In the period from September 18 to 21, 2018, the Commander of the Naval Forces of Ukraine, Admiral Ihor Voronchenko in the United States of America took part in the 23rd International Naval Symposium. The event is traditionally held every two years at the US Naval College, Newport, Rhode Island. This time around 80 commanders of the Navy and 70 coastguard commanders from more than 120 countries took part in it. Theme of the 23rd International Naval Symposium: ‘Security, Order, Prosperity’.

The importance of participating in the Symposium is confirmed by the need to maintain and develop military cooperation with the naval forces of NATO and Partner countries, in particular in the context of security in the Black Sea and the Sea of ​​Azov, the renewal of the Navy of the Armed Forces of Ukraine at the expense of the new strategy and concept of development, the acquisition of new capabilities. for confronting modern security challenges. Participation in the Symposium highlighted the role of innovation and trends in the development of naval forces as a component of maritime security in the world, their role in protecting the sovereignty and economic interests of States, especially during the so-called ‘gray period’, which is inherent in the hybrid confrontation or latent phase of the conflict at sea.

Admiral Igor Voronchenko held a brief meeting with US Secretary of Defense James Mattheys, several working meetings with other participants of the event, including the Naval Forces Commanders from NATO and Partner countries of Ukraine – US Navy Commander Admiral John Richardson, heads of regional naval commandos and navies of the United States, commanders of the Navy’s Great Navy Britain, Turkey, Italy, Norway, Sweden, France, Bulgaria, Romania, Poland, Lithuania, Latvia, Estonia, Georgia. The Commander of the Naval Forces of the Armed Forces of Ukraine proved the current situation in the Black and Azov Seas regarding the aggressive actions of the Russian Federation. In addition, the strategic partners of Ukraine were presented with a vision of fulfilling the requirements of the Strategic Defense Bulletin, working out the Naval Strategy of the Armed Forces of Ukraine in 2035, and receiving recommendations and advice on their implementation in accordance with the principles and approaches of NATO and the European Union. The prospects for the military cooperation of the Naval Forces of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, in particular, possible assistance in the development of the national military fleet and the participation of the forces of the national fleet in joint exercises in the Black Sea region, led by NATO, were determined. The Delegation of the Naval Forces of the Armed Forces of Ukraine experienced great support from our partner countries in the struggle to restore territorial integrity, sovereignty and further reformation and development of the national navy.