ZAGREB, September 3, 2018 – The Croatian Navy missile boat Vukovar sailed out from the southern naval port of Lora at Split on Monday to join NATO’s Operation Sea Guardian in the Mediterranean.
The Vukovar has 32 crew members and a commander and will participate in the maritime security operation from September 5 to 21. It is the first Croatian vessel to join this mission.
It will carry out non-combat tasks, including maintaining maritime situational awareness, deterring security threats and providing support to NATO’s strategic communications.
Addressing the send-off ceremony, Defence Minister Damir Krstičević said: “We are aware that the security of NATO and Croatia is defended not only at Croatian borders but also in places where threats emerge.” He noted that no country could cope with contemporary security challenges on its own.
The Chief of Staff of the Croatian Armed Forces, General Mirko Šundov, said that by participating in this operation, Croatia will once again show that it is always ready to strengthen relations and cooperation with its partners and neighbours.
