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Germany leads NATO Mine Countermeasures Group in the Mediterranean Sea

SOUDA BAY, Greece - On Friday July the 6th, German Navy assumed the command of the Standing NATO Mine Countermeasures Maritime Group Two (SNMCMG2) during a ceremony held at the port of Souda Bay, Greece. Commander Frank Maginsky of the German Navy took the command of the group from Commander Justin Hains from the Royal Navy after a yearlong in charge of the Group.

The NATO flag as a visible symbol of the Group Command was passed over under the testimony from the Commander of NATOs Maritime Command, Vice Admiral Clive C C Johnstone, CBE (Royal Navy) to Commander Maginsky.

FGS Rhein took the role of flagship after succeeding to HMS Enterprise, SNMCMG2 flagship during the past 12 months. FGS Rhein with the Turkish minehunter TCG Anamur are sailing towards the Black Sea to participate in the Bulgarian led naval exercise BREEZE18.

"We are NATO at sea. We contribute to safety also behind the horizon", said Commander Frank Maginsky during the handover. "Together we are representing the values and interest of all our allies under the NATO Flag” concluded the 48-years old German Navy Officer.

"I wish Commander Maginsky, his staff and FGS RHEIN the very best for the year ahead. I am certain that SNMCMG2 is in safe hands. And I am certain of the enduring importance of NATO." said leaving Commander Justin Hains.