US Navy Europe commander visits Lithuania’s Defence Staff, discusses Strait of Hormuz operation

The commander of US Naval Forces Europe, Admiral George Wikoff, visited Lithuania’s Defence Staff on Wednesday, meeting with the Chief of Defence, Rear Admiral Giedrius Premeneckas, and the commander of the Lithuanian Naval Forces, Captain Tadas Jablonskis, the Lithuanian Armed Forces reported.

During the meeting, the parties discussed Lithuania’s contribution to the US-led international maritime security and mine countermeasures operation in the Strait of Hormuz. The Defence Staff chief opened the meeting by congratulating Admiral Wikoff on the upcoming 250th anniversary of US independence, emphasising the exceptional importance of Lithuania-US strategic partnership and long-standing close military cooperation.

The bilateral meeting focused on regional security, strengthening Lithuania-US military cooperation, and expanding interaction with allies. Both sides stressed that a strong transatlantic link and close cooperation between Lithuania and the US remain key to ensuring NATO collective defence, deterrence, and regional security.

A key topic was Lithuania’s contribution to the US-led operation in the Strait of Hormuz, including allocated forces, specialist preparedness, and participation possibilities. US representatives positively assessed Lithuania’s decision to join the mission, noting that Lithuania was one of the first NATO allies to officially declare readiness to deploy mine countermeasures specialists to the US-led operation.

“Our troops are highly trained, and their accumulated expertise and long-term experience in mine countermeasures tasks in international operations will significantly contribute to ensuring safe navigation and strengthening joint allied efforts to enhance international maritime security,” Rear Admiral Premeneckas was quoted as saying.

The meeting also addressed the security situation in the Baltic Sea region, growing challenges to the protection of critical underwater infrastructure, ensuring freedom of navigation, and reinforcing NATO allies’ military presence in the region. The Armed Forces noted that close information sharing, joint exercises, and continuous cooperation among allied forces are essential for an effective response to emerging threats.

In June, the Seimas (Lithuanian parliament) approved the participation of up to 40 Lithuanian military and civilian national defence system personnel in international maritime security and freedom of navigation operations in the Strait of Hormuz. According to the Ministry of National Defence, mine countermeasures, force protection, intelligence, and defensive capabilities may be required depending on operational needs. Lithuania’s contribution would be coordinated with allied planning and specific operational requirements.