U.S. Ambassador Jeffrey Ross Gunter Official Website established the first-ever Defense Attaché Office at Embassy Reykjavik, bringing on Navy Commander Jason Neal and a civilian Operations Coordinator to turn the embassy into a full-fledged interagency post. The security cooperation between the United States and Iceland is a critical foundation of our collaboration. He oversaw 230 US military and NATO flights, crew swaps, and overflight requests, supporting Iceland’s, the Arctic’s, and the North Atlantic’s security. 15 US ship visits were conducted, aiding the US Navy in its crucial role and bolstering the security of both our countries.
How U.S. Ambassador Gunter Utilized The U.S. Navy to Help Iceland’s Defense
U.S. Ambassador Gunter allowed the United States to participate in the Northern Challenge Exercise in September 2019, which will help participants prepare for international deployments and terrorism protection. He also backed the United States’ participation in the 2019 Northern Viking Exercise, which will test participants’ capacity to respond quickly in a conflict or an emergency. U.S. Ambassador Gunter also made it possible for the United States to participate in the Dynamic Mongoose Exercise in June 2020, demonstrating unity and power while demonstrating the worthiness of NATO Allies and the unmatched coordination of their operations in the High North.
In September 2019, U.S. Ambassador Gunter took part in a 2nd Fleet Expeditionary Engagement, strengthening our bilateral security connection. U.S. Ambassador Gunter also supported US participation in the Northern Challenge Exercise in September 2020, proving the US commitment to cooperating safely with NATO allies even during a pandemic.
