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Apr 6 2023

NATO's Operation Sea Guardian supported by Albania for the first time

NORTHWOOD, United Kingdom – The Albanian Navy has joined NATO’s Operation Sea Guardian (OSG) for the first time, with ALS Lissus patrolling the Adriatic and Central Mediterranean Seas. The Task Group was led for the second time by the Croatian Navy’s HRVS Dubrovnik.

Maritime Patrol Aircraft and Airborne Early Warning Aircraft from Greece, Italy and Türkiye were in support of HRV Dubrovnik and ALS Lissus. NATO Alliance Ground Surveillance (NAGS) also supported the patrols, their sensors producing a more comprehensive picture of the maritime environment in this region.

This was the second maritime focused patrol of 2023, gathering pattern of life information, as well as developing and maintaining Maritime Situational Awareness (MSA) in the Adriatic and Central Mediterranean Sea. HRVS Dubrovnik and ALS Lissus had contact with merchant and fishing vessels and other transiting ships, offering reassurance to local and transiting mariners. In total, 961 vessels were monitored either operating or transiting the area, while 347 ships were hailed.

Excellent cooperation between the Croatian ship DUBROVNIK and the Albanian ship LISSUS in achieving operational tasks has been a valuable experience for both units

"Contributing to Sea Guardian FOCOPS 23-2 was a great opportunity for Croatian sailors to support NATO efforts and maintain maritime situational awareness while deterring and countering terrorism at sea. Excellent cooperation between the Croatian ship DUBROVNIK and the Albanian ship LISSUS in achieving operational tasks has been a valuable experience for both units” said Lieutenant Commander Josip Župa, Command Task Group. “I am confident it will serve as useful input for their future activities. A confident, proactive and professional approach from both units notably promoted NATO's effort to contribute to security at sea."

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Lorem Ipsum NATO's Operation Sea Guardian focused patrols (FOCOPS 23-2) boarding team member of flagship HRVS DUBROVNIK preparing to approach a fishing vessel during a Maritime Situation Awareness Approach (MSAA).

After three weeks of working together, and before returning to their home bases, HRVS Dubrovnik and ALS Lissus conducted a passing exercise, deepening their interoperability while strengthening their bonds of friendship.

It was honour to participate in OSG Focused Patrols as Commanding Officer of ALS Lissus and also represent the Albanian Navy to take part for the first time in Operation Sea Guardian in the Mediterranean Sea

"It was honour to participate in OSG Focused Patrols as Commanding Officer of ALS Lissus and also represent the Albanian Navy to take part for the first time in Operation Sea Guardian in the Mediterranean Sea” said Lieutenant Commander Lorenc, Commanding Officer of ALS Lissus. “It was a challenging experience that made us cooperate better with our allies and contributing the security at high seas. "

OSG is a non-Article 5 maritime security operation of NATO aimed at working with Mediterranean stakeholders and NATO partners to maintain maritime situational awareness, deter and counter terrorism and enhance capacity building, through cooperation and interoperability, promoting mutual benefits.


Story by Public Affairs Office at MARCOM

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