Commander, U.S. Naval Forces Europe-Africa, Adm. Mark Ferguson, visited several key Norwegian cities and facilities March 7-10 and met with senior Norwegian officials.

Ferguson, who also is the commander of Allied Joint Force Command Naples, was joined by the deputy commander of U.S. 6th Fleet and director of operations for U.S. Naval Forces Europe-Africa, Rear Adm. Daryl L. Caudle.

The admirals met with Chief of the Royal Norwegian Navy, Rear Adm. Lars Saunes, Chief of Defense, Adm. Haakon Bruun-Hanssen, as well as U.S. Ambassador to the Kingdom of Norway, the honorable Samuel D. Heins.

Quote:
"This series of meetings gave us the opportunity to discuss a number of key issues including fostering cooperation and interoperability in and around the Baltic Sea - both are important to sustaining security in the region."
- Adm. Mark Ferguson, commander, U.S. Naval Forces Europe-Africa, and commander, Allied Joint Force Command Naples

Quick facts:
* The visit included a short embark aboard Norwegian Minesweeper KNM Otra (M351), visits to several facilities, as well as several office calls, briefings and updates.

* The U.S. and Norway frequently cooperate in naval exercises and operations, and are participants in BALTOPS, an annual, multinational naval exercise scheduled to be held for the 44th time this year.

* Norway, along with Finland, Sweden, Denmark, and Iceland, is a member of Nordic Defense Cooperation, which aims for a mutually strengthened defense.

* U.S. Naval Forces Europe-Africa, headquartered in Naples, Italy, oversees joint and naval operations, often in concert with allied, joint and interagency partners, to advance U.S. national interests, and security and stability in Europe and Africa.

For more news from Commander, U.S. Naval Forces Europe-Africa, visit http://www.naveur-navaf.navy.mil.

For more news from Commander, U.S. Naval Forces Europe and Africa/U.S. 6th Fleet, visit www.navy.mil/.