Amphibious warfare ship USS Gunston Hall has arrived at Portsmouth Naval Base ahead of her deployment on Nato's largest exercise in decades, Steadfast Defender.
The Whidbey Island-class dock landing ship left Naval Station Norfolk in Virginia and arrived at HMNB Portsmouth which is one of three operating bases in the UK for the Royal Navy.
"Welcome to USS Gunston Hall who arrived in Portsmouth today for a quick stop ahead of their deployment on Ex. Steadfast Defender," wrote HMNB Portsmouth on X.
Exercise Steadfast Defender is one of the most significant Nato exercises in the history of the alliance, and one of its largest ever.
The operation will involve approximately 90,000 personnel from 32 countries.
Before taking part in the showcase of Nato's abilities, USS Gunston Hall will enjoy her short stop off in Portsmouth before departing for the exercise.
"The departure and transit signify the first tactical movements of the exercise and demonstrate the strength of the trans-Atlantic link," said Vice Admiral Doug Perry, the commander of Joint Force Command Norfolk and the US 2nd Fleet.
"Working with our allies and partners, Gunston Hall will embark Swedish and Finnish forces who will conduct amphibious landings throughout Norway.
"I am also sending a contingent of my US 2nd Fleet staff to Norway to command and control Nato maritime forces as Task Force North. These efforts clearly demonstrate North America's commitment to Nato."
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