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Standing NATO Maritime Group TWO Concludes Port Visit, Begins Support to NATO Operation ACTIVE ENDEAVOUR

MEDITERRANEAN SEA – Having concluded a successful port visit, Standing NATO Maritime Group Two (SNMG2) got underway yesterday from Palma de Mallorca to support NATO’s Operation ACTIVE ENDEAVOUR.

The Group’s flagship German frigate FGS HAMBURG was joined in Palma by the Canadian frigate HMCS WINNIPEG, the Spanish frigate ESPS SANTA MARIA, and the Spanish supply ship ESPS CANTABRIA.

HMCS WINNIPEG leaving Palma de Mallorca, SpainThe crews and staff of SNMG2 have conducted coordination meetings, focusing on the operational, technical and logistics preparations for the at-sea period ahead.  During the port visit, Palma residents also had the opportunity to visit the ships and meet with the Sailors during two "Open Ships” periods aboard the four ships.

"Standing NATO Maritime Group TWO is flying NATO colours in the Mediterranean again,” said Rear Admiral Klein. "Today is the day of the reassembly of the ships and crews of our naval force. All of you are making this day a memorable and inspiring one.”

Upon getting underway, SNMG 2 immediately started with force integration training and testing operational procedures.  This preparation will be vital to the Group’s support of NATO’s Operation ACTIVE ENDEAVOUR, which began in October 2001.

Operation Active Endeavour is part of NATO’s multi-faceted response to current security threats in the Mediterranean Sea and Straits of Gibraltar. Its mission is to conduct maritime operations aiming to increase maritime situational awareness, actively engage with NATO partners in the region and to demonstrate NATO's resolve to protect against terrorism.