US European Command officials announce exercises throughout Europe Published April 24, 2007 By USAFE PA RAMSTEIN AIR BASE, Germany -- US European Command officials today announced exercises at a number of military bases throughout Europe. The exercises, called Spring Ex 2007, are designed to randomly test and evaluate force protection procedures at U.S. military installations to assure the readiness of security personnel and base residents. "Since September 11, 2001, we have conducted many similar force protection exercises," said Rear Admiral Richard Gallagher, U.S. European Command Director of Operations. "The exercises are one of many prudent measures to ensure the security and safety of our soldiers, sailors, airman, marines, civilians, their families and our resources. The U.S. Embassy recently disseminated a message advising Americans in Germany to increase their vigilance and take appropriate steps to bolster their own personal security. We have coordinated closely with host nation authorities and disseminated that message, as we have in the past, to our community members and their families so they can maintain a heightened sense of security, vigilance, and awareness." US military personnel do not, as a matter of policy, discuss specific threats or how force protection conditions are determined, however; we are firmly committed to maintain a robust security posture tailored to the threat assessment and our overall environment across the region.