USS Jason Dunham Arrives in Klaipėda, Lithuania

KLAIPĖDA, Lithuania - The Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Jason Dunham (DDG 109) arrived in Klaipėda, Lithuania, for a scheduled port visit July 17, 2015.

Jason Dunham’s presence in Lithuania reaffirms to regional partners and NATO allies that the U.S. Navy shares a commitment to strengthen ties while working toward mutual goals of promoting peace and stability in the Baltic region.

Quote:

“There are many opportunities for meaningful exchange with our Lithuanian allies during this port visit and my Sailors will benefit greatly from each of them. Between these interactions and the distinguished guests we are honored to be hosting onboard, our presence here strongly demonstrates our Navy’s commitment to regional cooperation and maritime security in the Baltic.”

- Cmdr. Darren Dugan, USS Jason Dunham (DDG 109) commanding officer

Quick Facts:

Cmdr. Darren Dugan, the ship’s commanding officer is scheduled to hold a brief press conference followed by a press tour of the ship July 17. He is also set to visit with Vytautas Grubliauskas, mayor of Klaipėda, and Lithuania’s Chief of Naval Operations.

The ship is to host numerous visitors for tours including wounded Ukrainian military personnel, Lithuanian government and military officials, U.S. Embassy personnel, a group of USG alumni, Lithuanian orphans from the Rytas orphanage and several local scout troupes.

Sailors from Jason Dunham are scheduled to participate in two outreach programs at the Rytas orphanage and the Palangos Gintaras Children’s Rehabilitation Sanatorium. Sports activities and games with the children are planned for both engagements.

A soccer game between Jason Dunham Sailors and Lithuanian Navy personnel is scheduled. 

A reception aboard the ship is scheduled for guests from the Lithuanian military and government, and U.S. Embassy to Lithuania.

Strengthening alliances during the port visit to Klaipėda demonstrates the shared commitment the U.S. has toward promoting safety and stability within the region, while seeking opportunities to enhance interoperability with its NATO allies and partners.

Jason Dunham is currently operating in the Baltic Sea, working with allies and regional partners to help develop and improve our maritime forces, maintain regional security, and work towards mutual goals in order to advance security and stability in Europe.

USS Jason Dunham, homeported in Norfolk, is conducting naval operations in the U.S. 6th Fleet area of operations in support of U.S. national security interests in Europe. The ship deployed from Naval Station Norfolk, Jan. 27. 

U.S. 6th Fleet, headquartered in Naples, Italy, conducts the full spectrum of joint and naval operations, often in concert with allied, joint, and interagency partners, in order to advance U.S. national interests and security and stability in Europe and Africa.

From U.S. Naval Forces Europe-Africa/U.S. 6th Fleet Public Affairs