Return of the 11th HRVCON from NATO Operation “Sea Guardian”
Vukovar RTOP-41 missile gunboat sailed in Lora military port in Split in the morning hours of 26 May 2025
The Vukovar RTOP-41 missile gunboat sailed in Lora military port in Split in the morning hours on Monday, 26 May 2025, thus ending the participation of the 11th Croatian Contingent (HRVCON) in NATO peace support operation “Sea Guardian”.
During their stay in the central Mediterranean area, members of the contingent once again carried out non-combat tasks of detection, monitoring, collection and exchange of data with objective to create a comprehensive maritime situational picture.
As the command ship of the group and part of the operation with denotation Focused Operation (FOCOPS 25-3), the Vukovar missile gunboat patrolled the central Mediterranean during the mission, traveling 3,430 nautical miles.
The commander of the 11th HRVCON, which consisted of thirty-two members, was Lieutenant Commander Nikola Kuvačić, while Commander of the Vukovar RTOP-41 was Lieutenant Commander Josip Župa.
In his welcoming address at the anchorage in the port of Lora, the Chief of Staff – Deputy Commander of the Croatian Navy, Captain Željko Jakus, said: “With great respect and pride, we greet you at the moment of your return to homeland, after another successfully completed international activity. This is the eleventh time you have shown how ready, determined and professional the Croatian sailor is in carrying out his tasks. The acquired experience and skills will enrich our training and help in preparing future activities. Thank you for your efforts, responsibility and courage you have invested in carrying out this demanding task.”
On this occasion, Commander of the contingent, Lieutenant Commander Nikola Kuvačić, emphasized in his address: “I am pleased to report that all assigned tasks have been completed. I especially emphasize the professionalism and morale of the crew. My compliments are directed to the command staff for good preparation and execution of the task, to the leaders for their support in organizing and supervising the assigned tasks, and to other non-commissioned officers and sailors who, with their dedication and efforts, contributed to complete implementation of this mission.”
