Gallery: US and Estonian paratroopers jumping in Nurmsi
US paratroopers currently training in Estonia and members of the Estonian Defense League conducted a parachute jump exercise from Black Hawk UH60 helicopters at Nurmsi Airfield on Thursday.
Approximately 80 soldiers from the US Destined Company, 2nd Battalion, 503rd Infantry Regiment, 173rd Airborne Brigade and 30 members of the Defense League took part in the jumps.
"The 173rd Airborne is here to train and conduct airborne operations with the Estonian forces — showing the world that United States and Estonia stand together. Our ability to integrate into one force during airborne operations enhances our interoperability and strengthens Europe, overall," said Captain Matthew M. McCarthy, Destined Company Commander.
“Cooperation with allies is important to the Defense League. It helps us to get to know each other’s procedures and equipment,” added Estonian Defense League’s Lieutenant Mihkel Haug, who coordinated the jump. “This is only one part of the exercise. We will also strengthen our cooperation; we will get to know each other’s techniques and methods, and we will synchronize our procedures about jumping and aerial activity,” he added.
Editor: S. Tambur