Albanian Naval Force
The Albanian Naval Force (Albanian: Forca Detare të Republikës së Shqipërisë) is the naval branch of the Albanian military. Their name was changed from the Albanian Naval Defense Forces in 2010. The Naval Force is headquartered in Durrës, and operates multiple bases, including Kepi i Palit base in Durrës, and Pashaliman in Vlorë.
| Albanian Naval Forces | |
|---|---|
| Forca Detare | |
| Founded | 1925 |
| Country | Albania |
| Type | Navy |
| Part of | Albanian Armed Forces |
| Anniversaries | 25 December – Navy's Foundation Day |
| Equipment | 1,000 personnel and 19 patrol vessels |
| Commanders | |
| Chief of the General Staff | Major General Arben Kingji |
| Commander of the Naval Force | Counter Admiral Adnand Agastra |
| Insignia | |
| Naval ensign | |
The vessels of the Albanian Naval Force are mostly patrol craft and support craft. The Naval Force operates four large Damen Stan Type 4207 patrol boats, three of which were built in Albania. Some of the Naval Force's vessels were purchased from, or donated by Italy, the United States, China, or the Soviet Union. Most former Soviet or Chinese boats have been retired from service; only one Soviet-built minesweeper remains in service.
The Naval Force performs mainly duties, based on the concept of "one Force, two Missions." The legal framework has been updated in order to facilitate these missions and EU-NATO integration. The Naval Force is also responsible for aids to navigation, including lighthouses.