estonia for first time on short-term mission

U.S. unmanned aircraft are operating for the first time out of Estonia, where they will be temporarily based in support of allied intelligence gathering missions, U.S. Air Forces in Europe said Monday.

Soldiers with the Enhanced Forward Presence Battle Group fire rounds downrange during their exercise on Bemowo Piskie Training Area in Orzysz, Poland, June 2, 2020. The U.S. and Poland are still negotiating an American troop boost in Poland, officials from both countries have said.<br>Immanuel Johnson/ Stars and Stripes
Soldiers with the Enhanced Forward Presence Battle Group fire rounds downrange during their exercise on Bemowo Piskie Training Area in Orzysz, Poland, June 2, 2020. The U.S. and Poland are still negotiating an American troop boost in Poland, officials from both countries have said.<br>Immanuel Johnson/ Stars and Stripes

Announcement expected on troop increase in Poland, US official says

An agreement on a U.S. troop increase in Poland will be announced shortly and could be larger than originally planned, the top U.S. diplomat in the country said.

In a May, 2016 photo, an American tanker riding a M1A2 SEP Abrams battle tank heads to the firing range as part of the 2016 Strong Europe Tank Challenge held at the Grafenwoehr, Germany, training area.<br>Stars and Stripes
In a May, 2016 photo, an American tanker riding a M1A2 SEP Abrams battle tank heads to the firing range as part of the 2016 Strong Europe Tank Challenge held at the Grafenwoehr, Germany, training area.<br>Stars and Stripes

22 House Republicans speak out against pulling US troops from Germany

A group of Republican lawmakers on Tuesday urged President Donald Trump to reject a plan that calls for pulling nearly 10,000 troops from Germany, saying the move would weaken the NATO alliance and encourage Russian aggression.

Petty Officer 1st Class Ronald Cook, assigned to the Dragon Whales of Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron 28, closes the side door of an MH-60 Seahawk helicopter after takeoff from the command and control ship USS Mount Whitney in the Baltic Sea, June 7, 2020. Mount Whitney is currently participating in Baltic Operations 2020, or BALTOPS.<br>Damon Grosvenor/U.S. Navy
Petty Officer 1st Class Ronald Cook, assigned to the Dragon Whales of Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron 28, closes the side door of an MH-60 Seahawk helicopter after takeoff from the command and control ship USS Mount Whitney in the Baltic Sea, June 7, 2020. Mount Whitney is currently participating in Baltic Operations 2020, or BALTOPS.<br>Damon Grosvenor/U.S. Navy

The Navy’s big Baltic exercise is underway, but COVID-19 means no Marines storming the beach

“We are taking precautions to ensure our crews and partners stay healthy and operational,” said the U.S. 6th Fleet’s Vice Adm. Lisa Franchetti of the Baltic Operations exercise.

Staff Sgt. Priscella Gray of the Baumholder, Germany-based 515th Transportation Company, part of the 16th Sustainment Brigade, fuels up a Humvee convoying from Bremerhaven to Poland in 2017. Army support units in Germany could leave under a White House plan to remove 9,500 troops from Germany, The New York Times reported Friday.<br>Michael Abrams/Stars and Stripes
Staff Sgt. Priscella Gray of the Baumholder, Germany-based 515th Transportation Company, part of the 16th Sustainment Brigade, fuels up a Humvee convoying from Bremerhaven to Poland in 2017. Army support units in Germany could leave under a White House plan to remove 9,500 troops from Germany, The New York Times reported Friday.<br>Michael Abrams/Stars and Stripes

ANALYSIS

How the Pentagon could cut forces in Germany, and which bases might be affected

The last major cutback in Europe in 2012 eliminated two Army brigades, support units and moved about 10,000 troops, following planning that began nearly 10 years earlier.

Staff Sgt. Robert Chronister, a section chief with the 41st Field Artillery Brigade, ensures practice rockets are loaded in the Multiple Launch Rocket System before a crew recertification training exercise at Grafenwoehr, Germany, May 8, 2020.<br>Immanuel Johnson/Stars and Stripes
Staff Sgt. Robert Chronister, a section chief with the 41st Field Artillery Brigade, ensures practice rockets are loaded in the Multiple Launch Rocket System before a crew recertification training exercise at Grafenwoehr, Germany, May 8, 2020.<br>Immanuel Johnson/Stars and Stripes

Trump directs Pentagon to pull 9,500 troops from Germany, report says

President Donald Trump has ordered the Pentagon to pull nearly 10,000 troops out of Germany by September, which would mark a sharp drawdown in a country that is home to the largest number of forces in Europe, the Wall Street Journal reported Friday.

