NATO continues to deliver more capable NATO senior staff and commanders to conduct operations

Turkish Navy Captain N. Coskun Gürek, exercise CoS, explains details of the scenario to exercise staff at the Latvian National Defence Academy during the rehearsal phase of exercises Steadfast Pyramid and Steadfast Pinnacle 2011.

SHAPE, Mons, Belgium – Between 26 and 30 September 2011, the Supreme Headquarters Allied Powers Europe (SHAPE) will conduct exercise "STEADFAST PINNACLE 2011” (STPE11) in Riga, Latvia. The exercise is built on a fictitious scenario with special operational requirements to model likely crisis situations. The exercise is closely connected to exercise STEADFAST PYRAMID11, also conducted in Riga during 19-23 September.

Latvia is a valued member of NATO who makes a vital contribution to the Alliance and particularly its mission in Afghanistan. The multinational exercise is not only rising NATO`s profile in the region but also is an example of active cooperation between NATO and Russia. Such level NATO exercise takes place in the Baltic States for the first time.

This is NATO routine exercise that assures the readiness of Latvia to develop the joint operational capability as a host nation and to benefit from these exercises by improving abilities to work with other NATO nations and other key regional partners what will be useful in participating in ISAF and other multinational contingency operations around the world.

STPE11 serves as a building block in the preparation of NATO commanders to exercise command and control during the planning, preparation and conduct of NATO military operations. Both exercises provide opportunities for the participants to increase their understanding of the context and relationships required to ensure NATO's effective contribution to comprehensive approach. The seminars will also expand the participants' knowledge about NATO policy, procedures, command and control capabilities, and allied doctrine which governs the planning and conduct of NATO military operations.

NATO regularly exercises to maintain readiness to provide the early establishment of NATO military presence. The NATO exercise programme is under continual review. Holding regular exercises – across the Alliance nations – provides tangible proof of NATO's readiness and capabilities.

Note for editor:

- A press conference will be held during the Media Day at the Latvian National Defence Academy in Riga on 29 September 2011. The Media Day will be held between 15:00-16:50.

- Media outlets willing to attend the Media Day need to have their representatives accredited/registered prior the event. Accreditation will be done by the Latvian Ministry of Defence Public Affairs Office.

- For further information about the Media Day please contact:

LT. Sandra BRALE

Latvian MoD PAO

Telephone: 00371 29295730,

Fax: 00371 672 12307

mailto:Normunds.Stafeckis@mod.gov.lv

LTC. Aivars SPRIEDEJS

Latvian National Defence Academy

Telephone: 00371 293 43142

Aivars.Spriedejs@mil.lv