NATO SHIPS VISIT MALTA
NATO AFSOUTH Press Release {25}
07 10 03
NATO ships will visit Malta, 10-12 October 2003, when 7 units from NATO's Standing Naval Force Mediterranean (STANAVFORMED) will be berthed at the port of La Valetta.
This informal visit will allow crews of the ships to exchange professional experiences gained during recent operations. A cultural programme will allow the crews to visit some of the highlights of the city and the surrounding area. The Commander of the Force, Rear Admiral Hans-Jochen Witthauer, German Navy, will exchange calls with local civil and military authorities.
STANAVFORMED was established as a NATO immediate reaction force in Naples (Italy) on 30 April 1992. Since its activation it has participated in NATO peace support operations related to the crises in the former Yugoslavia and more recently, Operation Active Endeavour, NATO's maritime contribution to the fight against global terrorism. The ships of the force rotate every few months and its routine activities consist of an intensive programme of training and participation in both NATO and national exercises. In the last year, the force has also visited ports in and out of the Mediterranean Sea.
Nations normally contributing to STANAVFORMED are Germany, Greece, Italy, the Netherlands, Spain, Turkey, the United Kingdom and the United States. On the occasion of the visit to Malta the following ships will be present:
FGS Schleswig-Holstein, frigate, Germany (Flagship)
TCG Gaziantep, frigate, Turkey
HS Psara, frigate, Greece
HMS Portland, frigate, United Kingdom
ITS Zeffiro, frigate, Italy
USS Stout, destroyer, United States
SPS Asturias, frigate, Spain
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