The Croatian Navy missile boat Vukovar sailed out from the southern naval port of Lora in the Croatian city of Split on Monday to join NATO's Operation Sea Guardian in the Mediterranean.

The Vukovar, with its commander and 32 crew members, will participate in the maritime security operation from September 5 to September 21. It is the first Croatian vessel to join this mission.

Operation Sea Guardian, launched in November 2016, aims to reinforce maritime situational awareness and counter-terrorism efforts through hailing and boarding suspect vessels and capacity building in the Mediterranean Sea. It focuses on gathering information about maritime activities in the region to help identify possible security concerns and develop maritime security awareness.

The Vukovar will carry out non-combat tasks, including maintaining maritime situational awareness, deterring security threats and providing support to NATO’s strategic communications.

“We are aware that the security of NATO and Croatia is defended not only on Croatian borders but also in places where threats emerge,” Defence Minister Damir Krsticevic said at a send-off ceremony, adding that no country could cope with contemporary security challenges on its own.

Chief of Staff of the Croatian Armed Forces General Mirko Sundov said that by participating in this operation Croatia will once again show that it is always ready to improve relations and cooperation with its partners and neighbours.

The Operation comes under the operational command of the Allied Maritime Command (MARCOM) in Northwood, United Kingdom.

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