Deployment of NATO forces
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For the first time in NATO's history, Alliance assets have been deployed in support of Article 5 operations. NATO is sending five Airborne Warning and Control Systems aircraft (AWACS) to the United States and is also deploying its Standing Naval Force Mediterranean (STANAVFORMED) to the Eastern Mediterranean.
AWACS provide air surveillance and early warning capability by transmitting data to command and control centres on land, sea or in the air. The naval assets, which were participating in Exercise Destined Glory 2001 off the southern coast of Spain, have been re-assigned in order to provide an immediate NATO military presence in the Eastern Mediterranean.