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Burgas Port Visit for NATO Minesweepers

BURGAS, Bulgaria - Three NATO ships currently conducting patrols in the Black Sea will visit Burgas from 9-11 February.

Standing NATO Mine Counter Measures Group Two (SNMCMG2), under the command of Royal Navy Commander Justin Hains, will arrive in Burgas on February 9th, having sailed from Constanta the week previously. The task group consists of the Flag Ship HMS Enterprise (a Royal Navy Survey vessel), TCG Akcay (a Turkish mine hunter) and ROS Lt. Lupu Dinescu (a Romanian Minesweeper).

The groups are conducting a routine port visit to Burgas as part of NATO’s increased presence in the Black Sea region to support national sovereignty through collective defense. Planned activities include courtesy calls with local civilian and naval authorities and interaction with Bulgarian Naval personnel.

Prior to the visit to Burgas, the group patrolled both the Black Sea and the Mediterranean Sea, conducting exercises and operations throughout the region. SNMCMG2 is one of four groups of ships which make up the maritime portion of the NATO Reaction Force and provide a crucial skillset to keep sea lanes and ports open in times of crisis. The groups take part in different multinational exercises and train with NATO Allies and partners to enhance interoperability and maintain warfighting skills.