Lt. Gen. Ben Hodges, U.S. Army Europe commanding general, spoke at the Association of the United States Global Force Symposium and Exposition in Huntsville, Ala., focusing on several topics, including why Army Europe matters; Atlantic Resolve; new changes for the command and the ongoing Dragoon Ride."We are never going to fight by ourselves," Hodges said, speaking on why partnerships in Europe matter.Adding, "We are always going to have allies and we are always going to be with someone else. Our most reliable partners we can count on come from Europe, our NATO allies."He also spoke about Atlantic Resolve and what future plans mean for our partner nations, allies, and units and commanders in the Army Europe footprint."This is the new normal," Hodges said, speaking about the three-month rotations of battalion-sized elements in and out of the Baltic States."This is not something we are doing just this year. This is the new rhythm for Strong Europe," he noted.Additionally, Army Europe commanders from Czech Republic, Romania and Germany streamed in via video to give Hodges and audience members an update on their current mission status."In my assessment, our operations as United States Army Europe provide a unique opportunity to build Army aviation, provide proficiency for our soldiers, strengthen the alliance and maintain a Strong Europe," said Lt. Col. Mark Johnson, commander of 3rd Battalion, 158th Aviation Regiment, 12th Combat Aviation Brigade, reporting to the symposium attendees from Germany.Hodges ended his presentation by thanking the Army Europe’s deputy chief of staff, G-3."The one person who has the biggest load on his shoulders for not just Dragoon Ride but Atlantic Resolve is Brig. Gen. John Hort," Hodges said.Adding, "He is the guy I turn to to organize efforts while working with EUCOM, other nations and resourcing all of our different units that are carrying out these tasks."(Editor’s note: U.S. Army Europe is uniquely positioned in its 51-country area of responsibility to advance American strategic interests in Europe and Eurasia. The relationships built during the more than 1,000 theater security cooperation events, held in more than 40 countries each year, lead directly to support for multinational contingency operations around the world, strengthen regional partnerships and enhance global security.)