On Friday 11 May, 2018, official reception ceremony of the Commander Allied Joint Force Command Naples, US Naval Forces Europe-US Naval Forces Africa, Admiral James G. Foggo III USN, took place at “PAPAGOU” Camp, as part of his official visit to Greece.

During bilateral talks with HNDGS Chief, Admiral Evangelos Apostolakis HN, the international security environment and issues related to southern wing of the alliance, were discussed.

They also discussed about the existing bilateral military cooperation, in the light of the recent meeting in Washington DC, between Greek CHOD and his US counterpart, General Joseph F. Dunford USMC, examining the prospect of further expanding it in the areas of operational/individual training and special operations.

Greek CHOD underlined:

  • The initiatives taken by the Greek Armed Forces to promote military cooperation with states in the Balkans, North Africa and the Middle East. An example of these initiatives is the forthcoming common special forces exercise, that will be held in Greece in June, with the participation of forces coming from Greece, Bulgaria, Serbia and Romania.
  • The participation of Greek Armed Forces units in forces projection ops in the area that falls within the responsibility of the southern wing of the Αlliance (Ops KFOR, SEAGUARDIAN, SOPHIA, UNIFIL).
  • The need of continuing and geographically expanding NATO ops in intercepting refugee flows in Aegean sea with the participation of US naval units.
  • The strategic importance of Souda Bay infrastructure.
  • NATO Maritime Interdiction Operational Training Center (NMIOTC) capabilities in the field of maritime safety training for the benefit of both alliance members and third countries.
  • Violations of Hellenic territorial sea and airspace, by Turkish Armed Forces units.

Admiral James G. Foggo III USN was also briefed on Hellenic Armed Forces main issues and priorities and visited National Operations Center.

In addition, Admiral James G. Foggo III USN met with Chief of HNGS, Vice Admiral Nikolaos Tsounis HN, discussing issues of mutual interest, such as the role of the Hellenic Navy as a security and stability factor in the area of the Eastern Mediterranean, and the further upgrading of the bilateral cooperation especially in the field of operational training.

On Thursday, May 10, Admiral James G. Foggo III USN visited the Hellenic Fleet Headquarters in Salamis Naval Base and he met with the Chief of Hellenic Fleet, Vice Admiral Ioannis Pavlopoulos HN. Admiral James G. Foggo III USN was briefed on operational activities of the Hellenic Fleet, watched demo of submarine attack simulator capabilities and visited submarine HS “MATROZOS” and fast attack craft HS “RITSOS”.