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SNMCMG2, consisting of FS Orion, ITS Alghero, ESPS Duero and TCG Edremit, had the opportunity to exercise in a challenging environment, thus enhancing its interoperability and operational readiness against any threat to NATO.

We proceed in the direction of enhancing our readiness level, and train continuously to deter threats to our Alliance

For the exercise, the SNMCMG 2 Commander Hellenic Navy Captain Dimitrios Katsouras and his staff embarked French ship Orion to command the group’s participation in the exercise. As part of the exercise, the Spanish mine countermeasures vessel Duero located actual historical ordnance on the bottom of the seabed.

“The COVID-19 second wave outburst has not ceased our efforts. We proceed in the direction of enhancing our readiness level, and train continuously to deter threats to our Alliance. Nusret 2020 has been welcomed as a significant opportunity towards this goal. The actual Historical Ordnance found by ESPS Duero, additionally demonstrated NATO’s multi-spectrum contribution to a secure maritime environment,” said Katsouras.

Exercises like these allow Allies to expand their ability to conduct joint maritime operations through protocol drills, practical information sharing on best practices and allow their systems to be put to the test in a realistic scenario. With so many diverse countries participating, Nusret exercise also enhanced Alliance cohesion and the ability to integrate NATO forces in different scenarios.