STUTTGART, Germany – U.S. European Command, in coordination with the Department of State, began providing assistance July 28 to the government of Greece in its efforts to combat numerous wildfires causing devastation across the country.

USEUCOM has designated U.S. Naval -Forces Europe and Africa as the lead component command overseeing USEUCOM assistance efforts.

To aid in coordination, U.S. Marine Corps Brig. Gen. Andrew Priddy, commander Task Force 61/2, is leading efforts and will provide command and control capability for U.S. military assistance to Greece.

Three UH-60 Blackhawk helicopters from the 3rd Infantry Division’s Combat Aviation Brigade began fire suppression support operations in the vicinity of Volos, Greece.

The role of U.S. forces during this mission is to rapidly respond to the wildfires with critically needed capabilities to aid areas the government of Greece deems most necessary.