The visit of USS OSCAR AUSTIN in Klaipėda is another demonstration of ongoing U.S. efforts to strengthen the relations with NATO allies and regional partners in order to achieve the common goal of ensuring peace and security in the Baltic Region.
On July 4 Dalia Grybauskaitė, the President of the Republic of Lithuania, Minister of National Defence Juozas Olekas, U.S. 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 distinguished visitors are also expected to conduct visits to the vessel and observe parachute jumps from Black Hawk helicopters performed by paratroopers of the 173rd Airborne Brigade of the U.S. Army in Europe (USAREUR).
It has already become a tradition for crews of foreign vessels visiting Klaipėda to arrange charitable, social and other goodwill events. On July 4 the crew of USS OSCAR AUSTIN will visit children's foster home of Klaipėda "Rytas" 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 Klaipėda 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 U.S. Naval Forces Europe-Africa/U.S. 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 U.S. Navy are conducting visits in Klaipėda 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.
The 1st Squadron, 91st Cavalry Regiment, 173rd Airborne Brigade, U.S. Army in Europe (USAREUR), that was deployed in Lithuania on June 28 from their permanent station in Grafenwoehr, Germany, are taking part in joint training with military personnel of the Dragoon Battalion of the Lithuanian Land Force in Klaipėda.
POC regarding the USS OSCAR AUSTIN visit: CIMIC officer of the Lithuanian Navy Lieutenant (Navy) Antanas Brencius, phone no. 00370 46 391 207, mobile phone no. 00370 698 18 196.
