Albanian-American naval officer Alban Dervishi, commander of the USS Pearl Harbor, has visited Kosovo, marking a significant moment for Albanians in global military leadership.
According to regional media reports, Dervishi—originally from Tirana—met with Kosovo’s Defense Minister during his visit, highlighting strong ties between Kosovo and the United States. He expressed pride in visiting Kosovo and praised the country’s progress, especially in strengthening its defense institutions.
Dervishi’s role as commander of the USS Pearl Harbor represents a major achievement for the Albanian diaspora. Born into a military family in Albania, he emigrated to the United States as a teenager and rose through the ranks of the U.S. Navy, eventually taking command of a major American warship in 2025.
Kosovo officials emphasized that his success reflects the growing contribution of Albanians in international security and defense structures, particularly within NATO-aligned forces. His visit also underscores the continued strategic partnership between Kosovo and the United States, widely seen as a key ally in the Balkans.
The story has resonated strongly across Albania, Kosovo, and the wider Albanian diaspora, symbolizing both national pride and the global impact of Albanian professionals in high-level institutions.