CNO Visits Norway, Sweden

By Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class (SW) Kyle P. Malloy, Chief of Naval Operations Public Affairs

STOCKHOLM (NNS) -- The chief of naval operations (CNO) visited Norway and Sweden to strengthen maritime partnerships and international relationships Aug. 16-20.

While in Norway, CNO Adm. Gary Roughead visited his counterpart, Chief of the Royal Norwegian Navy Rear Adm. Haakon Bruun-Hanssen, and had the opportunity to tour two Norwegian navy ships, Nansen-class frigate HNoMS Otto Sverdrup and the Skjold-class corvette HNoMS Skudd.

Impressed with the Norwegian navy, Roughead also had the opportunity to meet with Norwegian Defense Minister Grete Faremo in Oslo to discuss allied training, the northern regions and cooperation with the United States.

Roughead then made his way to Sweden to tour Swedish ships, including the Visby Corvette-class HSwMS Nykoping and the Gothenburg Corvette-class HMS Gavle. He also visited the HSwMS Sodermanland, the first submarine in Swedish naval history to have a female commanding officer, Lt. Cmdr. Paula Wallenburg.

Roughead said Wallenburg sets the standard for women in the future of the U.S. Navy submarine force and that Sailors and officers alike could learn from her experiences.

"I think what Paula (Wallenburg) has achieved is a significant achievement for navies around the world," said Roughead.

CNO also met with his Swedish counterpart, Rear Adm. Anders Grenstad, to discuss present and future operations between the two navies in the region and around the globe.

"Sweden is a role model for its willingness to assume international responsibility for the safety of the world's oceans. Something that the Swedish navy's efforts in the Gulf of Aden show," said Roughead.

Roughead said he is always looking at ways to make the U.S. Navy better and meeting with his counterparts in Norway and Sweden greatly enhance the safety, security and prosperity around the world.

"It is great for me to come and see first hand the terrific professionalism of these Sailors and officers, and it's been a wonderful couple of days," said Roughead.