Legislation, Lithuania, Port, Transport, USA

USS OSCAR AUSTIN in Klaipeda. Photo: kam.lt

The visit of USS OSCAR AUSTIN in Klaipeda is another demonstration of ongoing US efforts to strengthen the relations with NATO allies and regional partners to achieve the common goal of ensuring peace and security in the Baltic Region.

On July 4 Dalia Grybauskaite, the President of the Republic of Lithuania, Minister of National Defence Juozas Olekas, US Ambassador in Lithuania Deborah McCarthy, acting Chief of Defence of Lithuania Commander Lithuanian Land Force Major General Almantas Leika, ambassadors of various countries in Lithuania and other guests are also expected to conduct visits to the vessel.

It has already become a tradition for crews of foreign vessels visiting Klaipeda to arrange charitable, social and other goodwill events. On July 4 the crew of USS OSCAR AUSTIN will visit children's foster home Rytas in Klaipeda to renovate the front of the building and organise a sports event for the children together with Lithuanian Navy's sailors.

The OSCAR AUSTIN will be moored at the JSC Central Klaipeda Terminal throughout the visit.

USS OSCAR AUSTIN departed its home Naval Station in Norfolk, Virginia (U.S.A.), to carry out several missions for enhancing regional maritime security and facilitating the cooperation with NATO allies and regional partners in the Baltic region. The US Naval Forces Europe-Africa/US 6th Fleet, headquartered in Naples, Italy, is completing all types of maritime operations and taking part in missions demonstrating cooperation alongside partner nations thus contributing to ensuring stability and security in Europe and Africa.

Vessels of the US Navy are conducting visits in Klaipeda Seaport every 1-2 years. Last time such a visit was carried out by USS Normandy (CG-60) guided-missile cruiser in 2012 after participating in BALTOPS 2012 in the territorial waters of Lithuania, and earlier – by USS CARR (FFG-52) frigate in summer 2011.