Gvido Ļaudups takes command of Latvia’s Naval Forces

Gvido Ļaudups took over as commander of Latvia’s Naval Forces at a formal ceremony in Liepāja on Wednesday, LSM reported. He replaced Flotilla Admiral Māris Polencs, who held the post for four years.

Ļaudups began his military service in 1997 and has held several officer positions in the Naval Forces, including ship commander, commander of the Mine Warfare Squadron and chief of staff of the Naval Forces. He has also commanded NATO’s Standing Naval Mine Countermeasures Group 1.

He began his new duties by quoting former Latvian President Jānis Čakste: “Protect your country and develop it, because you know that if Latvia does not exist, neither will you.”

“Considering my experience in previous positions, perhaps this will bring some additions, and in this way we will further develop the Naval Forces, increase their ability to modernise and become better,” Ļaudups said. He added that the forces should be better partners and contribute not only to national security but also to regional security by supporting the countries and partners of the Baltic Sea region.

Ļaudups said the Naval Forces would adapt their operational and tactical capabilities to modern warfare and learn from partners “who are currently suffering in the heavy war against Russia.”

Polencs thanked the Naval Forces’ personnel, allied military forces and his family. He said his successor would need to continue developing infrastructure, introducing coastal defence capabilities and implementing various modernisation projects.

“The primary emphasis was on being combat-ready to defend our country,” Polencs said.

Polencs became commander of the Naval Forces in 2022. Under his leadership, the forces took part in international exercises and operations, as well as activities involving NATO’s standing naval groups in the Baltic Sea.

Defence Minister Raivis Melnis said the government would work with the armed forces and the defence and military industries to develop modern and advanced Naval Forces.