KEFLAVÍK AIR BASE, Iceland –
Adm. Stuart B. Munsch, commander of U.S. Naval Forces Europe-Africa (NAVEUR-NAVAF), visited Keflavík Air Base, July 10, demonstrating the U.S. Navy's commitment to security in the Arctic region and highlighting the enduring bilateral defense relationship between the United States and Iceland.
U.S. naval forces operating at Keflavík Air Base play an important role in homeland defense, the Admiral said, and routinely work with Allies and partners to deter and defend in a critical maritime chokepoint for transatlantic security.
“The strategic location of Keflavík Air Base is important in our efforts to defend our homeland, secure the Arctic, and support our NATO Allies,” Munsch said. “This base, the U.S. Navy squadrons rotating through Keflavík, and the Alliance we share with Iceland enable us to project combat-credible capabilities and maintain maritime domain awareness across the North Atlantic and Artic regions.”
During his visit, Munsch toured ongoing upgrades to NATO Hangar 831, showcasing Allied cooperation in enhancing NATO's operational capabilities and ensuring warfighting readiness. He also observed improvements to U.S. Aircraft Intermediate Maintenance Department (AIMD) and Aviation Support Division (ASD) spaces, which improves the Navy’s ability to maintain aviation assets forward operating in the region.
Patrol Squadron (VP) 1, normally based at Naval Air Station Whidbey Island, Washington, is one of the forward operating naval squadrons in Keflavík. VP-1 is a P-8A Poseidon multi-mission maritime aircraft squadron forward deployed to conduct anti-submarine and anti-surface warfare, intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance, and humanitarian response activities.
Munsch commended the squadron’s sailors for their vital role in maintaining prepared and ready aircraft to deter adversaries and defend U.S. national interests in the U.S. European Command (EUCOM) theater. Munsch toured a P-8A Poseidon, highlighting its capabilities in anti-submarine warfare (ASW) operations that are crucial for securing regional stability.
“The men and women of VP-1 are integral to our ability to deter malign activities and defend against any adversary,” Munsch said. "Their dedication and the P-8A's capabilities are a prime example of our Navy’s warfighting readiness.”
The U.S. Navy routinely conducts collaborative exercises in the region, including Northern Viking and Northern Challenge. These exercises, along with Iceland's hosting of NATO’s largest anti-submarine warfare exercise, Dynamic Mongoose, are critical to building trust and strengthening interoperability between Allies like the U.S. and Iceland.
“Iceland is a full partner in meeting the challenges of a dynamic security environment,” Munsch said. “Our shared commitment is making our Alliance stronger, fairer, and more lethal, and enabling us to collectively address the evolving security challenges in the region and beyond.”
Munsch's visit to Keflavík Air Base coincided with the historic arrival of the Los Angeles-class fast-attack submarine USS Newport News (SSN 750) in Grundartangi, marking the first time a nuclear-powered submarine has conducted a port visit on Icelandic shores. The submarine’s arrival and the Admiral’s visit to Keflavík underscore the U.S. Navy's enduring commitment in strengthening the U.S.-Icelandic bilateral defense relationship.
The U.S. Navy is bolstering its Arctic capabilities through strategic investments, enhanced intelligence gathering, and close collaboration with Allies like Iceland. The Navy’s efforts, alongside the broader joint force, safeguard the U.S. homeland by monitoring and responding to activity in the region before it can reach U.S. territory.
For over 80 years, NAVEUR-NAVAF has forged strategic relationships with allies and partners, leveraging shared values to preserve security and stability. Headquartered in Naples, Italy, NAVEUR-NAVAF operates U.S. naval forces in the U.S. European Command and U.S. Africa Command areas.