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AKSAZ, Turkey - Turkish frigate Turgutreis set sail from Aksaz Naval Base on 16 July as the flagship to the fourth focused patrol of NATO’s Operation Sea Guardian (OSG) in 2020.

The Task Group is directly supported by an Italian and a Turkish submarine under NATO command. Maritime Patrol Aircrafts (MPA) and Airborne Early Warning units from several NATO countries including the NATO-owned AWACS aircraft are also contributing with associated air support.

OSG Focused Patrol 20-4 runs between July 14 and July 31, 2020 in the Eastern Mediterranean. Due to COVID-19 related challenges Task Group representatives were briefed via teleconferencing while they are at their home ports, same as the crew of the last two focused patrols. Command Group received briefings on the mission specifics, including maritime security operations, command and control as well as intelligence gathering, logistics, legal, strategic communications and several others.

The crew and personnel assigned on board such as the Special Operations teams, embarked on board the flagship TCG Turgutreis after a 14 day self-isolation ashore.

Operation Sea Guardian is a non-Article 5 maritime security operation of NATO aimed at working with Mediterranean stakeholders to maintain maritime situational awareness, deter and counter terrorism and enhance capacity building.

This Operation remains one of the most important tools for NATO projecting stability throughout the Mediterranean Sea and sustaining maritime situational awareness. Focused patrols of NATO’s Operation Sea Guardian help NATO maintain an accurate maritime picture of daily activity in the focused areas of the Mediterranean Sea and is a great opportunity to increase cooperation and interoperability.