The commander of U.S. Naval Forces Europe-Africa and Allied Joint Force Command Naples visited Valletta, Malta, Nov. 9-10, for a two-day visit with U.S., Maltese, and armed forces of Malta officials.
Adm. Samuel J. Locklear , III was greeted by Maltese Brig. Gen. Martin Xuereb , commander of the armed forces of Malta, along with full military honors, including a review of troops at the armed forces of Malta headquarters in Valletta. He also met with Vanessa Frazier , director of Defense Matters, and U.S. Embassy Chargé de Affaires Rick Mills .
During the meetings, Locklear thanked Maltese security officials for their contributions toward increasing maritime security throughout the region. With more than 33 percent of the world merchant traffic passing between Malta and Sicily, and more than 80 percent` of Europe’s energy resources traveling near the island nation, Malta’s role in maintaining maritime domain awareness is critical. Locklear also thanked Xuereb and Mrs. Frazier for their role in facilitating cooperation between the U.S., European, and African countries.
Malta’s assistance in bringing nations from both continents together to work on common goals contributes greatly to international maritime security. [mappress] Source: navy, November 14, 2011