The President, U.S. Ambassador to Lithuania Deborah McCarty and representatives of the U.S. Naval Forces discussed NATO's actions to increase security in the Baltic region as well as bilateral military cooperation between Lithuania and the United States. The President got acquainted with weapon systems installed in the ship and spoke with crew members.
"The ship which has arrived in Klaipėda today is a symbol of Lithuania's strong relations with NATO allies. The United States of America is Lithuania's reliable partner who keeps its word and demonstrates the strong will to contribute to the defence of the Baltic countries," the President underlined.
In the face of Russia's aggression against Ukraine, NATO conducted multinational exercises and reinforced the air policing mission in the Baltics. According to the President, now we also see the allies' efforts to enhance the security of our maritime space.
During her visit, the President watched the performance of the U.S. paratroopers and parachute jumps. Dalia Grybauskaitė travelled to Klaipėda by the U.S. Airforce helicopter Black Hawk.
Before coming to Klaipėda, Oscar Austin destroyer participated in the international naval exercise BALTOPS, visited Kiel, Tallinn and Riga. Its permanent place of deployment is Norfolk, U.S.A.
