USS Monterey Arrives in Riga to Support NATO Summit
Navy NewsStand
Story Number: NNS061120-22
Release Date: 11/20/2006 5:27:00 PM
By Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Leonardo Carrillo, Standing NATO Maritime Group 2 Public Affairs
RIGA, Latvia (NNS) -- USS Monterey (CG 61), the flagship for Standing North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) Maritime Group (SNMG) 2, arrived in Riga, Latvia, for a port visit in preparation to provide local authorities security support for the NATO summit Riga 2006 set to begin November 28.
“We’re here at the behest of the Latvian government to help support the safety of the NATO summit,” said Rear Adm. Michael R. Groothousen, commander, Standing NATO Maritime Group 2. “We’re here to show our support and solidarity.”
During the port visit, Monterey will host visits from numerous military and city officials, including the U.S. Ambassador to Latvia, Catherine Todd Bailey.
Monterey has undergone extensive training in preparation for her mission during the summit. The ship recently finished an allied navies interoperability course off the coast of Scotland.
“I’m very proud of Monterey’s readiness to perform this mission in support of the Latvian military,” said Capt. Robert Oldani, Monterey’s commanding officer. “We are very privileged to be here and we are looking forward to enjoying the liberty port.”
While in port, the crew will get to enjoy some well-deserved liberty to savor the culture of the Baltic city of Riga. They will get the opportunity to witness Riga’s independence parade, as well as take part in organized sightseeing and shopping tours.
SNMG 2 is a permanently active multinational NATO maritime force, a first to arrive, high readiness, mobile and flexible group established in 1992 as Standing Naval Forces Mediterranean, but adapted the NATO Response Force concept from the Prague summit of 2002 and later changed its name to what it is today.
|
NEWSLETTER
|
| Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list |
|
|
|
