On December 8-11 the FGS Hessen (F221) and the FGS Spessart (A1442) German warships were visiting the Port of Klaipėda on behalf of Standing NATO Maritime Group One (SNMG1) alongside the ORP Czernicki (Poland), HNLMS Vlaardingen (Netherlands), ORP Hancza (Poland) and the ORP Druzno (Poland) on behalf of Standing NATO Mine Countermeasures Group 1 (SNMCMG1).
Commander SNMG1 Rear Admiral Thorsten Marx and Commander SNMCMG1 Commander Piotr Bartosewicz accompanied by ship Commanding Officers met with Commander of the Lithuanian Navy Flotilla Captain (Navy) Tadas Jablonskis. They discussed the current security situation in the Baltic Sea region and Allied readiness for rapid reaction to potential challenges.
“The port call to Klaipėda ensures we are resupplied and able to maintain high readiness. It is a friendship, confidence and shared value cultivation enabler,” noted Rear Admiral Thorsten Marx at the meeting.
The two maritime groups (an Italian SNMG1 warship ITS Antonio Marceglia (F 597) visited Klaipėda in November) currently deployed to the Baltic Sea comprise the core of the NATO Standing Naval Forces in the region. Allied warships operating in the Baltic Sea conduct different maneuvers, demonstrate Alliance solidarity and unity in ensuring security in the Baltic Sea region. The port call showcases the strength of Lithuania’s relation with NATO and the importance of Lithuanian capabilities in the Alliance.
Photo and information credits: Lithuanian Navy
