In a rapidly evolving security landscape, the Naval Forces Europe and Africa (NAVEUR/NAVAF) N4 Logistics Team is playing a vital role in ensuring the combat readiness of deployed forces across a vast and diverse theater. The team's expertise and knowledge of logistics modes, networks, access points, and partner capabilities are crucial in supporting operations in Ukraine, the Eastern Mediterranean Sea, and countering the spread of Chinese influence in Africa and Europe.
The NAVEUR/NAVAF Area of Responsibility (AOR) spans approximately half of the Atlantic Ocean, covering over 20 million square nautical miles of ocean, and encompasses 105 countries with a combined population of over 1 billion people. The region includes the Arctic, Adriatic, Baltic, Barents, Black, Caspian, Mediterranean, and North Seas, as well as the entire continent of Africa and nearly all of Russia and Europe.
In response to the changing security landscape, the NAVEUR/NAVAF mission has shifted from a largely transitory theater to a wartime theater, with a focus on providing direct support to the Ukrainian Armed Forces and countering emerging threats in the region. The Logistics Team has adapted to these changes, working closely with NATO allies, partners, and contractors to ensure the effective operation of ships and aircraft in the theater. Leveraging allied and partners’ capabilities, and promoting interoperability remains key to operating in such a diverse theater.
To support the complex operations in the region, the Logistics Team requires a wide range of expertise, including engineering and facilities, aviation and surface maintenance, diving and salvage, petroleum, logistics planning, and transportation. The team works closely with specialists from various disciplines, including Seabees, Aviation Maintenance Duty Officers, and Marine Corps Ordnance specialists, to find the most advantageous support solutions.
The NAVEUR/NAVAF Logistics Team has played a key role in supporting operations in Ukraine and the Eastern Mediterranean Sea. The team has also worked closely with the SIXTH Fleet, which has been involved in combat operations in the region. The Logistics Team's expertise has been critical in ensuring the effective operation of ships and aircraft in the theater, as well as in providing Ballistic Missile Defense over Israel and Eastern Europe.
In a move to improve efficiency, the NAVEUR/NAVAF and SIXTH Fleet Staffs are being divided into two distinct entities. This new construct will enable NAVEUR/NAVAF to focus on strategic-level planning and execution, while SIXTH Fleet will focus on operational design and readiness.
As the security landscape continues to evolve, the NAVEUR/NAVAF Logistics Team remains committed to ensuring the combat readiness of deployed forces across the theater. Future articles from NAVEUR/NAVAF will discuss each of the focus areas and their critical support networks required to sustain our deployed forces who are already “fighting tonight.”
