7th Engineer Brigade and the 4th Romanian Division Conduct Wet Gap Crossing In Romania, June 13, 2025
June 13, 2025
Frecatei, Romania — As part of Saber Guardian 25, the largest annual U.S. Army security cooperation exercise along NATO’s Eastern Flank, the 7th Engineer Brigade and the 4th Romanian Division conducted a joint wet gap crossing over the Danube in Frecatei, Tulcea county, on June 13.
The crossing, which demonstrates the U.S. Army’s ability to bridge across a body of water, enabling freedom of movement across the battlefield for allied forces, is a key component of the U.S. Army’s effort to enhance readiness and improve the integration of multinational combat forces.
U.S. Chargé d’affaires Michael Dickerson said, “The United States and Romania’s shared NATO responsibilities protect our citizens, defend our territory, and safeguard our freedom and democracy. Joint exercises like this one bolster our strong security partnership and help ensure NATO Allies remain ready to face real-world security challenges.”
“Saber Guardian 25 reaffirms the Romanian Armed Forces’ ability to operate seamlessly with our allies and underscores Romania’s steadfast commitment to strengthening NATO’s deterrence and defense posture on the Eastern Flank. Exercises like this demonstrate that we are ready, interoperable, and united.”— Chief of Defense Staff, General Vlad Gheorghiță.
The 7th Engineer Brigade under the 21st Theater Sustainment Command is the only European-based engineer brigade. It is the lead organization for all engineering activities across the European Theater. They integrated with their Romanian and NATO allies during this complex multinational exercise. There were roughly 200 U.S. engineers, alongside approximately 400 Romanians and 100 Italians. The Romanian cohort consisted of mechanical battalions that helped with anti-air defense and artillery elements in a protection and supporting role for the wet gap crossing.
Saber Guardian 25 is part of DEFENDER 25, the largest annual U.S. Army exercise in Europe, involving 25,000 troops from 29 allied and partner countries, with the aim of increasing rapid deployment and readiness for joint operations. Saber Guardian 25 is coordinated by U.S. Army V Corps, Hungarian Defense Forces, and Romanian Land Forces, with approximately 10,000 U.S., Allied, and partner forces from six nations taking place from June 9 to 24, 2025, at various locations in Czechia, Hungary, and Romania.
Included in Saber Guardian 25 in Romania will be tactical movements, multiple river crossings, and live-fire exercises. In April, ahead of DEFENDER25, the USAREUR-AF Band & Chorus conducted a series of dynamic music performances and community engagements across Romania, in Braila, Iasi and Vaslui counties.