Dutch Commodore Rob Kramer visited Whidbey Island-class dock landing ship USS Fort McHenry (LSD 43) March 8 during Exercise Cold Response 2016 (CDR 16).

CDR 16 improves capabilities between NATO allies and partners and creates a foundation for future cooperation.

While this was a pre-planned exercise, it comes at an auspicious moment when many of our allies and partners are concerned about the broader European security environment. This exercise enables the NATO alliance to work together and demonstrate both our unwavering commitment to our collective defense under the North Atlantic Treaty and our ability to counter transnational threats.

"It's a very complex exercise," said Kramer. "It's been a very challenging environment, and to navigate the fjords and do everything with the AAVs (amphibious assault vehicles) on shore, it's been very impressive."

Kramer went on to emphasize the exercise's significance in fostering good working relationships and interoperability between the 13 participating nations.

"Interoperability, of course, always has a couple of aspects," said Kramer. "The first aspect is the equipment side of things - having, let's say, an American LCU (landing craft utility) alongside one of the Dutch LPDs (amphibious landing platform dock ship). But another very important aspect of interoperability is the cultural side. We have got to invest in friendship; we've got to know each other personally."

CDR 16 officially comes to a close March 9 as forces restow their gear and prepare to return home. Kramer said he was happy with the results of the exercise.

"It was an honor and a real pleasure to work with the U.S. Navy and the Marines, and I'm very impressed with everything that I saw," said Kramer.

For more news from Expeditionary Strike Group 2, visit www.navy.mil/.