An anti-racism demonstration takes place in downtown Kaiserslautern, Germany, Thursday, June 4, 2020. Gen. Tod D. Wolters, the head of U.S. European Command, said service members are prohibited from attending off-installation protests in Europe, and that civilians may attend but must follow all local laws and guidance.<br>Chad Garland/Stars and Stripes
An anti-racism demonstration takes place in downtown Kaiserslautern, Germany, Thursday, June 4, 2020. Gen. Tod D. Wolters, the head of U.S. European Command, said service members are prohibited from attending off-installation protests in Europe, and that civilians may attend but must follow all local laws and guidance.<br>Chad Garland/Stars and Stripes

EUCOM boss urges frank dialogue about racism, but reminds troops protests are off-limits

U.S. troops in Europe are prohibited from joining anti-racism protests taking place around the Continent, but military officials are looking for ways to allow on-base gatherings that enable members to “come together and heal,” the top commander in Europe said.

A fitness center employee on Panzer Kaserne maneuvers a spin bike to set up physically distanced spin classes. Gyms in the Stuttgart military community are expected to reopen Monday after being closed for months during the coronavirus pandemic.<br>Paul Hughes/USAG Stuttgart
A fitness center employee on Panzer Kaserne maneuvers a spin bike to set up physically distanced spin classes. Gyms in the Stuttgart military community are expected to reopen Monday after being closed for months during the coronavirus pandemic.<br>Paul Hughes/USAG Stuttgart

Army in Stuttgart to reopen gyms, day care as coronavirus threat level eases

Many Stuttgart garrison services, such as Child Development Centers and gyms, will soon return.

U.S. Army Reserve Brig. Gen. Michael T. Harvey, commander of the 7th Mission Support Command in Kaiserslautern, Germany, was suspended June 2, 2020, pending the outcome of an investigation.<br>U.S. Army
U.S. Army Reserve Brig. Gen. Michael T. Harvey, commander of the 7th Mission Support Command in Kaiserslautern, Germany, was suspended June 2, 2020, pending the outcome of an investigation.<br>U.S. Army

Army general in Germany suspended pending investigation

The one-star general who commands the Army’s reserve headquarters in Europe was suspended this week, pending the outcome of an internal probe, U.S. Army Europe said.

During the coronavirus pandemic, OhJulia at Stuttgart's Killesberg Park has begun offering takeout options. The Italian sausage pizza is especially good.<br>John Vandiver/Stars and Stripes
During the coronavirus pandemic, OhJulia at Stuttgart's Killesberg Park has begun offering takeout options. The Italian sausage pizza is especially good.<br>John Vandiver/Stars and Stripes

No hype, just good food at OhJulia in Stuttgart

OhJulia, you aren’t a hyped burger joint, and that’s just perfect right now.

Donald Perry, who recently recovered from the coronavirus, donates plasma at Fort Bragg, N.C., May 7, 2020. The Pentagon has launched an effort to collect plasma from recovered personnel to help develop a treatment for the disease caused by the virus.<br>Twana Atkinson/U.S. Army
Donald Perry, who recently recovered from the coronavirus, donates plasma at Fort Bragg, N.C., May 7, 2020. The Pentagon has launched an effort to collect plasma from recovered personnel to help develop a treatment for the disease caused by the virus.<br>Twana Atkinson/U.S. Army

DOD wants plasma from recovered coronavirus patients to help develop treatment

The Pentagon has launched a drive to collect plasma from military members and others who have recovered from COVID-19.

Lt. Gen. Christopher Cavoli, U.S. Army Europe commander, is interviewed by media outlets during a visit to Drawsko Pomorskie Training Area, Poland, March 21, 2019. Days before it is due to host a large military exercise with the U.S., Poland was hit by a barrage of disinformation this week.<br>Christina Westover/U.S. Army
Lt. Gen. Christopher Cavoli, U.S. Army Europe commander, is interviewed by media outlets during a visit to Drawsko Pomorskie Training Area, Poland, March 21, 2019. Days before it is due to host a large military exercise with the U.S., Poland was hit by a barrage of disinformation this week.<br>Christina Westover/U.S. Army

Poland hit by wave of fake news before start of major military exercise with US

Poland was hit with a barrage of fake news stories this week, including a phony interview with a U.S. commander ridiculing allied militaries, days before a major NATO exercise kicks off in the country, Polish officials said.

A gavel sits on a table in a courtroom at McConnell Air Force Base, Kan. The Air Force has failed to implement reforms to fix racial disparities within its military justice system, military law watchdog group Protect Our Defenders said in a report released Wednesday.<br>Alexi Myrick/U.S. Air Force
A gavel sits on a table in a courtroom at McConnell Air Force Base, Kan. The Air Force has failed to implement reforms to fix racial disparities within its military justice system, military law watchdog group Protect Our Defenders said in a report released Wednesday.<br>Alexi Myrick/U.S. Air Force

Air Force fails to deal with racial disparities in military justice, report says

In the Air Force, black airmen on average were 71% more likely to face court-martial or nonjudicial punishment than their white counterparts, according to an investigation.

