Acting Chief of Naval Operations Adm. Jim Kilby joined U.S., Dutch and British forces on June 30 to observe an amphibious assault during Atlantic Alliance 2025, a large-scale East Coast naval integration exercise aimed at sharpening joint readiness and interoperability.
The event pairs the U.S. Navy and Marine Corps with counterparts from the United Kingdom and the Netherlands to rehearse amphibious operations and experiment with emerging technologies, tactics and warfighting concepts. Participants are using operational equipment under realistic conditions to strengthen coordination across air, sea and shore.
“This exercise demonstrates our dedication to collective security and the value of close cooperation with our allies,” Adm. Kilby said. “The blue and green team’s readiness and unified efforts are critical to responding swiftly and effectively to any threat.”
Training across the exercise includes amphibious assaults, air and maritime interdiction, and joint landing operations, according to the Navy. The focus is on refining how allied forces integrate and execute in complex environments.
During the visit, Kilby met aboard the Royal Netherlands Navy’s amphibious transport dock HNLMS Johan de Witt (L801) with Royal Netherlands Navy Fleet Commander Adm. George Pastoor, who leads NATO’s Amphibious Task Force. The two discussed international collaboration and deterrence.
“Working together as a unified force strengthens Atlantic security and reinforces our commitment to our partners and allies,” Adm. Kilby added.
Navy officials describe Atlantic Alliance 2025 as an example of enduring maritime partnerships focused on preserving freedom of navigation and regional stability, while building the capabilities needed to deter and, if required, defeat potential adversaries.
