BAR, Montenegro - Standing NATO Mine Counter Measures Group Two (SNMCMG2), under the command of Royal Navy Commander Justin Hains, arrived in Bar, Montenegro on February 23rd, having sailed from Marmaris, Turkey 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 ESPS Segura (a Spanish mine hunter). Planned activities for the Task Group over the weekend include courtesy calls with local civilian and naval authorities and planning for a passing exercise (PASSEX) upon departure from Bar.

 

The ships’ companies will also attend a cultural tour of the City during the visit. Prior to the visit to Bar, the group patrolled both the Black Sea and the Mediterranean Sea, conducting mine hunting exercises and maritime security operations throughout the region.

 

SNMCMG2 is one of four groups of ships which make up the maritime part of the NATO Reaction Force and provides 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 member states, Allies and partners to enhance interoperability and maintain warfighting skills.