“Lithuania is one of the most important partners of Lithuania that contribute significantly to the security in Lithuania and the entire Baltic region. Germany‘s leadership and resolve to protect our region is clearly visible not only on land and in the air but also at sea. The visit of the German submarine to Klaipėda Seaport is yet another event that shows the cohesion and solidarity not only of Germany and Lithuania but of all the NATO allies. It sends a clear signal to potential aggressors that NATO countries are united and ready to defend their territory,” Vice Minister of National Defence Vytautas Umbrasas said welcoming the U-31 submarine of the German Navy to Klaipėda Seaport on September 18.
The German Navy is conducting a friendly visit to the Port of Klaipėda. The submarine is planned to be moored till September 21. It is escorted by FGS Oste warship of the German Navy. During the visit to Klaipėda the submarine leadership and an accompanying delegation will pay a courtesy call on the Mayor of Klaipėda, Lithuanian Navy leadership, and other formal events will take place. The German warship’s crew and Lithuanian Navy military personnel will exchange visits to each other’s’ vessels.
The submarine crew was also welcomed by Commander of the Lithuanian Navy Rear Admiral (lower half) Arūnas Mockus, Defence Attache of Germany to Lithuania Lt Col Thorsten Fries.
Last visit conducted by a German submarine to Klaipėda took place 18 years ago — U-16 and U-26 submarines visited the Port of Klaipėda on 27 April 2001.
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Photo credit: Laura Jokšaitė Video credit: Sgt Spc 1st Class Lukas Kalvaitis