U.S. Africa Command says this photo it released shows a Russian MiG-29 jet at Al Jufra Airfield, Libya, on May 19, 2020. Top U.S. generals say Russia is aiding a warlord and could be trying to gain a long-term foothold in Libya, which would create security concerns for southern Europe.<br>AFRICOM
U.S. Africa Command says this photo it released shows a Russian MiG-29 jet at Al Jufra Airfield, Libya, on May 19, 2020. Top U.S. generals say Russia is aiding a warlord and could be trying to gain a long-term foothold in Libya, which would create security concerns for southern Europe.<br>AFRICOM

Moscow sends fighter planes to Libya to back warlord, AFRICOM says

Russia has flown warplanes to Libya in a move aimed at propping up a warlord and possibly gaining a permanent foothold in the war-torn country, the U.S. military said Tuesday.

A U.S. Marine with Marine Rotational Force-Europe fires an M240B machine gun during an exercise in Romania in September 2019. A report co-authored by former U.S. Army Europe commander Ben Hodges and security analyst Janusz Bugajski, released on Tuesday, May 26, 2020, calls on NATO to make the Black Sea region its focus. <br>Larisa Chavez/U.S. Marine Corps
A U.S. Marine with Marine Rotational Force-Europe fires an M240B machine gun during an exercise in Romania in September 2019. A report co-authored by former U.S. Army Europe commander Ben Hodges and security analyst Janusz Bugajski, released on Tuesday, May 26, 2020, calls on NATO to make the Black Sea region its focus. <br>Larisa Chavez/U.S. Marine Corps

NATO needs to focus more on the Black Sea to defend against Russia, report says

The Black Sea "is now the centerpiece of Moscow’s power projection into the Mediterranean," wrote retired Lt. Gen. Ben Hodges in a report released Tuesday.

Spc. Phillip Corona conducts COVID-19 testing at Stuttgart Army Health Clinic. The Stuttgart garrison has gone three weeks with no new coronavirus infections, garrison commander Col. Jason Condrey said May 21, 2020.<br>U.S. Army
Spc. Phillip Corona conducts COVID-19 testing at Stuttgart Army Health Clinic. The Stuttgart garrison has gone three weeks with no new coronavirus infections, garrison commander Col. Jason Condrey said May 21, 2020.<br>U.S. Army

Army in Stuttgart, once a coronavirus hot spot, reports no new infections over three weeks

The lack of new cases is a sharp turnaround for a military community that in early April accounted for more coronavirus cases than any other overseas base.

A medical technician uses a nasal swab to test a patient for coronavirus at the COVID-19 clinic at Landstuhl Regional Medical Center, Germany, March 20, 2020. <br>Brian Ferguson/Stars and Stripes
A medical technician uses a nasal swab to test a patient for coronavirus at the COVID-19 clinic at Landstuhl Regional Medical Center, Germany, March 20, 2020. <br>Brian Ferguson/Stars and Stripes

DOD civilians offered emergency leave if they or family members are sick from coronavirus

Defense Department civilians can take up to two weeks of paid emergency leave if they or a family member are affected by the coronavirus, the Army said.

Corps commander Gen. James Terry, left, and Command Sgt. Maj. William Johnson case the V Corps colors at the unit's inactivation ceremony in Wiesbaden, Germany, June 12, 2013. The Army is reactivating V Corps, it announced May 19, 2020. It will be located at Fort Knox, Ky.<br>Michael Abrams/Stars and Stripes
Corps commander Gen. James Terry, left, and Command Sgt. Maj. William Johnson case the V Corps colors at the unit's inactivation ceremony in Wiesbaden, Germany, June 12, 2013. The Army is reactivating V Corps, it announced May 19, 2020. It will be located at Fort Knox, Ky.<br>Michael Abrams/Stars and Stripes

Army reactivates V Corps for Europe mission

The U.S. Army has reactivated V Corps, a unit of 635 soldiers that will bring more command and control support to missions in Europe, the service announced Tuesday.

The destroyer USS Roosevelt returns to Naval Station Rota, Spain, after a scheduled underway period, May 16, 2020. <br>Class Katie Cox/U.S. Navy
The destroyer USS Roosevelt returns to Naval Station Rota, Spain, after a scheduled underway period, May 16, 2020. <br>Class Katie Cox/U.S. Navy

Destroyer USS Roosevelt brings upgraded missile defense to Rota

Not to be mistaken for the aircraft carrier USS Theodore Roosevelt, which has been docked in Guam for weeks after a coronavirus outbreak, the destroyer is named after President Franklin D. Roosevelt and his wife Eleanor.