NAVEUR-NAVAF commander visits Malta

Courtesy Photo | Adm. Samuel J. Locklear III (center), commander, U.S. Naval Forces Europe-Africa, and Allied Joint Forces Command Naples, is introduced to Maltese Col. David Mifsud, head of logistics for the Armed Forces of Malta (left), by Maltese Brig. Gen. Martin Xuereb (right), commander of the Armed Forces of Malta, while visiting Luqa. During the visit, Locklear met with Xuereb and Vanessa Frazier, director of Defense Matters. (Armed Forces of Malta photo by Lance Bombardier Justin Gatt)  

LUQA, MALTA

11.11.2011

Courtesy Story

U.S. Naval Forces Europe-Africa/U.S. Sixth Fleet

LUQA, Malta – Commander, U.S. Naval Forces Europe-Africa, and Allied Joint Force Command Naples, Adm. Samuel J. Locklear III, visited Luqa, Malta, Nov. 9-10, for a two-day visit with U.S., Maltese, and Armed Forces of Malta officials.

Maltese Brig. Gen. Martin Xuereb, commander of the Armed Forces of Malta, greeted Locklear with full military honors, including a review of troops at the Armed Forces of Malta headquarters in Valletta. He also met with Vanessa Frazier, director of Defense Matters, and U.S. Embassy Chargé de Affaires Rick Mills.

During the meetings, Locklear thanked Maltese security officials for their contributions toward increasing maritime security throughout the region. With more than 33% of the world merchant traffic passing between Malta and Sicily, and more than 80% of Europe’s energy resources traveling near the island nation, Malta’s role in maintaining maritime domain awareness is critical.

Locklear also thanked Xuereb and Mrs. Frazier for their role in facilitating cooperation between the U.S., European, and African countries. Malta’s assistance in bringing nations from both continents together to work on common goals contributes greatly to international maritime security.

• Date Taken: 11.11.2011
• Date Posted: 11.11.2011 09:32
• Story ID: 79897
• Location: LUQA, MT