Today’s global environment requires the ability to rapidly deploy and sustain operations from great distances. Over the last years, STRIKFORNATO has demonstrated how it is not only integrating maritime strike capability, but also harmonizing NATO Alliance activities, while steadily increasing the complexity and operational capacity of the activities in order to deter and, if necessary, defend every inch of Allied ground.
The Lithuanian Delegation visiting STRIKFORNATO's headquarters.
The Black Sea is a central locus for European security and of strategic importance to the Alliance. NATO Allies routinely operate in the area, consistent with international law, routinely patrolling the waters in order to ensure freedom of navigation.
The Romanian Delegation visiting STRIKFORNATO's headquarters.
Conversely, as the most powerful Alliance in History, NATO’s consistency in its message of mutual commitment to the security of all members, especially the Baltic States, is important to prevent adversaries from perceiving any kind of weakness. This message is prominent in NATO communications and at a national level among Allies as well. Hence, Lithuania and Romania emerge as key enablers in this mission to uphold the security of NATO’s 1 billion citizens.
Vice Admiral Thomas Ishee with Ms. Lina Zigmantaitė, Lithuanian Chargé d’affaires to Portugal, Captain Giedrius Premeneckas, Commander of the Lithuanian Navy, Mr. Mircea Iliescu, Romanian Chargé d’affaires to Portugal and Vice Admiral Mihai Panait, Chief of the Romanian Naval Forces.
Should deterrence fail, swift and credible action to demonstrate collective commitment to NATO defense will be critical to the successful defense of our Eastern flank, where the pledge to the defense of the Baltic and the Black Sea regions remains as a clear indicator of the Alliance’s health as a whole.
Every ship that sails, every aircraft that flies, every tank that rolls, is sending a message. Henceforth, the Lithuanian and Romanian flags will fly at STRIFKORNATO’s headquarters as a tangible demonstration of NATO’s unity and commitment.