Lithuanian LNS JOTVINGIS arrives in London for a port visit
On 19 – 20th November, 2014 the seven ships of Standing NATO Mine Counter-Measures Group ONE (SNMCMG1) led by the Lithuanian flagship Minelayer LNS JOTVINGIS arrived at Canary Wharf in London. SNMCMG1 is visiting London as part of Group’s deployment to enhance maritime security and NATO’s readiness in the region. This marks the first time that Lithuania has taken command of one of NATO’s Standing Naval Forces.
‘‘Definitely, our current visit to London is a very important event of our deployment,” said Commander Premeneckas (Lithuanian Navy). “Up to now, SNMCMG1 ships and staff have been actively engaged in a number of exercises and mine clearance operations. All of them significantly enhanced our readiness and degree of professionalism. I view it as an extremely valuable contribution to NATO collective defense efficiency and regional security in general.”
The SNMCMG1 visit in London began with the Press Conference during which Commander Premeneckas and Vice Admiral of Royal Navy Peter Hudson provided an overview of SNMCMG1 formation and its objectives. Later on in the day representatives of NATO and of its partner states as well as diplomats residing in London gathered at a reception on LNS Jotvingis’ deck.“
“I was proud to see our flagship entering London. Lithuania and the UK are strong NATO allies standing shoulder to shoulder to meet the security challenges Europe and the World are facing today”, the Lithuanian Ambassador Asta Skaisgirytė Liauškienė said.
To learn more about LNS JOTVINGIS click here.
SNMCMG1 in full:
Lithuanian minelayer LNS JOTVINGIS,
Polish Navy minehunter ORP FLAMING,
German Navy minehunter FGS DATTELN,
Latvian Navy minehunter LVA TALIVALDIS,
Estonian Navy minehunter ENS SAKALA,
Dutch Navy minehunter HNLMS ZIERIKZEE,
Belgian Navy minehunter BNS CROCUS
Lithuanian Embassy in the Untited Kingdom
