Chief of Naval Operations (CNO) Adm. John Richardson visited Norway to strengthen maritime partnerships and international relationships, June. 24 - 26.

While in Norway, Richardson was hosted by his counterpart, Chief of the Royal Norwegian Navy Rear Adm. Nils Andreas Stensones. He also met with Norway's chief of defence, Admiral Haakon Bruun-Hanssen and other senior officials.

The leaders discussed expanding and strengthening the partnership between their two navies by exploring new opportunities for combined forward operations.

In addition to meeting with defense officials, Richardson went underway on Skjold-class corvette HNoMS Glimt in Bergen.

Richardson said the U.S. and Norway naval partnership is a priority and a relationship he seeks to strengthen through information sharing, interoperability initiatives, and combined operations.

"The defense and naval cooperation between the United States and Norway has been robust for decades and has increased significantly in recent years," Richardson said. "The United States and Norway are steadfast members of NATO and reliable partners. Important dimensions of our relationship are truly unique and exquisite. This visit helped illuminate new areas where we can work together even more closely to our mutual benefit and to help advance the security and prosperity of the region."

Richardson joined Norwegian state officials and senior U.S. diplomats aboard the Arleigh Burke-class guided missile destroyer USS Bainbridge (DDG 96) for a reception hosted by U.S. Ambassador Kenneth Braithwaithe, where he affirmed the close partnership between the United States and Norway.

Earlier this month, Bainbridge and other assets from U.S. 6th Fleet joined Norwegian forces for BALTOPS 2018, the premier maritime-focused exercise, which demonstrates the shared commitment to the security of the Baltic Region.

BALTOPS enhances flexibility and interoperability, strengthens combined response capabilities, as well as demonstrates international resolve to ensure stability in, and if necessary defend, the Baltic Sea region.

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