September 27-28 Lithuanian, Latvian and Estonian Navy Commanders meeting was held in the Headquarters of Lithuanian Navy in Klaipeda.
During the working meeting Commander in Chief of Lithuanian Navy Rear Admiral Kestutis Macijauskas and his colleagues - Latvian Navy Commander Captain (Navy) Rimants Štrimaitis and Commander Ivo Vark in this meeting deputizing for the Commander of Estonian Navy shared the information on progress made by the Baltic Naval Forces in 2011, discussed the Baltic States Naval Forces cooperation in 2011 in the framework of the Baltic Naval Squadron (BALTRON) project and issues related to the year 2012 BALTRON plan and budget, as well as squadron command personnel and vessels.
Baltic States Navy Commanders working meetings are usually held twice a year in different Baltic countries.
Baltic Naval Squadron (BALTRON) was established jointly by Lithuania, Latvia and Estonia in 1998; it is made of vessels the countries' national forces assigned on a rotational basis and multinational staff.
The main goal of BALTRON is search and deactivation of sea mines, strengthening of the Baltic States territorial sea and exclusive economic zone security, as well as enhancing cooperation between the Baltic and other NATO naval forces. The unit also serves as preparation platform for participation in NATO forces units.
On the rotation basis Baltic countries assign their ships to participate in squadron operations and to multinational squadron headquarters. In 2012 Lithuania will assign to BALTRON squadron anti-mine vessel and officer to serve as Chief of Staff of BALTRON Squadron.
Baltic States developed BALTRON project by establishing Signal Officers Training Centre in Estonia, Baltic Naval Diving Training Centre, Mine countermeasures Equipment Maintenance Centre, and Baltic Junior Staff Officer Course in Latvia, Deck Equipment and Weaponry Maintenance Centre in Lithuania.
