The visit also offered the opportunity to discuss issues related to the close and comprehensive bilateral cooperation between the U.S. and Norway, including the ongoing training of pilots at Sheppard AFB, Texas. It is important to achieve a good continuation of this cooperation when Norway will eventually start training on the new fighter F-35. The first F-35 aircraft is scheduled to be delivered as early as 2015.
The visit began on august 10. in the UN Headquarters in New York, where current issues facing the United Nations where on the agenda. The Chief of Defense was briefed on the UN's assessment of ongoing UN operations in which Norway participates with personnel. General Sunde received very good feedback on Norway's contribution to the UN and much praise to Major General Robert Mood for his efforts in Syria.
Important with further development
The Chief of Defense also had an extensive meeting program with a number of military leaders in the Pentagon. The U.S. defense chief, General Dempsey, awarded General Sunde the American Legion of Merit - Commander Degree. Dempsey particularly emphasized General Sunde’s important contribution with professional military advice and leadership in the transformation of the Norwegian military, which has laid the groundwork for major Norwegian efforts in both Afghanistan and Libya - an effort that is very much appreciated by the United States. "When the Norwegian military now is fully transformed, it is very important to maintain and further develop the good relations with the United States. Therefore, we have discussed a number of issues where we have common interests, and where we see the opportunity to establish new permanent co-operation projects that will tie our nations even closer together in the future" said Sunde after meeting with General Dempsey. At the end of General Sunde’s visit to Washington he went to lay a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier at the Arlington Cemetery.
The Chief of Defense will go to the Midwest and visit the strategic forces that have global security responsibilities, including cyber, surveillance and space operations. These are the military capabilities that are critical to the stability and security also in our part of the world.
General Sunde and Norway are greatly appreciated by the U.S. for the efforts on the national and international levels in close cooperation with our allies.