The United States Navy hosted 18 allies and partners in a fleet exercise off the coast of Norfolk, Virginia, in June 2026, honing interoperability and force projection capabilities before naval forces headed north to take part in celebrations of the nation’s 250th anniversary. Fleet Exercise 250 involved warships and multinational aircraft engaged in antiair, antisubmarine and amphibious operations between June 22-29, which ended with “a scenario-driven event against a dynamic adversary,” according to a War Department news release.
The U.S. 2nd Fleet hosted the exercise “to build cohesiveness, validate tactical procedures and strengthen the collective capabilities of the participating forces in a simulated combat environment,” the release stated. Belgium, Brazil, Canada, Cameroon, Côte d’Ivoire, Cyprus, Denmark, France, Germany, Mexico, Morocco, Netherlands, Norway, Peru, Senegal, Spain, Türkiye and the United Kingdom joined the U.S. in the exercise. “Fleet Exercise is a tremendous opportunity to bring together a powerful, multinational force,” said Vice Adm. Doug Perry, the 2nd Fleet’s commander. “Training and operating as an integrated team sharpens our competitive edge and demonstrates our shared commitment to maritime security and stability in the Atlantic.”
A welcoming ceremony took place aboard the Wasp-class amphibious assault ship USS Iwo Jima on June 16. Sailors and Marines also participated in activities at Naval Station Norfolk.
The exercise was divided into two phases, the Navy said:
- Harbor Phase (June 16-21): Participating forces assembled at Naval Station Norfolk for final planning, presail briefings and integration.
- At-Sea Execution (June 22-29): Ships conducted a series of training serials, a fleet formation photo exercise and a final free-play battle problem, which tests interoperability in an unstructured environment with a dynamic adversary.
After the conclusion of the exercise, some warships, joined by historic tall ships, sailed to New York City to take part in the seventh International Naval Review 250 from July 3-8. “While Fleet Exercise 250 provides critical at-sea training that enhances our combined capabilities, it also sets the stage for a historic celebration at the International Naval Review in New York City,” Perry said. “The interoperability we forge here in Hampton Roads [Virginia] ensures that when this magnificent multinational fleet arrives to commemorate our nation’s 250th anniversary, it will stand as a powerful symbol of enduring global partnerships and our shared commitment to the seas.”