On May 5 Vice Commander of the U.S. Naval Forces Europe-Africa/Sixth Fleet. Rear Admiral Jeffrey Spivey paid a visit to the Ministry of National Defence. Vice Minister of National Defence Margiris Abukevičius welcomed the guest and thanked the United States for the leadership and assistance in ensuring security and amplifying deterrence in the region.
At the meeting, M. Abukevičius underscored the importance of developing the maritime domain awareness capability to Lithuania. Vice Minister expressed gratitude for the financial and expert U.S. assistance and assured that efforts in Lithuania to improve the Host Nation Support conditions for U.S. capabilities were ongoing.
“We seek more U.S. presence in Lithuania, therefore we are refining hosting conditions, upgrading military training areas and other training sites. We are prepared to support you deployment,” said Vice Minister.
Lithuania demonstrated its seaport capability during an exercise organized by the U.S. Navy in Klaipėda Seaport in 2019. Approx. 30 allied warships were moored in the harbor at one time during the exercise.
There has been an agreement reached at the Baltic states level on the stages of development of the regional recognized maritime picture, however, the data exchange is intended not only among the Baltic states but also with the Unite States.
During the visit in Lithuania Rear Adm. J. Spivey is also planned to meet with Chief of the Defence Staff of the Lithuanian Armed Forces Brigadier General Mindaugas Steponavičius and Commander of the Lithuanian Navy Captain (Navy) Giedrius Premeneckas.
Photo credits: G. Maksimovicz-Alkema/MoD.
