Nato maritime group begins operations in the Black Sea
Nato ships assigned to Standing Nato Maritime Group Two (SNMG2) arrived on March 4 2015 in the Black Sea to operate and train with ships from the Bulgarian, Romanian and Turkish navies, Nato said.
This training will include simulated anti-air and anti-submarine warfare exercises, as well as simulated small boat attacks and basic ship handling manoeuvres.
Led by Rear Admiral Brad Williamson, SNMG2 is currently comprised of the flagship USS Vicksburg, HMCS Fredericton, TCG Turgutreis, FGS Spessart, ITS Aliseo , and ROS Regina Maria.
“This potent Nato maritime force possesses substantial sea-control, anti-submarine and anti-air warfare capabilities,” according to an item on Nato’s website.
“The training and exercises we will conduct with our Allies in the Black Sea prepares us to undertake any mission Nato might require to meet its obligations for collective defence,” Williamson said. “We are here at the invitation of the Turkish, Bulgarian and Romanian governments and look forward to enhancing our interoperability with their navies.”
SNMG2’s deployment into the Black Sea is conducted in full compliance with international conventions as a scheduled visit in support of training as well as the assurance of Black Sea Allies, Nato said.
The group will return to the Mediterranean later in March 2015 to resume patrols contributing to maritime situational awareness in the region.
(Photo: Courtesy of HQ MARCOM Public Affairs Office)
