NATO warms up for Europe role after Afghanistan pullout

ABOARD ITALIAN AIRCRAFT CARRIER CAVOUR, Italy: As NATO prepares to pull out of its longest and most faraway war in Afghanistan, its focus is back on Europe with a multitude of exercises planned, notably in the Mediterranean.

Currently taking place, “Brilliant Mariner 13” is NATO’s most ambitious naval exercise in seven years, gathering 23 warships from six countries and 5,000 troops from eight nations.