Admiral Lisa Franchetti and Vice Admiral Kataras Forge Strategic Ties in High-Level Naval Meeting

VENICE, Italy – Chief of Naval Operations, Admiral Lisa Franchetti, hosted a critical meeting with Chief of the Hellenic Navy General Staff, Vice Admiral Dimitrios-Eleftherios Kataras, at the 14th Trans-Regional Seapower Symposium. This biennial event, convened in the iconic city of Venice, is a crucial forum for discussing emergent maritime challenges and fostering international naval collaboration.

The main agenda of their meeting centered on enhancing naval interoperability and future maritime collaborations. Discussions highlighted the strategic role of Greece within NATO, particularly emphasizing Greece’s active maritime operations. Adm. Franchetti expressed gratitude for Greece’s operational leadership in the Red Sea under Operation Aspides, noting its synergy with Operation Prosperity Guardian. Both operations are pivotal in maintaining the global rules-based order and ensuring unimpeded commercial maritime traffic.

Furthermore, the integration of Greek forces with the USS Gerald R. Ford Carrier Strike Group in the Eastern Mediterranean was acknowledged as a testament to the strong cooperative spirit between the two nations. This collaboration underscores the importance of shared strategic goals in regional security.

Strategic guidance from the recently-released Navigation Plan for America’s Warfighting Navy was on the discussion table, underscoring mutual priorities of enhancing Warfighting capabilities, optimizing Warfighter readiness, and reinforcing foundational structures. Both leaders examined strategies to bolster military recruitment and retention and explored future Professional Military Exchange programs as avenues for deeper engagement.

The US-Greece alliance thrives on a deep-rooted partnership, reinforced by common democratic ideals and strong cultural bonds. As steadfast NATO allies, both nations are committed to continued collaboration and collective maritime security efforts.