The Ministry of Defence said on Wednesday that the exercise in the international waters tested operational capacities, scenarios and actions aimed at increasing the ship’s lifespan, including management of emergencies such as flooding and fire on board.

The Albanian crew interacted with their German peer executed pre-boarding and boarding procedures, and a simulation of providing first aid on board the ship was conducted, strengthening cooperation and interaction between the participating forces.

The group keeps training in every aspect of maritime operations, while patrolling the Aegean Sea together.

Albanian patrol ship “ALS Butrinti” has joined several search and rescue missions as part of the international efforts to stop illegal trafficking and migration in the Aegean Sea.

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Defence Minister Niko Peleshi shared images showing the operation conducted by the Albanian crew as part of the NATO-led maritime mission in the Aegean, providing a valuable contribution to security of the Alliance’s territorial waters.

“Our Navy proudly continues providing contribution to the NATO-led operation in the Aegean Sea,” Defence Minister said.

“Nationals from Yemen, Sudan and Palestine were handed over to the Turkish Coastguard to follow further procedures,” Peleshi said.

Albania’s Naval Forces have saved thousands of illegal immigrants trying to cross the Aegean, supporting the NATO-led operations in the Aegean Sea as part of international efforts aimed at curbing human trafficking.

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