On 13 July, Federal President Steinmeier visited the barracks and training area of the US armed forces in Grafenwöhr, northern Bavaria. The purpose of the Federal President’s visit was to thank US troops for their key contribution to the freedom and security of Germany and its NATO allies in Europe, pay tribute to the unity and resolve of the transatlantic partnership and reaffirm Germany’s commitment to solidarity with fellow members of the Alliance.
At Tower Barracks in Grafenwöhr, the Federal President was welcomed with military honours by Amy Gutmann, Ambassador of the United States of America to Germany, and General Darryl Williams, Commanding General of US Army Europe and Africa.
At Grafenwöhr training area, the Federal President delivered an address to soldiers of the 3rd US Infantry Division. He then was shown heavy equipment and combat vehicles and talked to US soldiers. The subsequent joint lunch with young trainee non-commissioned officers provided him with another opportunity to talk to members of the US armed forces.
The last visit by a Federal President to the US armed forces in Germany was in 1996. At present, more than 38,100 soldiers and more than 18,000 civilian staff of the US armed forces are permanently stationed in Germany.
Overview of the programme:
- Welcome with military honours
- Address to soldiers of the US armed forces
- Presentation of military equipment and exchange with US soldiers
- Lunch with US soldiers
- Talk with representatives of local civil society and members of the US armed forces