For the first time, U.S. Army equipment was unloaded at the commercial port of Kavala, Greece, during recent Defender 25 drills, expanding the Army’s logistical reach in the eastern Mediterranean, according to stripes.com. The operation offers a new entry point for U.S. forces on NATO’s southern flank.
“This port addition enables us to have many more options and opportunities should we need them for future missions here,” said Brig. Gen. Karen Monday-Gresham, deputy commander of the 21st Theater Sustainment Command.
The move reflects broader U.S. efforts to diversify military access points in Europe, especially in the south. Since Russia’s 2014 actions in Ukraine, expanding port access has been a key goal for U.S. European Command. Once heavily reliant on northern ports like Bremerhaven, the Army is now shifting focus to southern Europe, with Greece emerging as a critical logistics hub.
The Kavala port joins other key sites in Greece already hosting U.S. forces, including Alexandroupoli, Stefanovikeio, and Larissa Air Base. Future upgrades, including a rail terminal, could support even larger military movements.
Andre Cameron of the U.S. Surface Deployment and Distribution Command emphasized the strategic value: “The Kavala operation translates directly to a more robust power projection platform for the Mediterranean region.”
Months of planning brought together U.S. Army and Coast Guard units with Greek port officials. Infrastructure, such as barrier walls, was built to support the dual-use nature of the port.
Nikos Paschalis, Kavala port terminal manager, affirmed the port’s readiness: “To assist the Army with any future needs in the same manner.”
Source: stripes.com
