STRIKFORNATO celebrated its 60th anniversary on USS Mount Whitney

LISBOA, LISBOA, PORTUGAL

05.28.2013

Story by Maj. Mesut YURTDAN 

Naval Striking and Support Forces NATO

Oeiras, Portugal – STRIKFORNATO celebrated its 60th anniversary on board USS Mount Whitney in Lisbon with the attendance of Dr. Jose Pedro Aguiar Branco, Portuguese minister of defence, ambassadors of the STRIKFORNATO Member Nations, Gen. Luis Evangelista Esteves De Araujo, Portuguese chief of defence, Gen. Sir Richard Shirreff, deputy Supreme Allied commander Europe and with high level attendance from NATO, Maritime community.

All the guests saluted the flags of France, Germany, Greece, Italy, Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Spain, Turkey, United Kingdom, United States and NATO on board USS Mount Whitney, STRIKFORNATO’s designated command platform, while the anthems of NATO, Portugal and United States were played.

Vice Admiral Frank C. Pandolfe, commander STRIKFORNATO thanked the guests to join the celebration of 60th Anniversary of STRIKFORNATO. Admiral Pandolfe expressed his thankfulness to the Portuguese for their hospitality and support to the Alliance by hosting the headquarters in Oeiras while welcoming Dr. Branco to address the audience. Dr. Branco highlighted the importance of the role and contribution to the world peace of STRIKFORNATO for six decades and said, “Portugal is proud to host STRIKFORNATO in Lisbon”.

For six decades, STRIKFORNATO has played an important role in supporting our Alliance: from the Cold War, through Allied Force in Kosovo, supporting ISAF in Afghanistan, and most recently during Operation Unified Protector. As a part of NATO Command Structure Reform, STRIKFORNATO relocated its Headquarters from Naples, Italy to Oeiras, Portugal in summer 2012. It is currently developing its capabilities as a Joint Maritime Expeditionary Headquarters. Today and in the future, STRIKFONATO stands ready to utilize its unique capabilities to support peace and stability.

Please check www.sfn.nato.int for the photographs of the STRIKFORNATO’s 60th Anniversary Reception on board Mount Whitney.

For information about USS Mount Whitney, please check the official website: www.mtwhitney.navy.mil/

• Date Taken: 05.28.2013
• Date Posted: 06.14.2013 12:11
• Story ID: 108676
• Location: LISBOA, LISBOA, PT