The Wasp-class amphibious assault ship USS Kearsarge (LHD 3) arrived in Klaipėda, Lithuania, whereas San Antonio-class amphibious transport dock ship USS Arlington (LPD 24) and Whidbey Island-class dock touchdown ship USS Gunston Corridor (LSD 44) entered port in Riga, Latvia, and Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Paul Ignatius (DDG 117) arrived in Tallinn, Estonia.
The presence of the Kearsarge Amphibious Prepared Group (ARG) and embarked twenty second Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU), together with USS Paul Ignatius, within the Baltic nations demonstrates the USA’ dedication to regional allies and companions. Their presence additionally underscores the flexibility of U.S. Naval Forces Europe-Africa to supply versatile and dynamic capabilities the place and when wanted.
“The Kearsarge ARG-MEU group is privileged to have the chance to go to the historic and exquisite metropolis of Klaipėda, strengthening the bonds between the U.S. and the nations that decision the Baltic Sea residence,” stated Capt. Tom Foster, commanding officer of USS Kearsarge (LHD 3). “We’re extraordinarily grateful to our Lithuanian hosts for his or her half in preserving the readiness and responsiveness of our models and personnel.”
Arlington, Gunston Corridor, and Kearsarge, who compose the Kearsarge ARG, arrived of their respective ports after a two-week interval of bilateral coaching with the Finnish Armed Forces close to the Finnish Archipelago and the Hanko area. Previous to the coaching occasion with Finland, Gunston Corridor carried out a port go to in Tallinn, Aug. 5-8, the place the ship’s leaders hosted Estonian army and governmental leaders for key chief engagements and ship excursions.
Paul Ignatius, homeported at Naval Station Rota, Spain because the third of 4 long-planned rotations of the Rota-based destroyers, has operated within the U.S. Naval Forces Europe (NAVEUR) space of operations since departing from the U.S. East Coast in June. The ship is on a scheduled patrol within the area, and Tallinn marks the primary port go to of the present patrol.
“I’m extraordinarily excited to carry the ship and our crew to Tallinn to proceed creating the robust partnership loved with Estonia and the Estonian Protection Forces,” stated Cmdr. Aaron Arky, commanding officer of Paul Ignatius. “I sit up for welcoming company onboard USS Paul Ignatius and am grateful for this chance.”
Whereas in port, all crews are wanting ahead to strengthening interpersonal relations with their Baltic allies. These port visits reveal the robust and enduring relationships the U.S. enjoys with all three nations. Additionally they present assigned Sailors and Marines alternatives to discover the wealthy cultures and histories of the Baltic nations.
“The Gunston Corridor crew and embarked Marines are excited to be heading to Riga to expertise the wealthy tradition and historical past of Latvia,” stated Cmdr. Beth Nelson, commanding officer of USS Gunston Corridor. “We’re thrilled to be strengthening relationships with our Baltic Allies whereas additionally having fun with some relaxation and recreation. We thank Riga for the hospitality and sit up for our go to.”
The Kearsarge ARG and embarked twenty second MEU are below the command and management of Activity Power 61/2. The ARG consists of Wasp-class amphibious assault ship USS Kearsarge (LHD 3); the San Antonio-class amphibious transport dock ship USS Arlington (LPD 24); and the Whidbey Island-class dock touchdown ship USS Gunston Corridor (LSD 44).
Embarked instructions with the Kearsarge ARG embrace Amphibious Squadron SIX, twenty second MEU, Fleet Surgical Workforce 2, Fleet Surgical Workforce 4, Tactical Air Management Squadron 22, Tactical Air Fight Squadron 22, Helicopter Sea Fight Squadron 28, Naval Seaside Group 2, Assault Craft Unit 2, Assault Craft Unit 4, and Seaside Grasp Unit 2.
Paul Ignatius operates below the command and management of Commander, Activity Power 65 and Destroyer Squadron 60 as a member of Ahead Deployed Naval Forces-Europe (FDNF-E), in help of NATO’s Built-in Air Missile Protection structure. These FDNF-E ships have the flexibleness to function all through the waters of Europe and Africa, from the Cape of Good Hope to the Arctic Circle, demonstrating their mastery of the maritime area.
For over 80 years, U.S. Naval Forces Europe-U.S. Naval Forces Africa (NAVEUR-NAVAF) has solid strategic relationships with our Allies and Companions, leveraging a basis of shared values to protect safety and stability.
Headquartered in Naples, Italy, NAVEUR-NAVAF operates U.S. naval forces within the U.S. European Command (USEUCOM) and U.S. Africa Command (USAFRICOM) areas of accountability. U.S. Sixth Fleet is completely assigned to NAVEUR-NAVAF, and employs maritime forces by way of the complete spectrum of joint and naval operations.
