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English: U.S. Army Staff Sgt. Michael Vork of the 50th Multi-Role Bridge Company guiding his platoon as they position an Improved Ribbon Bridge (IRB) during a wet gap crossing exercise at Smardan Training Area as part of Saber Guardian, on 6 June, 2023. Saber Guardian is the third of three linked exercises that make up DEFENDER 23.

Vork’s platoon was conducting ferry operations—moving military vehicles and soldiers across the Danube by pushing the loaded IRBs with boats. IRBs were also linked to create a bridge that spanned the entire width of the river in another part of the crossing.

DEFENDER 23 is a U.S. Army Europe and Africa led exercise focused on the strategic deployment of continental United States-based forces, employment of Army Prepositioned Stocks, and interoperability with Allies and partners. Taking place from 22 April to 23 June, DEFENDER 23 demonstrates USAREUR-AF's ability to aggregate U.S.-based combat power quickly in Eastern Europe, increase lethality of the NATO Alliance through long-distance fires, build unit readiness in a complex joint, multi-national environment, and leverage host nation capabilities to increase USAREUR-AF's operational reach. DEFENDER 23 includes more than 7,000 U.S. and 17,000 multi-national service members from more than 20 nations who will participate including, but not limited to: Estonia, France, Germany, Greece, Italy, Latvia, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Spain, United Kingdom and the United States.