US Chief of Naval Operations (CNO) Adm. Jonathan Greenert conducted a two-day visit to Italy to visit the chief of the Italian navy and attended the Naval Forces Europe change of command ceremony this week.
Chief of Staff of the Italian navy, Adm. Giuseppe De Giorgi hosted Greenert July 21 for a welcoming ceremony and a set of meetings at the Italian naval headquarters in Rome.
“The Italian navy is a very close partner in dealing with common maritime security challenges,” said Greenert. “Our discussions focused on deepening our relationship and looking at ways to increase interoperability between our fleets.”
The two leaders discussed evolving situations in the areas surrounding the Mediterranean Sea, which is crucial for the prosperity and development of Italy and Europe as a whole. They also raised opportunities for the two navies to conduct more exchanges, training and cooperatively operate together at sea. Both the Italian and U.S. navies have been among many NATO nations contributing to combating threats and ensuring the safety and stability of the region.
Greenert returned to D.C. July 22. His next planned interaction with De Giorgi will take place in September at the International Seapower Symposium (ISS) at the U.S. Naval War College. During ISS, leaders from the world’s maritime forces will come together to find solutions to areas of common interest and foster cooperative relationships that are critical to ensuring the safety of sea lanes and security on the world’s oceans. The theme for this year’s symposium will be “global solutions to common maritime challenges.”