Romanian Troops Training Shoulder to Shoulder with the
American Allies in Babadag

President Basescu prepares to participate in the exercise

From July 14th through August 2nd 2005, in the South Eastern part of Romania takes place the most important Romanian – American military exercise called “Romex 2005”. This exercise involves morethan 1,500 US ground troops from Alabama, Louisiana, and Texas, and about 500 Romanian soldiers, including the Marines Battalion from Babadag and “Red Scorpions” Infantry Battalion from Craiova. In addition to the military exercise, “Romex 05” also includes a social program aimed at the rehabilitation of the local infrastructure and schools.

On Sunday, July 24th, 2005, the Romanian President Traian Basescu, along with other Romanian and US officials, observed a military exercise that took place at the Babadag training and firing range, Tulcea County. The exercise consisted of a live firing and of a maneuver to protect a military convoy, and was part of “Romex 2005”

On this occasion, President Basescu emphasized “the meaning of the cooperation between the Romanian and the US forces and the importance they (Americans) attach to the cooperation with their Romanian partners”. He expressed admiration for the joint military exercise of very good performance,conducted in Babadag.

President Basescu enjoys lunch with the US troops in Babadag

President Basescu added that “the 71st US Brigade deployed in Babadag almost 1,600 troops and the Romanian Armed Forces have contributed with 500 “Red Scorpions” troops, which will go to Afghanistan.”

The spokesperson of this exercise, Maj. Daniel Anghel,declared that “this is the largest military exercise performed together by Romania and the United States on the Romanian territory”. For the first time, the Romanian Army is trained shoulder to shoulder with the US troops on such a large scale exercise. According to Maj. Anghel, the US has named this exercise “Operation Alliance” because the training is pursued with live ammunition.

In the “USA Today” article U.S. lays groundwork in Eastern Europe , published on July 18th, 2005, President Basescu stated that “a smaller American presence should meet the goals of flexibility and rapid reaction against the current threats … such as international terrorism”.

“It is very important to us to have U.S. military bases on our territory,” declared Defense Minister Teodor Atanasiu to “Star and Stripes” article Romania moving closer to base access deal with U.S.. “From the government’s point of view, there is no reservation. From the parliament, it is OK. From the military’s point of view, there is no reservation, and from the population, there are no major issues.