Navy postpones Large Scale Exercise 2020 to next year

The Navy has postponed its Large Scale Exercise 2020 until 2021 citing concerns about the coronavirus pandemic, a U.S. Fleet Forces spokeswoman confirmed to Inside Defense today.

"After careful consideration, Large Scale Exercise 2020, planned to be executed this summer, is postponed until 2021 in a joint decision made by U.S. Fleet Forces, U.S. Pacific Fleet, and U.S. Naval Forces Europe," the spokeswoman said.

"The decision to postpone the exercise comes in response to the global effort to contain the spread of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19)," she continued.

The cancellation comes amid a wave of other military event cancellations. LSE was on track to continue this year as late as last week, Inside Defense reported.

"The postponement of the exercise will allow the Navy to remain focused on ensuring the safety of the sailors, Marines, civilian staffs, and their families amidst the Navy's COVID-19 crisis response effort, as well as ensuring the continued mission capability of the fleets," the spokeswoman added.