This patrol, the sixth this year and second in Eastern Mediterranean, helps improve maritime situational awareness for all mariners in the region.
The OSG Task Group, led by flagship Hellenic Navy HS Salamis (F-455), includes ships, submarines, maritime patrol aircraft, and airborne early warning units from Germany, Greece, Portugal, Türkiye, and the United Kingdom.
Aimed at working with Mediterranean stakeholders and NATO partners, OSG focused patrols place emphasis on gathering pattern-of-life information, observing maritime traffic, and identifying suspicious activity at sea that could present a threat to maritime security.
During the patrol, the flagship visited the port of Haifa, Israel. Task Group Commander Greek Navy Captain Ioannis Sarakis and his staff made a courtesy call with Haifa Naval Base commander and other local military authorities furthering partnership and understanding.
NATO and Israeli Navy crews conducted a series of meetings, exchanging common experiences and knowledge. Upon conclusion, the Task Group conducted a passing exercise with the Israeli Navy allowing participants to practice a series of manoeuvres and exercises to deepen interoperability and skills of the units.
Operation Sea Guardian is a non-Article 5 maritime security operation aimed at working with Mediterranean stakeholders to maintain maritime situational awareness, deter and counter terrorism, and enhance capacity building.