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BULGARIA - Standing NATO Mine Countermeasures Group Two (SNMCMG2) units have entered the Black Sea for the third time this year to conduct further routine operations, and to participate in a regional exercise organised by the Bulgarian Navy.

SNMCMG2, consisting of Greek flagship Aliakmon, FS Orion, ITS Alghero, ESPS Duero and TCG Edremit, were joined with BGS Tsibar and ROS Dinescu after their participation in the Turkish exercise Nusret, and deployed to the Black Sea together on 29 October 2020.

The third SNMCMG2 Black Sea deployment constitutes an important opportunity for interoperability and readiness enhancement with our Allies and partners

Photography: Bulgarian Navy, Titko Titev

They are participating in the Bulgarian-Romanian mine warfare exercise Poseidon between 30 October and 6 November. SNMCMG2 also intends to conduct Allied port visits and a passing exercise with the Ukrainian Navy during their time in the Black Sea.

“The third SNMCMG2 Black Sea deployment constitutes an important opportunity for interoperability and readiness enhancement with our Allies and partners,” said SNMCMG 2 Commander Hellenic Navy Captain Dimitrios Katsouras.

With three Allied nations, Bulgaria, Romania and Turkey, and two regional partners, Ukraine and Georgia bordering the Black Sea, Standing Naval Groups presence in the region is a regular occurrence. While in the Black Sea, the group will also conduct maritime security patrols in international waters to enhance NATO maritime situational awareness between Allies and regional partners.