Prior to the official opening of Noble Partner 2020, U.S. Army Europe and U.S. Air Forces Europe conducted Joint Forcible Entry (JFE) – airborne operation at Vaziani air field. Defense Minister of Georgia Irakli Garibashvili, Chief of Defense Forces, Major General Giorgi Matiashvili and Commander of NATO Allied Land Command, Lieutenant General Roger L. Cloutier, U.S. Ambassador to Georgia Kelly C. Degnan and Defense Attaché Colonel Stephanie Bagley, as well Ex-Director Colonel Roland Dzneladze and the representatives of Georgian Defense Forces observed a large-scale airdrop on the ground.

Once over the drop-zone approximately 2 company-size units from the 1st Squadron, 91st Cavalry Regiment, 173rd Airborne Brigade of U.S. Army Europe and U.S. Air Forces Europe conducted the large-scale JFE seize VTA’s airfield first time in the region.

 After the airborne operation Defense Minister emphasized the Georgia-USA strategic relations, excellent partnership and the trust between the countries. “I would like to highlight the excellent partnership we have with our American partners, militaries and which has been tested for many years. The most important is a unique trust we have towards each other. This exercise is a demonstration of our relationship. The exercise aims to strengthen and intensify already existing strategic relation” – stated Irakli Garibashvili and outlined that this exercise gives a unique capabilities to Georgian soldiers to enhance interoperability and also one more demonstration that USA, NATO member countries support Georgia’s aspiration to Euro-Atlantic integration. 

The airborne operation will consist of four C-130 Hercules aircrafts that depart from Mihail Kogălniceanu (MK) Airbase, Romania crossing the Black Sea with the destination of VTA. According to the scenario, the paratroopers will seize the airfield in order to allow for the multinational follow-on-forces to arrive and occupy the airfield.

Source: https://mod.gov.ge/en/news/read/7954/airborne-operation-by-c-130-hercules-aircrafts

Following the presentation ceremony, the parties discussed a broad spectrum of Georgia-U.S. strategic partnership. It was highlighted that cooperation between the two countries is at an all-time high. Disucssions focused on various priority areas of cooperation, including defence and security, trade and economy. 
 
The Minister updated the Ambassador on the grave security and humanitarian situation in Georgia’s occupied territories. Conversations also included the importance of the international community’s support for ensuring the peaceful resolution of the Russia-Georgia conflict. While on the theme of the Geneva International Discussions, the parties highlighted that, while Georgia continues to exercise a constructive approach, the Russian Federation’s activities are far from aiming to achieve progress in this format.
 
The Parties also discussed issues relating to regional security, Georgia’s Euro-Atlantic integration process and its contribution towards ensuring global security.
 
The Ambassador reaffirmed the United States’ firm support for Georgia’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, as well as for its Euro-Atlantic integration.

Kelly Degnan was sworn in as new U.S. Ambassador to Georgia at the U.S. Department of State.

David Hale, the United States Under Secretary of State for Political Affairs attended the oath-taking ceremony.

The White House presented the candidacy of Kelly Degnan for post of U.S. Ambassador to Georgia in September of 2019. The Senate approved Degnan’s candidacy in December.

Degnan previously served as a political adviser to the commander of the U.S. Naval Forces Europe-U.S. Naval Forces Africa. A native of California, Degnan’s career has spanned 25 years and has included senior diplomatic postings to Italy, Kosovo, Afghanistan, and Turkey.

Degnan also served as the deputy executive secretary of the State Department, political counsellor at the U.S. mission to NATO, and special assistant to the secretary of state. Degnan speaks Italian, French, Turkish, and Urdu.

Elizabeth Rood has served as acting ambassador to Georgia since Ambassador Ian Kelly departed in March 2018.