Group of NATO ships arrive in Lithuania’s port city

Five NATO ships assigned to Standing NATO Mine Counter-Measures Group ONE (SNMCMG1) arrived in Klaipėda for a scheduled port visit during the Group’s deployment to the Baltic to enhance maritime security and NATO’s readiness in the region, Allied Maritime Command reported.
Led by Commander Eirik Otterbu (NOR N), SNMCMG1 is currently composed of the Norwegian support vessel HNoMS VALKYRIEN (flagship), which will lead the Dutch mine hunter HNLMS MAKKUM, the Belgian mine hunter BNS BELLIS, the Norwegian minesweeper HNoMS OTRA, and the Estonian mine hunter ENS ADMIRAL COWAN.

SNMCMG1 was greeted upon arrival in port by Rear Admiral Robert Kamensky, NATO Allied Maritime Command Deputy Chief of Staff Submarines and Commander NATO Submarine Command.During the port visit, Rear Admiral Kamensky and the SNMCMG1 staff will meet with numerous Lithuanian military and civilian officials, to include the Commander of the Lithuanian Navy and the Mayor of Klaipėda.  The ships’ crews will participate in various activities with their Lithuanian hosts.
“Collective defense is the cornerstone of our Alliance” said Vice Admiral Hudson.  “SNMCMG1’s operations in the Baltic and port visit to Klaipėda send a clear message that NATO is prepared to meet and deter any threat to the Alliance populations and territory.”

During the Baltic deployment, the ships will participate in a robust program of operations at sea, numerous port visits, and the Historic Ordnance Disposal operation OPEN SPIRIT, hosted by Latvia later this month.


http://www.lithuaniatribune.com/67533/group-of-nato-ships-arrive-in-lithuanias-port-city-201467533/